Upcoming Innovation Challenges & Calls

Challenges & Calls

The calls and challenges listed are hosted by UN Entities and external partners. To share your innovation call or challenge with the Network, please head to our contact page.

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September 28, 2025
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World Bank

Government Analytics Fellowship

The World Bank's Development Impact Group and the Institutions Global Department are excited to announce a new edition of the Government Analytics Fellowship.

September 30, 2025
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WFP

Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator

Do you have a climate innovation that can enhance communities' resilience and adaptability for food security? If yes, then apply by 21 September 2025 for the Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator by Adaptation Fund and WFP Innovation Accelerator

October 3, 2025
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UNDP

AI Infrastructure Builders Application

The AI Infrastructure Builder Programme is a flagship initiative of the AI Hub, launching June 20, 2025, under the Italy-Africa Mattei Plan. This programme is designed to support African innovators building the foundational infrastructure necessary for AI ecosystems to scale across the continent — from data centers and cloud compute to energy and payment systems.

October 6, 2025
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H&M Foundation Global Change Award

Global Change Award

October 19, 2025
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UNDP

Green Urban Tech

BOOST has teamed up with CEF to launch a call for urban tech solutions that help build greener, smarter, and more resilient cities.

October 21, 2025
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UNICEF

Climate Innovation Challenge

A call to early and growth stage frontier tech start-ups in emerging economies

October 31, 2025
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The Beyonds Challenge

Submission deadline the Beyonds Challenge has been extended to October 31st 2025. Supported by the German Government, and with International Institute for Sustainable Development as knowledge partner, the Beyonds Challenge is an intergenerational and cross-disciplinary call for inputs to redefine what key elements shaping the future of sustainable development beyond 2030 should look like.

January 1, 2026
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AI

Artificial intelligence for the Public Sector

Inspired by the UNESCO Framework on AI and Digital Transformation for Civil Servants, this course provides an introduction to AI with a focus on its application in the public service. Participants will be guided through the entire process of devising AI-based services in the public sector. Lessons will cover not just the functional aspects of this application but also the governance and ethical aspects of the process to offer a holistic point of view. The content of this course is built on the AI4Gov Master Programme, formerly supported by the EU and offered by Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and Politecnico di Milano.

Join the UN Innovation Network

We encourage everyone interested in innovation - from all across the UN and beyond - to join the UN Innovation Network to collaborate, share experiences and innovate for the Sustainable Development Goals.

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