Funding frontier climate tech for children's health

The UNICEF Venture Fund invests in Open Source frontier technology solutions that sit at the intersection of Climate Resilience and Children's Health. As a global fund, it finances early-stage, for-profit startups that use advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, or blockchain to create scalable solutions benefiting children worldwide. The fund prioritizes innovations that are locally adaptable, data-driven, and child-centred, while strictly upholding data protection and safeguarding principles. This initiative is part of a five-year Climate Ventures investment program that aims to catalyze child-centric climate innovation.

The fund seeks to support solutions addressing critical areas like strategic planning for climate hazards, early warning systems for climate-sensitive health risks, healthcare readiness through predictive analytics, point-of-care tools for communities to access climate and health data, and behavioral health nudges. These efforts strengthen systems that protect children’s wellbeing against multidimensional climate threats. Beyond financial investment, the Venture Fund offers strategic support to de-risk ventures and enable them to scale globally, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health, climate action, and equitable access to technology.

Selected startups receive equity-free funding up to US$100,000 (approximately ₹90 lakh). The funding is meant to support the development and deployment of scalable, Open Source solutions that protect children’s health, enhance preparedness, and improve coordination across health, education, and basic services.

• Equity-free funding up to US$100,000 (~₹90L) for early-stage for-profit startups.
• Targets Open Source climate-tech solutions at the intersection of Climate Resilience and Children's Health.
• Must leverage AI, ML, or blockchain technologies.
• Startups must have a functional prototype or proof of initial deployment.
• Company must be registered in a UNICEF programme country.
• Commitment to Open Source licensing and principles required.

To be eligible for the UNICEF Venture Fund, your company must:

• Be registered in a UNICEF programme country.
• Be a for-profit technology startup.
• Be committed to Open Source licensing and principles for its solutions.
• Have a functional prototype with results of initial testing, or provide proof of initial deployment.
• Leverage cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), or blockchain.

The program specifically targets startups building climate-tech solutions at the intersection of Climate Resilience and Children's Health. Women-led/founded startups and young founders are encouraged to apply, though the program is open to all eligible companies.

Funding frontier climate tech for children's health is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for Funding frontier climate tech for children's health closed on 17 May 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

The UNICEF Venture Fund provides:

• Equity-free funding of up to US$100,000 (approximately ₹90 lakh).
• Strategic support aimed at de-risking ventures and enabling global scaling.
• Assistance in contributing to Sustainable Development Goals related to health, climate action, and equitable access to technology.

The funding is intended to be catalytic, supporting the development and deployment of scalable, Open Source solutions that protect children’s health and strengthen systems against climate threats.

Funding frontier climate tech for children's health is offered by UNICEF Venture Fund, a non-profit foundation. It is delivered directly by UNICEF Venture Fund as a equity. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Applications are submitted via the official online portal (https://form.jotform.com/260711626703351). The process involves completing a detailed application form covering startup profile, the proposed Open Source solution, its relevance to climate resilience and children's health, and evidence of a functional prototype or initial deployment. Submissions are reviewed by the UNICEF Venture Fund team, evaluating alignment with the fund's mandate, the innovative nature of the solution, its potential impact on children globally, and technical feasibility. Successful applicants proceed to further stages including due diligence, interviews, and detailed solution demonstrations, leading to final selection for funding. Applications are due by May 17, 2026, and will be reviewed after that deadline.

Before you apply to Funding frontier climate tech for children's health, keep the following documents ready:

• A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
• Company registration documents and PAN
• Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
• Recent financial statements or projections
• Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available

Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.

Funding frontier climate tech for children's health is best suited for startups in India seeking an equity investment of ₹90L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.