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For the past five years, the UNICEF Office of Innovation has been exploring the ways in which technological advancements in Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) can be leveraged to tackle real-world challenges, while simultaneously supporting UNICEF’s programmes by providing inclusive access to information and opportunity. The question…, In conclusion, the Fund Team believes that Roy Amara’s statement holds true: “We tend to overestimate the effect of a technology in the short run and underestimate the effect in the long run.”, The UNICEF Venture Fund is committed to continuing to support entrepreneurs at the front line of these developments. From raising awareness to the efficacy of VR and AR in their real-world applications, to helping entrepreneurs prove and test their next ideas, to opening doors to mentorship and partnership, UNICEF is excited to work with and fund…

The UNICEF Venture Fund, in collaboration with Giga , is looking to make up to $100K equity-free investments (in cryptocurrency) to provide early stage (seed) financing and mentoring to for-profit technology startups that have the potential to benefit humanity., Applicants will receive funding in cryptocurrency (bitcoin or ether) through our recently launched CryptoFund. 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.  If you have a start-up registered in one of UNICEF’…, Apply Now  , *Female founders are encouraged to apply  **This cohort will receive funding in cryptocurrency (up to USD $100K equivalent). If you’re new to crypto and interested in applying, the UNICEF CryptoFund supports startups with a step-by-step process for setting up wallets. Email the team at venturefund@unicef.org with the subject line “[Company Name]:…, The Challenge, A learner covers her mouth and nose with a homemade mask due to Covid-19 pandemic during a class session at Mchoka primary school in Salima The COVID-19 pandemic created economic hardships and has had compounding impacts on many aspects of children’s lives. While some saw life continue online, many who couldn’t access digital services – from…, What we're looking for, We are currently looking to invest in companies developing blockchain-based software solutions using cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, and various types of tokens, as well as learning and training initiatives to build capacity. Examples of areas of interest include, but are not limited to:  Area 1: Improving accountability and transparency of…, Background, UNICEF’s Venture Fund has been specifically designed to finance early stage, Open Source technology that can benefit children. The core motivation of the Venture Fund is to identify “clusters” or portfolios of initiatives around emerging technology - so that UNICEF can both shape markets and learn about and guide these technologies to benefit…

The UNICEF CryptoFund , launched in October 2019, is the first cryptocurrency-denominated financing vehicle within the United Nations (UN). In fact, it is the first use of cryptocurrency, without converting to local currency (known as fiat), within the UN system.   It comes as no surprise that the world is becoming more connected and digital. The…, Cryptocurrency and Emerging Markets , Cryptocurrency usage has fared strongly across emerging market countries, which are leading the world (outside of the US) across key crypto metrics - highest adoption rate, highest trading volume, and highest level of mining.   Among the top 20 crypto-adopters - most of which could be classified as emerging or developing nations - crypto usage has…, The UNICEF CryptoFund is a vehicle for new opportunities, efficiencies, and explorations , As digital currencies see record adoption globally, UNICEF’s ability to hold, receive and invest in cryptocurrency through the CryptoFund has allowed us to expand services and opportunities for people around the world.   The CryptoFund created opportunities for new partnerships, unlocking new resources for children. UNICEF has new crypto and non-…, Crypto and the Environment , As we explore new technologies, we have a duty to ensure that they not only help us solve current problems, but also that they do not create future ones. Cryptocurrency mining operations do use energy. Some use more energy than they would like, and many blockchains are looking at more efficient ways of operating (i.e., reducing the energy…

The Oxygen System Planning Tool (OSPT) is an excel-based, customizable tool that can be used to plan oxygen delivery systems from source to patient. This tool can be used to support high-level healthcare budgeting and planning needs related to oxygen, including health and procurement specialists and oxygen technology stakeholders.   The tool uses…, Subscribe for updates and support , UNICEF regularly updates and improves the Oxygen System Planning Tool and also provides technical assistance and training resources. To ensure you receive information on updates, access to current and future training courses and other technical assistance, please subscribe to the OSPT mailing list. We may also contact you to further understand…, Key outcomes, Estimate oxygen demand at health facilities, The OSPT estimates oxygen demand at individual health facilities using data on facility type, number of patients and disease prevalence. The tool can then create health facility archetypes to aggregate oxygen demand for a full geographical area or at various levels of the health system. ​, Generate health facility-level recommendations for appropriate oxygen source options, Based on oxygen demand, the tool will then calculate and recommend the most appropriate, efficient and cost-effective oxygen source solutions for different health facilities. This often involves a combination of cylinders refilled from centralized plants, on-site PSA plants or oxygen concentrators., Automate the calculation of distances between health facilities and oxygen plants, The tool also automatically calculates the distance between known oxygen plants and health facilities to inform when cylinder refilling from a centralized PSA or liquid plant may be the best oxygen source solution., Generate equipment lists, The OSPT provides procurement lists for each health facility, covering oxygen source equipment, consumables, and diagnostic devices. It can also quantify which consumables and equipment will need to be replaced across a specified timeframe, when reordering is needed and the ongoing budget required., Estimate the capital and operating costs, The tool estimates capital and operating costs (e.g. electricity) broken down into categories for each health facility. It can then aggregate costs for different administrative levels or nationally for a given time period. This can help governments, donors or oxygen suppliers understand the full and long-term costs of establishing and operating an…, Aid in planning placement of new PSA oxygen plants, The tool can also support users to plan the optimum placement of new PSA plants, based on oxygen needs and distance to other health facilities that could benefit from cylinder refilling., Testimonials, “We didn’t have the basic devices. When we even diagnosed a person, we couldn’t actually treat the person. We were referring most of our cases. We were supplied with devices like the pulse oximeters, oxygen concentrators. It makes diagnosis and treatment quite easy. [Now] we are confident that we can actually treat them here. We can reduce under-…, Resources and training guides

