The UNICEF StartUp Lab is inviting applications from early-stage Ghanaian startups leveraging technology to create social impact aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Launched in 2019 by UNICEF Ghana, supported by Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and implemented by MEST Africa, the six-month accelerator provides funding, mentorship, and business growth support to innovative startups across Ghana.
Selected startups can receive up to $21,000 (GHS 32,000 for product development) alongside access to global funding opportunities and UN system partnerships.
What Selected Startups Receive
- Up to GHS 32,000 (approx. $21,000) for product development
- Six months of hands-on business acceleration
- One-on-one mentorship from UNICEF sector experts
- Access to UN system partners and global networks
- Opportunity to explore funding through the UNICEF Venture Fund
- Technology perks and open-source support
- Capacity building in Digital Public Goods development
Focus Areas
Startups working in the following sectors are strongly encouraged to apply:
- HealthTech
- EdTech
- UrbanTech
- Climate Action
- FinTech
- WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene)
The programme prioritizes solutions that are technology-driven, socially impactful, and aligned with at least one SDG.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a registered business in Ghana (no NGOs or individuals)
- Have operated for at least 1 year
- Use technology as the core enabler of the solution
- Demonstrate measurable social impact
- Be open-source or willing to open-source their solution
- Female-founded or co-founded startups are strongly encouraged
The programme is geographically inclusive, welcoming startups from all regions of Ghana.
Application Deadline
February 20, 2026
Why It Matters
The UNICEF StartUp Lab supports the development of Digital Public Goods, defined as open-source technologies that adhere to privacy standards and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
By combining business acceleration with UNICEF’s sector expertise in Education, Health & Nutrition, Social Policy, WASH, and Child Protection, the programme helps startups scale solutions that improve outcomes for children and young people.