The UNICEF Innovation Fund is looking to invest in companies that are using machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, or extended reality to address digital risks to children, with selected companies to receive equity-free funding of up to US$100,000.
See Also: Meet 17 African Startups Finalists in Space-Tech Challenge 2020
In partnership with the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children and Giga, the UNICEF Innovation Fund wants startups with working, open-source prototypes showing promising results in addressing digital risk to children.
See Also: 3 African Startups Win $120k AfDB AgriPitch Price
The risks the fund is aiming to address are content risks, where children are exposed to harmful or age-inappropriate content; contact risks, where children are subjected to harmful interactions with another human; conduct risks, which constitute harmful exchanges such as bullying or stalking; and contract risks, the exposure to inappropriate contractual relationships.
See Also: Call For Application British Council New Narratives Programme For Africans-
Startups with innovative tools addressing any of these risks are invited to apply, with projects to be assessed by the UNICEF Innovation Fund team and recommended for funding to the internal board. The full Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) document can be found here, and applications are open here until December 20.
Bukola Owo-Bello is a spirited storyteller, content creator and YouTuber who loves sharing amazing opportunities, inspiration, and ideas with forward-thinking African youths.
Follow her on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram on @BukkiTalks