This year saw the first successful exits of portfolio companies from the UNICEF Venture Fund. Prior to their respective acquisitions,  Atix Labs (Argentina) ,  Geospoc (India) ,  Giraffe (South Africa) ,  Veative Labs (India) , and  Kimetrica (Kenya)  received early-stage investment and technical assistance to build open source digital platforms …, Learning and Career Platforms, Access to quality education is fundamental to reducing gender inequalities, increasing incomes, and addressing poverty gaps. The effects of COVID-19 have created further disparities, especially in Low- and Lower-Middle Income Countries (LMICs) where 258 million children already did not have access to schooling even before the global pandemic.…, Digital Infrastructure for Transparency and Efficiency, The UNICEF Venture Fund  invests in blockchain solutions  that increase efficiencies, cut transaction costs, and simplify transaction processes.   Atix labs was funded  by the UNICEF Venture Fund in 2018 to further develop a global social platform that connects Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with funders in different locations, facilitating…, Satellite Imagery for Resource Planning, Geospoc  received investment  from the Venture Fund in 2020 to develop a tool for detection of rural schools and hospitals using satellite imagery and machine learning. During the investment period the detection tools were open-sourced, providing policy makers with a tool to reliably derive insights for planning purposes.   Geospoc was acq uired …, Evidence-Based Decision-Making  , Kimetrica’s work over the last decade in different crisis contexts has highlighted the need for evidence-based decision making. In 2017, Kimetrica  received funding  from the UNICEF Innovation Fund, to further develop MERON, a lightweight and rapid method for assessing childhood malnutrition. It does not depend on enumerator assessment and removes…

