UNICEF StartUp Lab for Entrepreneurs (Ghana) 2022

The StartUp Lab is an accelerator programme for impactful businesses working to advance the SDGs for children and young people. The programme is led by UNICEF in Ghana, supported by KOICA and implemented by MEST Africa.

The StartUp Lab aims to enhance the business, technological, and communication skills of participating entrepreneurs, and advise on the product-problem fit of their social impact, tech-driven solutions. It delivers a six-month curriculum to startups through intensive bootcamps in Accra, known as Work Weeks, as well as incubation hosted at partner hubs, mentorship, and virtual learning sessions.

UNICEF StartUp Lab provides a unique product by integrating business incubation and wide-reaching technical expertise and systems knowledge in the social sector, amplified by the reach of UNICEF’s and KOICA’s partnerships. While participating in the programme you will interact with UNICEF and KOICA programme experts, and learn about supporting tools available from United Nations agencies.

By participating in the StartUp Lab you ensure that your impact-focused business is aligned with existing development needs and gain access to networks that can support your work. 

The StartUp Lab Project is supported under the “KOICA-UNICEF Accelerating Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Ghana Project”.

• Table of Content
• About United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
• UNICEF StartUp Lab
• Aim and Benefits of UNICEF StartUp Lab
• Requirements for UNICEF StartUp Lab Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

For 70 years, UNICEF has worked to improve the lives of children and their families. Despite remarkable challenges around the world, UNICEF staffers fight for the rights of every child seeking safe shelter, nutrition, protection from disaster and conflicts, and equality. UNICEF works with the United Nations and its agencies to make sure that children are on the global agenda. UNICEF strikes a balance between thorough research and practical solutions for children.... read more... continue reading

UNICEF StartUp Lab

Aim and Benefits of UNICEF StartUp Lab

• GUARANTEED FUNDING: Prototyping Funding
• EXPERT CONSULTATIONS: Access to UNICEF & KOICA experts
• SOCIAL IMPACT: Improved Product-Social Impact fit
• PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT: Hands-on business acceleration
• DPG OPPORTUNITY: Digital Public Good registration track
• TECH PERKS: AWS credits, dev support and more

Requirements for UNICEF StartUp Lab Qualification

• Your startup has been operational for 1+ year
• Your startup is a registered business in Ghana (no NGOs, foundations, or individuals)
• Your startup has technology as the core enabler of the business
• Your startup has a business model with a social impact that addresses at least one of the Sustainable Development Goals

• Open-source solutions, or startups that are willing to open-source their solutions, are particularly encouraged to apply
• Startups with female founders/co-founders are encouraged to apply
• The program is designed to include startups from all regions of Ghana

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit UNICEF website.