Application Deadline:
20 November 2024
About Organisation
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works across more than 170 countries and territories to address poverty, inequality, exclusion and sustainable development challenges. In India, UNDP partners with public institutions, businesses and civil society to strengthen inclusive development, climate resilience and economic opportunities.
Generali is an international insurance and asset-management group with operations across multiple countries. Through its partnership with UNDP, Generali supports initiatives that strengthen financial resilience among vulnerable communities, small businesses and workers exposed to economic, operational and climate-related risks.
About the Grant
The UNDP–Generali MSME Insurance Innovation Challenge 2026 aims to identify and scale solutions that make insurance more accessible, affordable and relevant for India’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and their workers.
MSMEs face multiple risks, including health emergencies, disability, workplace accidents, business interruption, asset loss, supply-chain disruptions and climate-related shocks. However, many smaller businesses remain inadequately insured because of limited awareness, high perceived costs and a lack of insurance products designed around their needs.
The challenge invites existing innovators to develop or scale solutions that address this protection gap. Eligible innovations may include affordable insurance products, digital insurance platforms, technology-enabled services, embedded or bundled insurance linked to credit and other financial services, new distribution channels and approaches that improve financial literacy and trust.
The programme also encourages solutions that address the needs of gig workers, women entrepreneurs, young entrepreneurs and other underserved groups within the MSME ecosystem. Up to three selected solutions will receive grants of up to US$40,000 each to support their development or scaling.
Who can Apply?
The challenge is open to insurance providers, insurtech companies, technology service providers, social enterprises and insurance sales and distribution companies that are legally registered in India.
Applicants should have an existing solution with demonstrated traction rather than an untested concept. Proposed solutions must strengthen the resilience of MSMEs and their workers against risks such as health-related events, disability, life risks, business interruption, asset loss and liability.
Priority will be given to solutions that use technology to improve access and affordability, integrate insurance with financial services, reach underserved MSME segments and strengthen financial literacy. Organisations should demonstrate a credible pathway for expanding their solution to a larger number of businesses and workers.
Please note: NGO registration alone does not establish eligibility. An NGO would need to qualify under one of the specified applicant categories and meet the legal-registration and solution-readiness requirements.
How to Apply?
Interested applicants should review the official UNDP challenge announcement and the accompanying frequently asked questions. Applications must be submitted through the official online application form.
The proposal should describe the existing insurance solution, its demonstrated traction, the MSME risks it addresses, its target users, its delivery model and its potential for expansion. Applicants should also explain how the proposed funding will support the development or scaling of the solution.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 20 November 2026
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