The UNICEF Venture Fund is launching its new strategy to provide Growth Funding to accelerate more promising open-source solutions and support their positioning for sustainable investment.  The UNICEF Venture Fund is a $35M+2527ETH+8BTC pooled fund – the first financial vehicle of its kind in the United Nations – investing in early-stage, open-…, Why the UNICEF Venture Fund is launching new funding tiers, Only 10% of private capital investment goes into emerging markets.   Issues related to currency devaluation, consumer volume, and the perception of heighted risk lead to investors’ lack of demand and confidence, and the COVID-19 pandemic has driven these already-struggling emerging market funds to close –  51% liquidated in 2020 .   Early-stage…, Growth Fund Companies, Jalaisa, 12, and her brother Jarrer, 13, look at a phone in the tented evacuation site where they currently live with their family, on the outskirts of the city of Marawi, Province of Lanao Del Sur, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Philippines. UNICEF/UNI217238/Kokic, Acceleration Funding: Thinking Machines, Thinking Machines (Philippines) harnesses powerful artificial intelligence to mine alternative digital data sources such as satellite imagery, social media, e-commerce data, and crowdsourced maps, collecting valuable, actionable insights on socioeconomic conditions, infrastructure reach and quality, and environmental conditions to help any …, Bridge Funding: Pixframe , Pixframe  (Mexico) develops game-based learning tools to promote the development of children, young people, and adults through innovation and technology. Pixframe has developed MatematIA, which was piloted in collaboration with UNICEF Mexico, and Towi, a cognitive assessment formed by a series of mini training games to develop cognitive skills,…, Bridge Funding: Weni, Weni (Brazil) has built a platform that uses Natural Language Processing (NLP) to support multiple languages and an open database, enabling collaboration across organisations and allowing users to create chatbots. Weni uses artificial intelligence (AI) to generate conversations that flow more naturally, creating a more human-like experience. With…, Bridge Funding: Somleng , Somleng (Cambodia) is an Open Source Cloud Communications Platform that enables communication across people and communities, without the need for internet connectivity. Using interactive voice response (IVR) and several open source applications, Somleng provides local delivery of SMS and calls at a fraction of the cost of other commercial…, Bridge Funding: StaTwig , StaTwig (India) leverages blockchain to improve food and vaccine distribution systems, making them more efficient and transparent with a layer of accountability. Through their platform, stakeholders – from consumers, producers, distributors, regulators, to financers – are connected via tamper-proof, open ledgers, resulting in a completely…, Bridge Funding: Dymaxion Labs , Dymaxion Labs (Argentina) uses AI-powered geospatial analytics to survey large areas, helping better equip decision makers toward informed public policy. Their platform and open source libraries allow users to create bespoke machine learning (ML) models to track objects in satellite and drone imagery on the cloud, simplifying the process for users…, Bridge Funding: Atix Labs , Atix Labs (Argentina) specializes in building digital products that require blockchain or artificial intelligence (AI) implementation, successfully building solutions on decentralized identity, asset tokenization, DeFi, DAOs, digital signatures, and more. During their investment period with the UNICEF Venture Fund, Atix Labs launched an open…, Bridge Funding: Rentadrone, Rentadrone (Chile) develops solutions using machine learning, thermal, and multispectral imagery to detect, classify, and organise errors and damaged modules in solar power plants, with the goal of increasing energy efficiency and improving performance of solar farms. They have also developed AI Agro, which enhances the quality and productivity of…, Bridge Funding: Comunicación Aumentativa, Comunicación Aumentativa (Chile) developed the OTTAA Project, an AI-powered alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) assistant for children with speech impairments to communicate their basic needs and express their feelings. It uses environmental data and a powerful AI algorithm that, in combination with a pictogram-based communication…, Bridge Funding: Angaza Elimu, Angaza Elimu (Kenya) developed an AI-powered digital learning platform that delivers personalised, mastery-based learning experiences and provides adaptive assessment, thus amplifying teacher-student engagement. This tool works offline, allowing users in areas with low connectivity to benefit from the platforms.   Low connectivity, stagnant…, Bridge Funding: Bioverse Labs, Bioverse Labs (Brazil) uses drone imagery and machine learning to identify and map non-timber species of trees that are economically viable for supporting traditional modes of income generation for indigenous populations, thereby contributing to the sustainability of the Amazonian ecosystem. To strengthen its relationship with new partners and…, Bridge Funding: Dronfies Labs, Dronfies Labs (Uruguay) has developed an Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) system that supports real-time data sharing for airspace management and multiple drone operations coordination, including during emergencies such as natural disasters. It also provides support to drone delivery operations, such as medical delivery, as the system is…

Each Summer/Fall, the UNICEF Office of Innovation welcomes talented interns to lend their expertise in supporting our current and future projects. Over the course of three months, our 2021 interns have enriched our work and culture with their fresh perspectives, unique personalities, and creative ideas.  Instead of keeping them all to ourselves,…, Ida Delphine, Full Stack Development Intern (Open Source), Venture Fund , Hello, you can call me Ida. I am currently studying Computer Engineering at the University of Bamenda in Cameroon. I love solving problems with code as well as getting more people into tech. In addition, I love working with a diverse set of people while sharing ideas and learning new things.  On joining the (Office of Innovation) madness: What…, Kristina Tlusty, Design Intern , Hi there! I’m Kristina. I am a recent 2021 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where I studied Graphic Communications, and had the pleasure of working remotely with UNICEF’s Office of Innovation from my hometown in Minnesota.  On joining the (Office of Innovation) madness: Throughout college, I had various opportunities to apply my…, Edil Baiyzbekov, Full-Stack Development Intern, DPG Team , Hi, I’m Edil!  I used to work as a video producer and data journalist in Kyrgyzstan. I mostly covered social inequalities, political and environmental issues. Then I moved to Ukraine and rethought my career. Now I am synthesizing my journalism background and software development skills to experiment with visual storytelling.  LinkedIn ,  edil.dev…, Rachita Saha, Full-Stack Development Intern, Digital Public Goods , On joining the (Office of Innovation) madness: As a technology student, I was always looking for opportunities to expand my skill-set and get real-world software development experience. That’s how I came across Outreachy, a remote internship program for people from groups underrepresented in tech. I was excited about securing an internship with an…

Since 2018, UNICEF’s Office of Innovation has been exploring the application of drones across three main application areas: imagery, delivery, and connectivity. Our work has led to the establishment of four humanitarian drone corridors; funding seven drone companies creating open source digital solutions for humanitarian use; and supporting UNICEF…

MANILA, 11 November 2021 —Five companies building financial technology (fintech) solutions for the Philippine market have shown promising potential after a year of mentorship by ING Bank, N.V. and UNICEF. The five startups were selected and funded under ING and UNICEF’s Fintech for Impact investment program designed to accelerate their potential…

