UNICEF’s Sustainable WASH Innovation Hub has launched a Call for Applications to expand its portfolio of transformative water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions. The initiative aims to drive lasting impact for children and families by scaling innovative approaches globally.
The Call for Applications seeks proven solutions addressing systemic challenges in WASH. Selected solutions will be integrated into UNICEF’s innovation portfolio to support strategic, evidence-based scaling across multiple regions. Applicants must address one or both of the following challenges:
Strengthening Supportive Environments for WASH SMEs
Many WASH small and medium enterprises (SMEs) struggle due to weak ecosystems and limited support. This challenge hinders their ability to grow and contribute to WASH governance and services.
UNICEF is looking for solutions that:
- Building a stronger ecosystem for WASH SMEs by improving access to finance and investment.
- Strengthening partnerships between WASH SMEs, governments, and large service providers.
- Supporting SMEs in leveraging tools and systems to enhance efficiency and track performance.
- Influencing policies that enable SMEs to formalize, scale, and thrive.
Enhancing Climate-Sensitive Data and Integration into WASH Programming
Climate change affects the sustainability of water resources and WASH services. Limited climate-sensitive data makes long-term planning difficult.
UNICEF is looking for solutions that:
- Improving the collection, analysis, and accessibility of climate-sensitive data.
- Integrating climate change considerations into WASH planning and decision-making.
- Enhancing collaboration with governments, local stakeholders, and organizations to address climate risks in WASH services.
- Strengthening WASH systems to be more resilient to climate variability and environmental change.
Benefits of Partnering with UNICEF
- Selected applicants will receive Access to UNICEF’s global network in 190+ countries.
- Strategic matchmaking with key stakeholders.
- Technical and financial support to refine and scale solutions.
- Initial funding of approximately $150,000 for feasibility studies and market assessments.
Eligibility Criteria:
Be a Registered Entity: Apply with one lead entity as a registered company, university spin-off, NGO, UN organization or Government agency.
The application form can be accessed HERE . The deadline for submission is set for April 30, 2025, at 11:59 pm CET.
For those with WASH solutions addressing other key challenges, applications can be submitted through UNICEF’s Rolling Call for Applications.
For more details, visit https://www.unicef.org/innovation/call-innovative-wash-solutions
