Up to $20,000 for Startups Tackling Global Poverty – D-Prize 2026

The D-Prize Global Competition 2026 is offering up to $20,000 in seed funding to aspiring entrepreneurs developing new organisations that can deliver proven poverty solutions to underserved communities.

The programme focuses on solving the last-mile distribution problem, helping existing, evidence-based interventions reach people who need them most.

Rather than funding the invention of new products, D-Prize supports entrepreneurs who can create scalable businesses, charities or social enterprises to distribute solutions that already work.

Here's what you can expect:

• Up to $20,000 in seed funding

• Funding to launch a new organisation

• Support for an initial three-month pilot

• Opportunities for first-time entrepreneurs

• Funding for nonprofit and for-profit ventures

• Access to a global network of social entrepreneurs

• Potential support with securing further funding after a successful pilot

• Opportunities to develop scalable solutions that reach thousands or millions of people

What projects can be funded?

D-Prize supports distribution-focused projects addressing poverty through proven interventions in areas such as:

• Healthcare: Improving access to essential treatments, medicines and preventative healthcare

• Education: Helping underserved communities access effective educational solutions

• Agriculture: Distributing proven technologies and services that improve agricultural productivity

• Clean Water: Expanding access to safe drinking water and water treatment solutions

• Livelihoods: Helping people access tools and opportunities that improve their incomes

• Public Services: Making essential services more accessible to underserved populations

Applicants can choose from D-Prize's published challenges or propose a Custom Intervention supported by credible evidence.

Who can apply?

• Aspiring entrepreneurs from around the world

• First-time founders

• Individuals or teams planning to launch a new organisation

• Entrepreneurs establishing nonprofits, NGOs or for-profit businesses

• Founders developing scalable solutions to poverty

• Applicants from low- and middle-income countries, who are particularly encouraged to apply

Applicants should generally:

• Be launching a new organisation or operating at a very early stage

• Have a clear plan for distributing an existing, proven intervention

• Demonstrate how their solution could eventually reach large numbers of people

• Be prepared to commit significant time to launching and growing the organisation

• Have a realistic plan for implementing and evaluating an initial pilot

Organisations with more than 18 months of full-time operations or more than $30,000 in funding already raised are typically not supported.

Existing organisations may only be considered where their core focus is distributing a proven, evidence-based poverty intervention.

How to apply:

The selection process involves three stages:

1. Round 1: Submit a two-page concept note and founder CVs.

2. Round 2: Approximately 5% of applicants are invited to answer additional written questions.

3. Final Round: Shortlisted entrepreneurs complete interviews, with approximately 1% receiving funding.

Funding: Up to $20,000 per successful venture

Early Submission Deadline: 25 October 2026