Tech for humanity: eight innovations shaping the future of humanitarian response
Meet the selected teams joining the Humanitarian Innovation Accelerator’s Innovation Weeks, where they will further develop their solutions to address the challenges faced by humanitarian actors.
By Sanjna Sudan
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them,” said the legendary scientist Albert Einstein. In the face of today’s growing crises, increasing in both scale and complexity, this call to think differently has never been more relevant.
Around the world, humanitarian actors are working tirelessly to improve the lives of those affected by conflict, climate shocks and displacement. Yet, as needs escalate, resources continue to dwindle. More than ever, innovative solutions are essential to help us do more with less.
To meet this challenge, the WFP Innovation Accelerator and the Government of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg launched the second cohort of the Humanitarian Innovation Accelerator (HIA), a platform designed to support technology-powered solutions that address pressing global challenges.
This year, we received an impressive 578 applications from 103 countries. After a rigorous selection process, eight exceptional teams have been invited to participate in the HIA’s Innovation Weeks this July. During this time, the finalists will work closely with experts to refine their business models and growth plans, strengthen their impact strategies and connect with the broader humanitarian ecosystem. After this, four selected ventures will then enter a sprint programme for a chance to receive financial, technical and methodological support.
In October, the selected teams will pitch their solutions to an audience of potential funders, government representatives and industry leaders during Humanitarian Days, a high-profile event in Luxembourg.
Meet the ventures shaping the future of humanitarian assistance:
Safe Pro AI
Safe Pro AI is a drone-powered AI software that detects and maps landmines to speed up humanitarian demining to enhance safety and accuracy in post-conflict zones.
Ukraine is facing the widespread presence of landmines across a quarter of its territory. This puts communities at risk. SpotlightAI by Safe Pro AI uses drone imagery and patented AI tools to detect and localize landmines with high precision. It supports both cloud-based and offline operations, integrates 3D mapping and vegetation analysis and is compatible with commercial drones. This makes Safe Pro AI the most scalable and cost-effective solution currently available for rapid, safe demining in conflict-affected areas.
Following the Innovation Weeks, all eight teams will have the opportunity to submit their sprint proposals. Four of them will be selected to implement their sprint plans and will undergo a rigorous due diligence process. Once approved, the teams will be inducted into Humanitarian Innovation Accelerator’s 12-months sprint cohort and awarded funding of up to US$150,000.
The Humanitarian Innovation Accelerator Programme, a collaborative effort between the WFP Innovation Accelerator and the Government of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg, seeks high-impact innovative solutions to address the pressing emergency and humanitarian challenges faced by vulnerable populations and humanitarian actors.
With a core focus on leveraging technology, this programme supports and nurtures solutions that can effectively tackle global challenges within the humanitarian sphere. Through a meticulous selection process, ventures and solution providers are chosen to receive comprehensive support including financial backing, technical expertise, and methodological guidance from the WFP Innovation Accelerator and its esteemed partners.
To read the full article including the names of other selected teams, please click here!