Deadline Date: June 23, 2026
The United Nations Development Programme is currently accepting applications to design digital tools that enable communities to report and respond to crisis impacts in real time.
The program focuses on developing innovative, scalable, and user-friendly mechanisms for capturing and submitting real-time damage data, supporting response to sudden-onset crises such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and conflicts.
The initiative seeks solutions that empower communities to actively contribute to crisis response by providing timely and accurate information. By enabling real-time data collection, the challenge aims to strengthen disaster response systems and improve the effectiveness of recovery efforts across diverse crisis scenarios.
The challenge follows a two-phase evaluation process in which submitted solutions, including technical details and pitch materials, are first reviewed by UNDP experts and partners. Selected applicants are shortlisted and invited to present their solutions directly, followed by further analysis and testing before final decisions on awards are made.
Participants have the opportunity to compete for an award of up to $50,000, granted to solutions that fully meet the specified requirements. UNDP may also issue partial awards depending on the evaluation outcomes. Award decisions are based on both the theoretical strength of the proposal and the experimental validation of the prototype. In addition, notable submissions that do not receive monetary awards may be recognized with honorable mentions.
Intellectual property rights remain protected throughout the process, with solvers required to grant non-exclusive license rights to UNDP only if they receive an award. Awarded solutions may be shared with other nonprofit organizations to enhance global crisis response capabilities. In cases where non-exclusive licensing is not feasible, UNDP may consider collaboration agreements.
The challenge is open to individuals, teams, and organizations worldwide. Through this initiative, UNDP aims to support solutions that improve crisis response systems, strengthen recovery processes, and help communities rebuild more effectively while reducing vulnerability to future risks.
For more information, visit UNDP.
