Deadline Date: March 06, 2026
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) StartUp Lab Challenge is requesting applications to develop AI-driven diagnostic solutions that support teachers in identifying and closing foundational learning gaps.
The challenge focuses on AI-powered diagnostic tools for teachers, rapid and teacher-friendly identification of foundational literacy and numeracy gaps, support for educators at JHS, SHS, and TVET levels, AI-driven remedial strategies, creation of longitudinal learner profiles, and improving the identification and understanding of learners’ literacy and numeracy levels.
The winning startup will receive a $5,000 funding grant, direct mentorship from UNICEF education specialists, and technical support to develop longitudinal learner profiles aimed at achieving national impact.
The initiative calls on Ghana’s innovators to design solutions that empower teachers to quickly and accurately diagnose foundation-level literacy and numeracy gaps among students. The goal is to enable immediate and effective remedial action supported by artificial intelligence.
The challenge responds to a critical need, as many children exit primary school without basic literacy and numeracy skills. There is limited accurate data on the extent of this issue, and teachers at junior high school, senior high school, and technical and vocational education and training levels are often not adequately equipped to identify these challenges or provide targeted remedial support.
Through this challenge, selected innovators will work to create practical tools that allow educators at upper levels to better understand the learning levels of individual students and respond effectively.
For more information, visit UNICEF StartUp Lab.
