Call For Startups : SDG Impact Accelerator 2021 in Bangladesh.
SDG Impact Accelerator (SDGia), a global accelerator launched by Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UNDP in 2018, has opened its second global call for impact entrepreneurs to find innovative solutions for SDG-related complex development challenges. During the second SDGia program, startups will work on products and services in the field of financial inclusion in Bangladesh and digital agriculture in Uganda.
SDGia has introduced a novel approach to startup acceleration thanks to its convening power for private and public stakeholders, with a specific focus on empowering innovative entrepreneurs who are providing impact at scale for low-income groups, the bottom of the pyramid.
The second SDGia program in both countries are led by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UNDP Turkey, and United Nations Technology Bank for LDCs with the support of government institutions and UNDP Country Offices in Uganda and Bangladesh.
The Financial Inclusion Call is targeting the financial inclusion challenge in Bangladesh. Financial inclusion is a critical enabler on many aspects such as eradicating poverty, ending hunger, achieving food security and promoting sustainable agriculture, leading to profiting health and well-being. It also enhances topics such as achieving gender equality and economic empowerment of women; promoting economic growth and jobs; supporting industry, innovation, and infrastructure. Therefore, urgent transformation of the current financial system with innovative solutions after the pandemic is the ultimate goal of the program.
SDGia Digital Agriculture and Financial Inclusion calls are open now for teams from all around the world.
Benefits
- Be part of a global network which will support you as you work towards the SDGs and create your impact in the world,
- Receive mentorship from UNDP, UN Technology Bank, governmental institutions, financial and technology experts, and global investors,
- Receive equity-free grant of $15,000 when you get accepted the Accelerator Program,
- Receive impact investment at the end of the program if your idea or product is selected for implementation in Bangladesh.
Eligibilities
- If you are working on any technology, service or product offering a solution to a global problem within the realm of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or want to propose an innovative solution to the Sponsored Challenge topics, they would welcome you to join in the SDG Impact Accelerator program
- They accept applications from all international teams with a focus on commercializing their inventions and ideas and building sustainable business models. The call is primarily open for teams, but individuals with a proven track record may be accepted as well. You can apply if you fit in one of the definitions below:
- Founders of established companies
- To-be founders of startups at idea stage who have expertise in their domain
- Technology developers who are working on the field, but would commercialize through IP Transfer
- Teams from R&D institutes and universities with relevant technology to commercialize
- NGOs who want to test social business models inside their organizations or build spin-offs
The following teams will be given priority in the selection process:
- Teams who already have a product, traction, or MVP
- Teams working on one the Sponsored Challenge topic (Financial Inclusion)
- Teams who can implement or test their product in Bangladesh with additional impact investment from SDGiaYou can apply if you are working on any technology, service or product offering a solution to a problem defined in the call to application. Mainly we are focused on solutions towards resolving poverty at any level for anyone, in particular, offering solutions for
around the world will be considered.
Application Process
Apply through the given link
Application Deadline: January 22, 2021
Application ClosedOfficial link
