Product innovation

Working with the private sector and partners to identify, develop and scale fit-for-purpose products that respond to the unmet needs of children.

A child holds up plastic bananas while watched by other school children and a woman during at a community pre-school in Cambodia.

Product innovation at UNICEF is about turning ideas into tangible and scalable solutions. It involves the identification, development and scaling of fit-for-purpose and value-for-money products that respond to the unmet needs of children.

UNICEF is managing a portfolio of product innovation projects that respond to the needs outlined in UNICEF’s strategic programme areas, including child survival, child protection, education, and emergencies.

Some projects include the High Performance Tents, Disability-friendly Latrines and Non-pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment.

To learn more about these projects and how UNICEF works with partners to drive the development and scaling of new products, visit Product innovation on the UNICEF Innovation website

Resources

Target product profiles (TPPs)

TPPs communicate requirements for products that are not available on the market but that fulfil a priority need.

Visit the page

TPP: Rapid water quality detection method or portable kit

UNICEF is seeking a solution for innovative and easy to use water testing methods that can accurately determine faecal contamination as rapidly as possible.

Get the document

UNICEF guidance on the use of drones in supply chains

Guidance document with key considerations for the use of drones in supply chains

Get the document

TPP: Faecal sludge and wastewater management in emergencies

UNICEF is seeking products that ensure the treatment of faecal sludge and wastewater in emergency contexts.

Get the document