MyUNICEF Impact Challenge 2022
In support of MRANTI Impact Challenge Accelerator (MICA)
How can we use innovation and technology to create a safe and healthy living environment for all children in Malaysia?
UNICEF Malaysia is calling for innovative, creative and impactful solutions with game-changing models that will help address issues of the 21st century: climate literacy, disaster mapping and management, and nutrition.
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Does your startup have the edge to tackle these issues in an inclusive and sustainable manner?
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Do you have meaningful, out-of-the-box, unconventional yet practical ideas to utilize innovation and technology to create a healthy living environment for all children in Malaysia?
We want to hear from you! Take part in the MyUNICEF Impact Challenge 2022.
About the challenge
Last year, UNICEF in collaboration with MaGIC, carried out the MyUNICEF Impact Challenge, whereby five social enterprises were selected as winners in key thematic areas of mental health, and safe and clean environment for all children.
This year, we are supporting the MRANTI Impact Challenge Accelerator (MICA) 2022 as problem statement sponsors. The initiative aims to make impact innovation a key lever for sustainable and equitable socio-economic development in Malaysia, scale innovative technological solutions that tackle nation's biggest social and environmental challenges, and build a pipeline of talent in creating resilient and purpose-driven businesses.
Climate Literacy
Climate change is threatening the health and safety of our future generation. According to UNICEF’s Children Climate Risk Index (CCRI), Malaysia is ranked 61st among countries globally where children are most at risk to the effect of climate change. Children and young people, who contributed the least to climate change, are expected to bear the brunt of its effect. Whilst climate risks cannot be eliminated, climate literacy education is an important approach that can be leveraged to empower youths and drive change.
Problem Statement I:
How can we leverage on innovative solutions to strengthen disaster preparedness for vulnerable communities towards building more resilient communities?
Disaster Mapping and Management
Disasters and natural hazards are showing trends of increased frequency and intensity. From 1998 to 2018, floods alone affected over 770,000 Malaysians, killed 148 people, and caused 5.82 billion Ringgit in damages. Landslides, flash floods, and droughts often disproportionately impact the least protected and marginalized. Looking ahead the situation looks even more bleak. Children face unique vulnerabilities against injury, death and water-borne diseases linked to natural disasters. Hazard mapping and early warning systems including in child friendly formats are thus instrumental in community-level disaster preparation.
Problem Statement II:
How can we leverage on innovative solutions to strengthen disaster preparedness for vulnerable communities towards building more resilient communities?
Nutrition
Child malnutrition is a persistent issue in Malaysia. Unfortunately, income loss and inflation as a result of both the Covid-19 pandemic and global economic factors has further deprived household access to affordable and nutrient-dense food sources. With stunting and wasting at 21.8% and 9.7% respectively in 2019, Malaysia was experiencing a malnutrition crisis even prior to COVID-19. Quality and affordable food sources are essential for the healthy development of newborns and mothers. Innovative tools are needed to better ascertain nutritional needs, educate people on healthy diets, and achieve better overall food security.
Problem Statement III:
How do we educate on nutrition for better access to high quality yet affordable food sources to address malnutrition, specifically for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women?
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Do you have an innovative solution to either of these issues? Attractive prizes will be rewarded to those who step up their game and meet the challenge. Find out more through the FAQs below.
Application deadline is 13th November 2022.
The brass tacks
Why Join?
Being shortlisted presents evidence that you are solving a real problem innovatively and sustainably, in the views of international development organisations and industry experts.
- Win cash prize of RM10,000 per startup from Phase 1: The Impact Challenge
- Exclusive access to an impact-focused and SDG-driven Accelerator
- Post Demo Day, stand a chance to receive customised post-accelerator support worth RM 150,000 consisting of cash, coaching with industry experts, market access support, etc. (Terms & Conditions apply)
Who can join?
Startups or established ventures
A registered business entity in Malaysia with proven solutions and a track record of minimum 12 months. Young startups are particularly encouraged to participate!
Technology-based
Ideally incorporating the use of technology within the solution or the solution itself can be technology-based.
Solid human capacity
A solid team with the necessary experience and capacities to make things happen.
Build for sustainability
The proposed solution is scalable, adoptable or adaptable locally and ideally, globally to ensure sustainability.
Impact-driven
Proposed solution has to the potential to enhance the current state of living for all children in Malaysia, taking all reasonable steps to eliminate discrimination against any child or group of children.
Safe and does no harm
The solution is safe and does not cause mental, moral or physical harm to children and is aligned with international standards, including non-discrimination, freedom of expression and access to information for children.
Important dates
| Phase | Events | Dates |
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Phase 1: Impact Challege |
Application Opens Application Closes Pitching Session |
15 September 2022 13 November 2022 21 & 22 November 2022 |
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Phase 2: Impact Accelerator |
Impact Challenge Commences Impact Accelerator Demo Day |
2 February 2023 14 April 2023 |
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Phase 3: Post Accelerator Support |
Post Accelerator Pilot Project Activities Commence | May 2023 |
Find out more
Curious to know more? Check out the FAQ
You can also read our press release here.
Fine Print
Participating in the challenge means you accept UNICEF's Privacy Policy. You can find details here and in our footer in the link 'Legal'.
Find out more on MRANTI's site.
To read the full Terms and Conditions, please download here.
This initiative is in collaboration with
