UNICEF Opens Applications for Ghana StartUp Lab Accelerator

TLDR
- UNICEF Ghana has opened applications for its StartUp Lab, a six-month accelerator programme aimed at supporting impact-focused Ghanaian startups
- The programme offers participating startups access to technical mentorship, UN system networks, prototype funding, and expert guidance
- Selected startups will receive structured mentorship, business support, and exposure to innovation experts from across the UNICEF and UN ecosystem. Applications are open until May 15, 2025
UNICEF Ghana has opened applications for its StartUp Lab, a six-month accelerator programme aimed at supporting impact-focused Ghanaian startups working to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for children and young people.
Launched in 2019 and implemented by MEST Africa, with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the programme offers participating startups access to technical mentorship, UN system networks, prototype funding, and expert guidance in areas like education, health, sanitation, social protection, and child welfare.
The accelerator targets tech-enabled ventures with a measurable social impact, particularly those working on child-related issues in Ghana. Selected startups will receive structured mentorship, business support, and exposure to innovation experts from across the UNICEF and UN ecosystem. Applications are open until May 15, 2025.
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Key Takeaways
The UNICEF StartUp Lab is important because it fills a critical gap for early-stage, impact-driven startups in Ghana working to improve outcomes for children and youth. While many accelerators focus on profit and scalability, this programme prioritizes social innovation aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By offering targeted support, such as mentorship from UNICEF experts, access to prototyping capital, and integration with global development networks, the Lab helps startups tackle systemic challenges in education, healthcare, sanitation, and child protection. In a country where youth under 25 make up more than 50% of the population, innovation that serves this demographic is vital for sustainable growth. The Lab not only strengthens Ghana’s innovation ecosystem but also empowers entrepreneurs to develop solutions with measurable impact. With limited resources typically available to social ventures, this accelerator provides a unique opportunity to build and scale solutions that can improve lives and shape more equitable development outcomes.






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