Unicef looking to invest in blockchain startups, announces call for funding

Have you developed a functional, open-source blockchain prototype or do have one that you are willing to make open-source?

The UN Children’s Fund (Unicef) on Monday (15 January) opened a call for applications from blockchain startups to the Unicef Innovation Fund. Applicants have until 28 February to apply for the funding.

Unicef is looking to invest between $50 000 and $90 000 in blockchain startups that develop software solutions on open blockchains, including smart contracts, tokens, mining, data analytics and other distributed ledger tech.

The UNICEF Innovation Fund will provide selected startups with between $50 000 and $90 000 in equity-free funding

In order to be considered for the funding, applicants must ensure that their startups are registered in one of Unicef’s programme countries.

The selected startups will be given access to Unicef’s Venture’s team — which has a dedicated blockchain lead and computer science team which hosts and shares data platforms — which will provide the startups with technical support.

Startups can also benefit from a network of mentors who will assist the businesses scale.

Since its launch in 2016, the Unicef Innovation Fund has made over 50 investments in 28 countries and aims to invest in 30 startups this year.

Learn more and apply here.

Featured image: Unicef Innovation via Twitter