The UNICEF Venture Fund has opened applications for early-stage startups developing blockchain-based solutions aimed at improving outcomes for children and young people.
Selected startups will receive up to $100,000 in equity-free funding, disbursed in ETH, BTC or USDC. Applications close on March 10, 2026.
According to UNICEF, the fund supports early-stage technology innovators addressing challenges in health, education, child protection, inclusion and economic opportunity.
In addition to funding, selected startups will receive technical mentorship, guidance on impact measurement and scaling support over a 12- to 18-month investment period. Participants will also gain access to UNICEF’s global network of partners and opportunities to showcase their solutions internationally.
Eligible applicants must have a working prototype or minimum viable product and demonstrate measurable impact and scalability potential.
The fund is particularly interested in startups streamlining supply chains, improving aid distribution transparency, expanding financial inclusion for unbanked populations, and leveraging blockchain for verifiable impact tracking.
It is also seeking ventures using web3 tools such as staking, crowdfunding and tokenisation to build sustainable local economies and open-source platforms that promote community engagement and innovative governance models.
Separately, Google has opened applications for the 10th cohort of its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme, which will run until March 18, 2026.
