UNICEF wants to invest, via an innovation fund, up to $100,000. These investments which would be made in for-profit early stage drone startups that have the potential to benefit humanity are equity-free investments. Only registered startups in any of UNICEF’s programme countries are eligible to access the fund.
The UNICEF innovation fund focuses on frontier tech sectors like, blockchain, UAVs/drones, virtual and augmented reality(VR/AR), machine learning, quantum computing, genetic engineering, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, nano-satellites and human dynamics.
Asides just the US$100,000 seed funding, other benefits comes with this investment including using for prototype, testing, and validation as well as technical assistance from the UNICEF Ventures team to help validate and improve their solutions. The selected start-ups will be allowed exclusive access to use UNICEF’s 6500 square meter, 500 meters above ground level drone corridor. The Drone corridor is situated around Kasungu, Malawi. An access to a network of mentors, drones lead and data science team with access to corporate and academic partnerships is also guaranteed.
To be eligible, you should have an existing prototype of the solution. One which works on open source technology and has a potential to impact positively on the lives of children.
Startups eligible for investment include, (but are not limited to):
1) Software to collect, share and analyze data from UAVs (for low-connectivity areas)
2) Software to manage flight and delivery operations
3) Business models and sustainable drone services in emerging markets
4) Air Safety, risk management tools and Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) Systems
The deadline for submission is 22nd July 2018, if interested, APPLY HERE.
