At a Glance

Program Name: UNICEF Venture Fund – Climate & Health 2026

Global call for climate focused tech startups developing open source frontier technologies (AI, machine learning, blockchain, IoT and more) to protect children’s health in climate?vulnerable contexts.

Support Type

Support for early stage, ready to deploy startups through equity free funding, technical focus areas and integration into UNICEF’s Climate Ventures programme.

The call is structured around four clear areas (strategic planning, early warning/early action, healthcare readiness and point of care support), with linked guidance on application process, eligibility and scoring.

Funding/Support

The UNICEF Venture Fund offers up to 100,000 USD in equity free funding per startup for open source frontier tech solutions from emerging markets.

Selected startups gain access to UNICEF’s five year Climate Ventures initiative, visibility within a climate health portfolio and resources on what happens after investment and previously funded projects.

Application Deadline

Applications are open now with a deadline of 17 May 2026, submitted online via the “Apply now” Jotform link on the UNICEF page.

Additional application and eligibility details are provided through linked documents on process, scoring and post?investment support.

Program Focus

Supports climate tech startups that:

Develop open source frontier tech to address child specific climate and health risks.

Fit one or more of the four focus areas: hazard mapping and planning, early warning tools, healthcare readiness and predictive analytics, and point of care data and decision support.

Location

The programme targets startups registered in UNICEF programme countries, particularly in emerging markets where children face high climate and environmental risk.

Activities and applications are managed online via UNICEF’s Venture Fund and Climate Ventures platforms, making the call globally accessible to eligible countries.

About the Program

This call is the first under UNICEF Climate Ventures, a five year investment programme to catalyze child centric climate innovation that strengthens health, education and basic service systems.

The page links to broader information on Climate Ventures, the climate innovation landscape, past climate action cohorts, and detailed eligibility and scoring criteria.

Program Benefits

Opportunity to receive equity free funding, join UNICEF’s Climate Ventures cohort and gain international visibility as a child focused climate health innovator.

Additional benefits include alignment with UNICEF’s child rights mandate, access to technical and thematic guidance, and exposure alongside a portfolio of climate tech solutions for children.

Eligibility Criteria

Startups must be registered companies in one of UNICEF’s programme countries, with a working prototype and a strong commitment to open source licensing and practices.

They should leverage frontier technologies for climate and health challenges, with women led startups and young founders especially encouraged to apply.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Use the “Apply now” button on the page to access and complete the online Jotform application.

Review the linked documents on application process, eligibility and scoring before submitting, and ensure your solution and tech stack clearly match at least one of the four focus areas.

Key Timeline Notes

Up to 17 May 2026: application form open for submissions.

Following review, selected startups will join the Climate Ventures cohort and receive funding and support under the UNICEF Venture Fund framework, with further details provided via the Venture Fund and Climate Ventures pages.

Apply Here

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