Moonshots for Development (M4D) Open Innovation Challenge

The Moonshots for Development (M4D) Open Innovation Challenge is a major global initiative led by an international group of development organizations, including IFAD, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), IDB Lab, CGIAR, and the European Space Agency (ESA). This program aims to discover, develop, and expand innovative, technology-driven solutions that directly address critical development issues faced by rural communities and smallholder farmers worldwide. Its primary goal is to build resilience, reduce vulnerability, and encourage sustainable practices in key areas such as food systems, climate-resilient agriculture, and digital service delivery in underserved regions. The challenge seeks to accelerate the deployment of advanced technologies like AI, geospatial analysis, and various digital tools to empower vulnerable populations, enhance food security, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The challenge features a multi-tiered grant funding structure, offering significant financial support to promising growth-stage enterprises. Successful participants can receive up to ₹8.5 lakhs in Phase 1, potentially advancing to ₹85 lakhs in Phase 2, and securing up to ₹2.1 crores in Phase 3. This phased funding model is complemented by a strong support system from its global partners, providing valuable mentorship, resources for pilot project implementation, and crucial opportunities for scaling successful solutions. The M4D Challenge specifically looks for solutions across several challenge tracks, including developing insurance for resilient food systems, strategies to reduce fragility in rural communities, innovative digital extension services, and advanced agroecology practices. It targets growth-stage entities such as startups, SMEs, NGOs, and academic institutions that have already demonstrated the impact of their working solutions with a validated business model, aiming to broaden their reach and influence globally.

• Open innovation challenge for growth-stage enterprises.
• Grant funding up to ₹2.1 crores.
• Focus on agritech, climate resilience, and rural development.
• Supported by IFAD, ADB, IDB Lab, CGIAR, and ESA.
• Requires a working solution with demonstrated impact.
• Global applicants are welcome.

This program is open to growth-stage enterprises that are legally registered organizations with a validated business model. Applicants must have a working solution already deployed with demonstrated impact. The target beneficiaries of these solutions must include smallholder farmers, rural communities, or indigenous populations. Accepted entity types include startups, SMEs, NGOs, non-profits, academic institutions, social enterprises, and private companies. The challenge welcomes global applicants, with no specific geographic restrictions mentioned.

Moonshots for Development (M4D) Open Innovation Challenge is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for Moonshots for Development (M4D) Open Innovation Challenge closed on 30 Mar 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Recipients of the Moonshots for Development (M4D) Open Innovation Challenge receive grant funding structured in multiple phases. This includes up to ₹8.5 lakhs in Phase 1, up to ₹85 lakhs in Phase 2, and potentially up to ₹2.1 crores in Phase 3. Beyond financial support, the program offers a robust ecosystem of support from its global partners. This includes invaluable mentorship, access to resources for pilot implementation, and crucial opportunities for scaling successful solutions to broaden their reach and influence globally.

Moonshots for Development (M4D) Open Innovation Challenge is offered by IFAD, a non-profit foundation. It is delivered directly by IFAD as a competition. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Before you apply to Moonshots for Development (M4D) Open Innovation Challenge, 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.

Moonshots for Development (M4D) Open Innovation Challenge is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹8.5L – ₹2.1Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.