Do you have an innovative solution that can improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for communities around the world? The UNICEF Sustainable WASH Innovation Hub is inviting innovators, startups, NGOs, researchers, social enterprises, and businesses to submit proven WASH solutions that have the potential to scale and create lasting impact for children and vulnerable communities.
Unlike traditional funding calls, this is an ongoing opportunity where UNICEF continuously reviews submissions and identifies promising innovations for technical support, partnership opportunities, and potential inclusion in its global WASH innovation portfolio.
Focus Areas
UNICEF is currently seeking innovative solutions that address one or more of the following priority challenges:
1. Strengthening Supportive Environments for WASH SMEs
Solutions that help:
- Improve access to finance for WASH small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Strengthen partnerships between governments, utilities, and WASH businesses
- Enhance business performance through digital tools and innovation
- Support policies that enable WASH enterprises to grow and scale
2. Climate-Sensitive Data for WASH
Solutions that:
- Improve climate data collection and analysis for WASH planning
- Strengthen climate-resilient water and sanitation services
- Support groundwater mapping and sustainable water resource management
- Improve decision-making through data and digital technologies
UNICEF is also interested in innovative approaches that improve access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene while building resilience to climate change.
Eligibility
Applications are welcome from:
- Startups
- Social enterprises
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Private companies
- Academic and research institutions
- Innovation hubs
- Government agencies
- Individual innovators working with an established organization
Applicants should have proven, evidence-based solutions that demonstrate the potential for scaling and measurable impact. UNICEF is looking beyond ideas to innovations that have already shown promising results.
Benefits
Selected innovators may receive:
- Technical guidance from UNICEF’s WASH and Innovation experts
- Strategic advice on scaling and implementation
- Opportunities for collaboration with UNICEF country offices
- Inclusion in UNICEF’s global WASH innovation portfolio
- Increased visibility among governments, investors, and development partners
- Access to partnership and potential funding opportunities as suitable projects are identified
Selection Criteria
UNICEF is looking for solutions that:
- Address priority WASH challenges
- Have demonstrated evidence of impact
- Can be scaled across multiple countries or regions
- Promote climate resilience and sustainability
- Improve access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene for vulnerable populations
- Offer innovative and practical approaches to existing challenges
Application Deadline
No fixed deadline (Rolling Applications)
Submissions are reviewed quarterly, and UNICEF will contact applicants if their innovation is considered a good fit for further engagement.
