UNICEF Venture Fund, in collaboration with GITEX Africa, has opened applications for the Gender-Responsive Innovation Challenge (GRIC) 2024.
The GRIC aims to recognize and support companies at the forefront of developing gender-responsive solutions and businesses in Africa. Its primary focus is on identifying and investing in companies that contribute to closing the gender gap through innovative approaches.
Benefits:
Selected companies will receive mentorship and technical assistance from experts at the Venture Fund to enhance their investment readiness and potential for future funding. This support includes 10 hours of technical mentoring covering Open Source, business development, frontier technology, software development, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Eligibility:
The challenge is open to companies working on frontier tech solutions that address gender disparities in Africa. Specifically, the Venture Fund seeks solutions that accelerate results for children and are optimized for low-resource environments, such as areas with limited connectivity.
Documents to Submit:
Applicants are required to submit comprehensive documentation outlining their proposed gender-responsive innovation, including details on how it addresses challenges faced by children and families in Africa, as well as its suitability for low-resource settings. Additionally, companies must provide evidence of their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in their operations.
Application process:
Companies interested in participating in the GRIC can submit their applications online through the UNICEF Venture Fund website. Applications will be reviewed by a panel of experts, with finalists being selected to present their innovations at the GITEX Africa Summit conference, scheduled to take place on 29-31 May in Marrakech, Morocco.All documents should be sent here
Applications deadline: May 24, 2024
