The UNICEF Venture Fund is UNICEF’s innovation investment vehicle that provides equity-free funding and support to early-stage frontier technology startups in emerging markets. The fund invests in open source solutions that have the potential to improve outcomes for children and young people globally.
Focused on technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, climate technology, digital public infrastructure, data systems, and emerging technologies, the fund backs entrepreneurs building scalable solutions in countries where UNICEF operates. Beyond funding, portfolio companies receive mentorship, technical assistance, and access to UNICEF’s global network of partners, experts, and country offices.
A core differentiator of the UNICEF Venture Fund is its commitment to open source technology and Digital Public Goods, ensuring that innovations can be adapted, reused, and scaled to benefit communities worldwide. Since launching, the fund has supported startups across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and other emerging technology ecosystems.
The UNICEF Venture Fund invests in frontier technology solutions developed in emerging markets that can improve the lives of children and young people at scale. The fund believes that local innovators are best positioned to solve local challenges and that open source technologies can accelerate global impact.
Investment areas include artificial intelligence, blockchain, climate resilience, health technology, education technology, digital identity, data systems, digital trust, and other emerging technologies that contribute to the creation of Digital Public Goods. The fund prioritizes solutions that are open source, scalable, and capable of generating measurable social impact while strengthening local innovation ecosystems.
Photo credit: UNICEF Venture Fund
Equity-Free Funding
Receive up to $100,000 in seed funding and up to $400,000 in growth-stage funding without giving up equity.
Global UNICEF Network
Access UNICEF country offices, technical experts, strategic partners, and global deployment opportunities.
Tailored Mentorship
Receive customized support from specialists, advisors, and frontier technology experts aligned with your solution.
Open Source Leadership
Join a portfolio dedicated to building Digital Public Goods through open source technologies that can benefit communities worldwide.
Focus areas
