Deadline: September 10, 2025
Innovations Against Poverty (IAP) is a challenge fund that provides grants and technical support to innovative inclusive businesses that deliver sustainable solutions for people living in poverty.
The programme offers Grant funding, €50,000-€200,000 in matching grants, no equity taken or repayment required, fund equipment, operations, and scaling activities, Investment readiness, training and coaching to prepare your business for investors, technical expertise to tackle scaling challenges, financial modelling guidance to create investor-ready projections, Network access, connections to investors actively seeking opportunities, learning opportunities with other inclusive businesses, visibility through events and platforms.
Your business must be offering a product, service, or business model (or business line) innovation that directly benefits the base of the economic pyramid, and it must operate in Bangladesh. It should have passed the pilot stage and be generating revenue from the innovation, with robust financial systems and processes in place to ensure timely reporting. Businesses must also be able to co-invest at least 51% of the total project cost, either through cash or in-kind contributions. In addition, applicants should demonstrate the potential to grow sustainably and scale their impact, while complying with local laws and ethical standards, including labor rights, environmental regulations, and anti-corruption measures.
Applications for the programme opened on 13 August 2025 and will close on 10 September 2025. Shortlisting and due diligence are scheduled for October 2025, followed by investment panel pitches in November 2025. Awards will be announced in December 2025, notifying successful applicants.
The challenge fund is designed for inclusive businesses that are already past the pilot stage, generating revenue, and ready to expand. It is particularly suitable for businesses that can bring in co-investment and are prepared to scale sustainably. By offering both financial and technical support, the programme strengthens businesses to become investment-ready and to create measurable social impact.
The IAP process ensures that applicants benefit from tailored coaching, access to networks, and increased visibility. The ultimate goal is to enable businesses to innovate responsibly, comply with regulations, and contribute to poverty alleviation through sustainable solutions.
For more information, visit Innovations Against Poverty.
