The UNICEF StartUp Lab returns in 2025 to once again shine a spotlight on Ghana’s most promising tech-based ventures. If you’re a changemaker building solutions that directly improve the lives of children, families, and communities, this is your moment to thrive.
About the Programme
This six-month intensive accelerator supports entrepreneurs with a mission to deliver measurable social impact. Whether you’re addressing urban development, cybersecurity for kids, food security, or climate resilience, the StartUp Lab will equip you with the tools, funding, and exposure to succeed.
Sectors of Focus
Eligible startups must be tech-driven and active in areas such as:
- Education and EdTech
- Health and Nutrition
- Clean Water and Sanitation
- Agriculture
- Finance and Microcredit
- Child Rights and Protection
- Climate Action
- Blockchain, AI/ML, and Cybersecurity
Programme Benefits:
- Seed & Growth Grants: Three outstanding participants can access up to GHS 225,000 in total grant funding.
- Mentorship & Incubation: Get coached by industry experts, UNICEF specialists, and ecosystem leaders.
- Exposure & Partnerships: Connect to government institutions, development agencies, and leading corporations.
- Global Validation: Join the elite club of startups that have become officially registered Digital Public Goods (DPGs).
Innovation with Global Reach
UNICEF StartUp Lab doesn’t just help startups grow—it helps them stand out globally. DPG certification opens doors to international recognition, partnerships, and further funding. Past alumni have already achieved this milestone, with one startup leading the way in 2021 as the first West African DPG-certified venture.
Eligibility:
- You must be a Ghanaian-registered startup
- Your product/service should have a tech component
- A clear focus on children, youth, or vulnerable populations
- Open to startups in both early and growth stages
Take your innovation to the next level. Be part of a network that’s committed to building a more equitable and sustainable future for Ghana’s children.
Apply here: Application Link