Applications are now open for the 2025 cohort of the UNICEF StartUp Lab, a dynamic six-month accelerator programme tailored for high-impact Ghanaian startups and social enterprises working to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for children and young people.
First launched in 2019, the UNICEF StartUp Lab is an initiative of UNICEF in Ghana, supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and implemented by MEST Africa. The programme combines UNICEF’s deep expertise in areas such as education, health and nutrition, child protection, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and social policy, with MEST Africa’s strengths in entrepreneurship training and ecosystem development. This powerful partnership ensures that participants receive both sector-specific insights and the entrepreneurial tools needed to build scalable, sustainable businesses.
The accelerator is designed for early-stage, impact-driven Ghanaian startups that are leveraging technology to address critical social challenges. Participants benefit from a robust support package including personalised mentorship from industry experts and UNICEF advisors, access to a network of United Nations System partners, funding for prototyping, capacity-building workshops, and tailored support to refine their business models and impact strategies.
Over the past editions, the UNICEF StartUp Lab has supported innovative ventures tackling challenges in areas such as remote learning, digital health, youth employment, and access to clean water. The programme plays a key role in building a pipeline of social entrepreneurs who are not only creating jobs but also solving real problems affecting children and young people across Ghana.
Applications for the current cohort will remain open until May 15, 2025. Interested startups are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this unique opportunity to grow their business while contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future for Ghana’s next generation.