In 2020, 11 start-ups across 9 countries  were selected  by the UNICEF Innovation Fund to address four “Global Breakthrough” areas identified as opportunities in the  Generation Unlimited  agenda: job-matching, remedial learning, remote learning and work, and digital connectivity.  This cohort has seen impressive traction, including successful…, Job Matching , Giraffe (South Africa) : Giraffe is a mobile job matching platform that uses AI and algorithms to reduce frictional unemployment and uses data from 1 million candidates to shorten the feedback loop between employers and jobseekers regarding critical skills that are in demand.  Giraffe developed a learning management system that is optimised for…, Digital Connectivity , GeoSpoc GeoSpatial (India) : Platform using artificial intelligence and machine learning with satellite data to map schools and hospitals in India  Geospoc was acquired by Ola Cabs; Geospoc’s geospatial scientists and engineers will be joining Ola to develop technologies which will make mobility universally accessible, sustainable, personalized,…, Remote Learning & Work, Inspired Ideas (Tanzania) : Health assistant tool (Elsa) to support healthcare workers in remote areas through diagnostic decision support, next step recommendations, and disease outbreak predictions  Piloted solution with 10 drug dispensers, 20 clinical officers, and 3 pediatricians  across Tanzania  - all of whom are still using the tool in…, Remedial Learning , Angaza Elimu (Kenya) : Digital learning platform for adaptive assessment, and tailored support; works offline in regions with low connectivity (piloted in refugee camps)  Over the last year, student users grew from 9,000 to 30,000, with user engagement lasting an average of 29 mins. The team also grew their teacher base to 2,738 on the platform…

“Being protected from bullying is a fundamental human right.” Marta Santos Pais, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children Did you know that 1 in 3 children is bullied? According to the UNESCO Institute of Statistics, one-third of the globe’s youth is bullied. According to the Federal Government, about 20% of…, Help stop cyberbullying!, Contribute to Kindly's understanding of message intent by submitting any sentence and flagging if it has cyberbullying intent or not., What is Kindly?, Kindly is a digital solution that aims to end cyberbullying and make children feel safer, by leveraging the latest advances in technology and by empowering children to solve this pressing challenge. Kindly was first conceptualized by 16-year old Gitanjali Rao, TIME’s First-Ever Kid of The Year . UNICEF is now developing this as a Digital Public…, Don't just test — help improve Kindly!, Contribute to Kindly's understanding of message intent by submitting any sentence and flagging if it has cyberbullying intent or not., What do we want to achieve?, Digital Public Good Create an open-source product that can be used by software developers to be integrated into existing text-based interfaces Awareness Raise greater awareness around cyberbullying while respecting children’s freedom of speech Feasibility Apply frontier technology within a real world-setting for social good Empower Empower…, How to get involved, Making Kindly a success is a community effort! ANYONE (including students) can help by testing Kindly and providing feedback that can help improve the model. It is just as simple as typing in phrases and agreeing/disagreeing with the output! Girls take computer lessons at BiBi Mehro Girls High School, in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. UNICEF/…, Get in touch, Interested in collaborating? Contact us at kindly@unicef.org . Amreen Poonawala: Product Manager, Office of Innovation – apoonawala@unicef.org Thomas Sayers: Communication Specialist, Division of Communication – tsayers@unicef.org

Oky is the world’s first digital menstruation app co-created with and for girls., The app provides evidence-based information about periods, puberty, and reproductive health in fun, creative and positive ways, straight into girls’ hands. Oky is tailored to girls’ lives, language and digital realities and is currently live in Mongolia and Indonesia, with more markets coming soon. Oky has been recognized by the Digital Public…, Raising the bar: girl-centered design, Digital public goods uphold internationally agreed principles for digital development . The first principle is to design with the user. But despite best intentions, teams habitually design with a user base that is predominantly male. Too often, girls are left out of co-creation, design, or product testing. What is different when designing with…, Matching tech to girl user requirements , Through this girl-centered design, Oky emerged as a gamified, light-weight application. It runs offline, is easy to navigate by design, and includes a read-out option and visual tutorials. It also allows for girls who share phones - either within the family or with peers - to have high data protection and privacy.   What might make your digital…, Building an open-source (girl) community, As a digital public good, Oky upholds particular standards - and in line with the DPG Standard, Oky is open source. The Oky source code is publicly available on GitHub .  Being open-source allows Oky to continuously be improved, through a global community. Oky’s community is growing rapidly, with implementation partners developing Oky in 12…, Breaking the digital glass ceiling, Innovation holds incredible promise to benefit more children and young people in new ways. This applies not just to technology, but to new partnerships, new ways of working, and new ways to scale promising services.  To reach more young people means girls must be deliberately included. Oky not only meets best practices for digital development, but…