Applications are open for the SDGia program (SDG Impact AcceleratorEquity-free grant), under the sponsorship of the Turkish Foreign Ministry /UNDP (SDGia) 2024. The SDGia has launched its second global call during which start-ups will work on products and services related to financial inclusion in Bangladesh and digital agriculture in Uganda.
The selected teams will receive an equity-free grant of up to $15,000 during the acceleration program. If their product or service is selected for implementation in Bangladesh or Uganda, teams may also receive impact investments at the end of the program.
This call by SDGia for digital agriculture and financial inclusion are now open to teams from around the world.
This is an opportunity for start-ups who want to be part of a global network that will continue to support them in the implementation of the SDGs.
Together with mentoring from UNDP, the UN Technology Bank, government institutions, finance and technology experts, and global investors, the teams can increase and scale their impact on the world.
About SDG Impact Accelerator
SDG Impact Accelerator (SDGia), a global accelerator launched by the Turkish Foreign Ministry and UNDP in 2018, has launched its second global call for Impact Entrepreneurs to find innovative solutions to complex development challenges related to SDGs.
During the second SDGia program, startups will work on products and services related to financial inclusion in Bangladesh and digital agriculture in Uganda.
SDGia has introduced a novel approach to accelerating startups through its convening powers for private and public stakeholders, with a focus on empowering innovative entrepreneurs to make a scale impact for low-income groups at the end of the pyramid.
Brief history on SDG Impact Accelerator (SDGia)
In 2024, SDGia’s first program focused on two of the most pressing problems displaced persons face, namely lack of sanitation and personal identification.
The first global call attracted applications from 35 countries and during the program new solutions were found in the area of two major challenges, namely “portable toilets without sewage” and “digital ID solutions”. 8 start-ups completed the program to implement their projects, which are currently in the final phase.
Based on the success stories of its alumni and the lessons learned from the first program, SDGia has decided to launch its second program in Bangladesh and Uganda, where vibrant startup ecosystems already exist.
The Turkish government has provided the core funding for the implementation of the second SDGia acceleration program, which started in June 2024, in line with its longstanding support for the least developed countries (LDCs).
The second SDGia program in both countries is led by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, UNDP Turkey, and the United Nations Technology Bank for LDCs with the support of government institutions and UNDP country offices in Uganda and Bangladesh.
The Digital Agriculture Call addresses the challenge of digital agriculture in Uganda and focuses on the “world without hunger” which requires more productive, efficient, sustainable, inclusive, transparent and resilient food systems.
The general focus of this call is on “Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure”, which aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and promote innovation in agriculture.
With this in mind, the program aims to urgently reshape the current agricultural and food systems with innovative solutions after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The call for financial inclusion aims to address the financial inclusion challenge in Bangladesh. Financial inclusion is critical to many aspects such as eradicating poverty, ending hunger, achieving food security and promoting sustainable agriculture, all of which translate into gains for health and wellbeing.
It also enhances issues such as achieving gender equality and women’s economic empowerment. Promoting economic growth and jobs; Support from industry, innovation and infrastructure.
Therefore, urgently reshaping the current financial system with innovative solutions after the pandemic is the primary goal of the program.
SDG Impact Accelerator Program Benefits
- Be part of a global network that supports you in the development of the SDGs and makes your impact in the world.
- Get a $15,000 stock-free grant when you are admitted to the Accelerator program.
- Receive mentoring from UNDP, the UN Technology Bank, government institutions, finance and technology experts, and global investors.
- Share in the impact investment at the end of the program when your idea or product has been selected for implementation.
Eligibility for SDG Impact Accelerator Program
In accessing the eligibility of SDG Impact Accelerator Program, the following criteria must be noted by applicants;
- Open to teams from all over the world.
- You have a solution that has the potential to help the least developed countries (LDCs) in particular.
- The applicant is looking for funding to develop your minimum viable product (MVP) or to improve your existing product.
- You have an innovative idea or an innovative product that you want to introduce or expand.
- The participant is ready to implement or test your solution with the support of local institutions and additional investments.
To commence the application, Click here to apply
For more information about the program, visit SDG Impact Accelerator website.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the global SDG Impact Accelerator Grant was on January 22, 2024.
Conclusion
The SDG Impact AcceleratorEquity-free grant (SDGia program) is a great opportunity for your product to create an impact especially in the area of financial inclusion and digital agriculture in developing nations like Bangladesh and Uganda.
So, if your desire is to make a maximum impact, this accelerator program is for you. Go ahead and apply for it.
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