Application Deadline:
21 September 2025
About Organisation
The WFP Innovation Accelerator was established in 2015 by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to identify, test, and scale breakthrough solutions that tackle global food security and sustainability challenges. Based in Munich, Germany, it serves as one of the world’s leading accelerators for social impact startups. The Accelerator connects innovators to WFP’s extensive global network across more than 120 countries and territories. Over the years, it has supported ventures addressing diverse challenges such as hunger, climate change, and disaster resilience. In 2024, it ran 18 programs aimed at enhancing food systems, social welfare, and climate adaptation. The WFP Innovation Accelerator works in close partnership with WFP’s regional hubs, country offices, and international collaborators to ensure that new ideas can be implemented at scale. By leveraging a combination of expert guidance, mentorship, funding, and networks, the Accelerator has helped many ventures evolve from pilot projects into scalable solutions. Its work aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on reducing hunger, promoting health, and advancing climate resilience. The Accelerator is committed to fostering innovation that empowers communities while strengthening local capacities to tackle emerging global crises.
About the Grant
The Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA) is a collaborative program launched by the WFP Innovation Accelerator and the Adaptation Fund. The program is designed to support climate adaptation solutions in regions heavily impacted by extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves. It addresses the urgent need to strengthen resilience within food systems, communities, and local economies affected by climate shocks. The AFCIA runs through four cohorts between 2024 and 2029, each focusing on a different region. The 2025 cohort will support innovations in Asia, specifically targeting Nepal, Pakistan, and the Philippines. AFCIA invites entrepreneurs, social enterprises, NGOs, and innovators to apply with proven solutions that enhance climate adaptability and food security. The program prioritizes locally rooted solutions that can scale, promote sustainable development, and contribute to achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Participating organizations will benefit from funding, expert mentorship, technical support, and a collaborative network that helps accelerate project implementation. The goal is to empower communities to withstand and recover from climate-related disruptions while building sustainable solutions for long-term resilience.
Who can Apply?
The Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator welcomes applications from legally established organizations, including for-profits, nonprofits, NGOs, INGOs, and social businesses. Organizations must either have a presence or a clear plan to build one in Nepal, Pakistan, or the Philippines. The solution should address climate-related challenges, such as improving food security, disaster preparedness, or climate-resilient livelihoods. Innovations must be at least at the seed stage; ideas or concepts still in research or early development are not eligible. Applicants should present a scalable innovation with a structured plan for implementation during the six-month Sprint Programme. Organizations must demonstrate access to adequate resources and a sustainable path to growth. Collaborating with humanitarian actors, government agencies, and local stakeholders is strongly encouraged. Applicants should have the capacity to integrate into the innovation ecosystem while adhering to environmental and social sustainability frameworks. Projects categorized as high-risk with irreversible adverse impacts will not be considered. Solutions that are locally relevant, community-driven, and have measurable outcomes are preferred. This grant is ideal for organizations that are ready to expand their impact, build resilience, and contribute to climate adaptation efforts while strengthening food security in vulnerable regions.
How to Apply?
To apply, submit your proposal through the official WFP Innovation Accelerator portal by 21 September 2025. Your submission should include project details, a clear implementation plan, and relevant documentation. Make sure your innovation is scalable, at the seed stage or beyond, and aligns with the climate adaptation goals in Nepal, Pakistan, or the Philippines. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 21 September 2025. All documents and proposals should be uploaded before 11:59 PM UTC to ensure consideration. Late or incomplete applications will be disqualified.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
