Call for innovative ideas to enhance humanitarian response

The Swiss Agency for development and Cooperation (SDC) has launched a new “Innovation meets Practice: Humanitarian Innovation Exchange and Accelerator 2021” to enhance traditional humanitarian engagement. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable people reached a record high with 168 million requiring assistance. Covid-19 has exacerbated this situation threatening public health and creating a protection crisis. Lockdown and confinement measures have hit vulnerable people the hardest and caused economic shock and loss of livelihood. However, despite the increase in humanitarian needs, funding remains the same.

The new program will provide a platform for individuals with cutting-edge solutions to improve emergency response and reduce the risk in countries prone to disasters and humanitarian crises. The organisers are looking for promising and innovative solutions and proposals geared towards increasing efficiency in various areas. The various categories are presented in the tender.

Eligible to apply are junior researchers affiliated to a Swiss academic institution with a research-based project, and startups established in Switzerland with a financially viable solution. Both groups should have at least a minimal viable product (MVP) and a proof-of-concept. Members of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) may also apply for the program. Submitted projects will be evaluated based on the criteria: Innovation, added value for humanitarian contexts, feasibility, maturity level and team. Experts of Swiss Humanitarian Aid and SHA and Innosuisse innovation mentors will participate in the selection.

The selected persons/teams will have the chance to discuss their ideas with experienced humanitarian experts and benefit from various networking opportunities. Teams will also receive mentoring with experienced members of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid and accredited Innosuisse coaches, access to Swiss humanitarian aid operations to further develop and refine ideas. The program will also offer the teams ta platform to pitch their solutions to potential partners and officials. Following the first pitch on May 7, ten selected startups will proceed to the next round from May to November. The final pitch takes place in autumn 2021. Selected teams will receive financial support for the events and travel.

The submission deadline expires on 31 March 2021. 

(RAN)