UNICEF seeks to invest in open source technology solutions for children

Date of the EOI: 1 Feb 2016
Closing Date : 26 February 2016

UNICEF Innovation Fund seeks to invest in open source technologies for children. The Fund has raised $9 million so far and offers innovators in developing countries a pooled funding mechanism to help them take their tested projects to the next stage.

They will consider applications for funding of approximately up to US$100,000. Considerations of Expressions of Interest with ideas that require more funding than the indicated amount, will only be considered by UNICEF at its sole discretion and if this is is in the best interests of UNICEF.

Eligibility:
UNICEF is looking to provide investment-style funding to early-stage tech startups. Only entities that fulfill these mandatory requirements will be eligible:

  1. A private company/institution registered in a UNICEF programme country (see list here)
  2. Working on open source technology solutions (or willing to be open source) under the following licenses:  Software: BSD, AGPL, LGPL Content and designs: Creative Commons CC-BY-SA or CC-BY
  3. Projects funded need to increase the ability of children to access information and to increase opportunity and choice.  Specifically, projects should align with one of UNICEF Innovation’s three portfolio areas:images
  • products for youth under 25 to address a range of needs including learning and youth participation
  • real-time information for decision making and governance
  • infrastructure to increase access to services and information, including connectivity, power, finance, sensors and transport.

 

4. Generating publicly exposed real-time data that can be / is measured

Interested companies are required to complete and submit the EOI Response form and provide the information and supporting documents indicated in the form. EOIs Response forms must be submitted through this link, not later than 1800hrs on 26 February 2016.