Are you are African blockchain startup? This opportunity is for you. The UNICEF Innovation Fund has announced a call for blockchain solutions to apply for funding (up to $100,000, part of which could be expressed in cryptocurrency).

“Given the current global climate and a dramatic shift to a digital world as a result of COVID-19, open-source solutions that address critical needs for society are as important as ever…We are currently looking to invest in companies developing blockchain-based software solutions,” the Fund announced in a press release. 

Here Is What You Should Know

• Apart from the $100k grant funding, of which selected startups have the opportunity to receive part of in cryptocurrency, the Fund also taps into a network of mentors who help startup teams develop their business model and strategy to grow their company and ultimately profit. Apart from this, investee’s will also receive technical assistance from the UNICEF Ventures team and dedicated expert mentors to help validate and improve their solutions.

What UNICEF CryptoFund Expects From Applying Startups

Startups applying to the fund must: 

• Be registered as a private company in a UNICEF programme country;
• Be working on open source technology solutions or willing to be open-source under the following licenses or their equivalent: BSD, GNU, MIT (software), CERN, MIT, TAPR (hardware), or CC-BY (content);
• Have an existing prototype of the solution with promising results from initial pilots;
• Have a solution which has the potential to positively impact the lives of children.

Read also: A New $113M Meta Change Capital Fund Launched For African Blockchain Startups

Interested companies that meet the eligibility criteria are required to complete and submit the Expression of Interest Response form (EOIs) and provide the information and supporting documents indicated in the form. EOIs Response forms must be submitted through www.unicefinnovationfund.org

• Submit your expression of interest by completing the form.
• All submissions must be made in English. If you wish to preview the questions to prepare your submission, view/download this PDF.
• To support your preparation, please note that the submission form also asks for a link to a 2-min pitch video. Detailed instructions can be found in the form.

For more details on how to submit your entry click here. 

Application Deadline?

The submissions deadline is on 11:59 PM ET July 26th, 2020. Only shortlisted companies will be contacted and then requested to submit a more in-depth proposal.

Interested applicants can apply here.

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer.