World Food Programme Innovation

Application is open for the World Food Programme Innovation. Hunger is prevailing. In a world where we produce enough food to feed everyone, 811 million people still go to bed hungry each night; that’s one in every 10 people worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and complex social-economic factors make the situation even direr.

By contrast, space, satellite, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies have radically transformed humanity’s ability to observe and model Earth’s systems.

It’s inevitable then that we pose the question: how can Earth observation (EO) and AI help those in need? To find an answer, the Φ-lab at the European Space Agency, together with the World Food Programme (WFP) Innovation Accelerator, are launching the new EO & AI for SDGs Innovation Initiative. It is searching for cutting-edge innovations that use EO and AI technologies to address the challenges that WFP faces in its operations while striving for business viability and industry leadership. Do you have an idea that can help solve world hunger?

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Eligibility

Minimum application criteria:

1. This Call is partly funded by ESA under the Future-EO Programme, an optional programme of the Agency. Therefore, the Agency can only consider Applicants from companies or organisations having their registered seat in one of the following Participating States: Austria, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania. Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and The United Kingdom. Your organization can be for-profit or not-for-profit.
2. Your solution must use data from European Earth Observation Missions (e.g. Copernicus, national missions or commercial providers) with a substantial degree of innovation, such as but not limited to, AI.
3. Your innovation must at least be at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage. A proof-of-concept is preferred.
4. Ideally, your solution will address the problem statement outlined by the World Food Programme.

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Benefits

Benefits of the EO & AI for SDGs Innovation Initiative:

• Funding: Up to EUR 90,000 in funding to develop and test your solution.
• Project Management: Project management support from the WFP Innovation Accelerator to liaise between you and WFP staff in the area/s related to your idea.
• Further support from the European Space Agency:
• Tailored mentorships provided by EO and AI experts from ESA to guide and support you along your journey.
• Access to EO data, software, and platforms via the European Space Agency. Find out more here.
• Access to ESA communities and networks, together with business development support.

Application Process

Click here to visit the website and apply for World Food Programme Innovation.

Should you have any questions, please contact the Initiative Manager: Fiona Huang at fiona.huang@wfpinnovation.org

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