Deadline Date: January 14, 2026
The Innovative Private Sector Development is now accepting applications for its IGNITE Investment Program to strengthen the investment deal flow by supporting tech-enabled startups and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises.
The IGNITE program presents a unique opportunity for tech-enabled startups and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises to strengthen their investment readiness and accelerate their growth. Designed to improve the flow of quality investment deals, the program supports businesses with strong commercial potential that are ready to engage with private investors and scale their operations.
IGNITE offers targeted grant funding to support both investment preparation and co-investment needs. The funding ceiling for the investment preparation grant is set at $50,000, while the co-investment grant can reach up to $350,000, providing meaningful financial leverage to help unlock private investment.
Participating firms benefit from a combination of technical assistance and financial support tailored to their stage of development. The program helps entrepreneurs refine their business models, develop effective financing strategies, and position themselves to successfully attract private capital within a realistic investment timeline.
As part of the program process, the selection, interview, and onboarding phase is expected to take approximately five to six weeks, although this timeline may be extended if additional documentation, clarifications, or scheduling adjustments are required. This structured approach ensures that selected firms are well prepared to fully benefit from the support provided.
The opportunity is open to early-stage startups and innovative SMEs across multiple sectors, provided their activities align with environmental and social management standards. Firms with market-ready solutions, early revenue traction, or strong investor interest are particularly well suited to benefit from the program’s structured support.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate clear growth ambitions and a genuine intention to raise private capital. Whether pursuing a high-growth venture path or a more moderate, sustainable expansion strategy, participating firms should be prepared to actively engage investors and work toward securing investment within months of completing the program.
Overall, IGNITE offers more than funding alone. It provides a pathway for promising enterprises to strengthen their foundations, attract investment, and transition from early-stage innovation to scalable, investable businesses capable of creating lasting economic impact.
For more information, visit IPSD II.
