Social entrepreneurs and aspiring founders in developing countries can apply for the D-Prize Interventions Challenge 2026, which offers up to $20,000 to launch a new organisation focused on distributing proven solutions to poverty. The global competition is designed for entrepreneurs who can take existing, evidence-backed products or services and get them to people who need them but are not yet able to access them. D-Prize does not primarily fund the invention of new solutions. Instead, it supports entrepreneurs who can improve the distribution of solutions that have already been proven to improve lives, typically funding the first three months of a new venture.
Key Eligibility Criteria
- Applicant Type: Designed for new entrepreneurs and new organisations, with strong encouragement for applicants from low- and middle-income countries.
- Operating History: Organisations with more than 18 months of full-time operations, or more than $30,000 raised, are typically not supported.
- Team: No co-founder or team required. Solo founders have been funded before.
- Focus: Applicants should be prepared to build and operate a new organisation focused on distributing a proven poverty intervention. Existing organisations may also be considered if their core focus is distribution of an existing, evidence-based solution.
Available Intervention Areas
Childhood Diarrhea Treatment, Reading Glasses, Childcare, Education, Road Safety, Government Transparency, Poverty Graduation, Agriculture, Post-Harvest Support, Quality Inputs, Water Filters, Maternal Health, Child Immunization, Oxygen, Patient Identification, DMPA-SC, and a Custom Intervention category for proposing an evidence-backed intervention not already listed.
Award Benefits
- Funding: Up to $20,000 to launch a pilot organisation and test the distribution model.
- D-Prize typically funds at least 15 proposals per competition, and it's not a winner-takes-all process.
- No application fee.
How the Application Works
- Round 1: Submit a two-page concept note and resume(s).
- Round 2: Top 5% of applicants answer additional written questions.
- Final Round: Phone and email interviews.
Applicants can submit only one idea per competition, and proposals must be written in English.
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Application Deadlines
- Early Submission: October 25, 2026.
- Regular Submission: November 15, 2026.
- Extension: December 6, 2026 (requires advance registration).
How to Apply
Select an intervention challenge and download the application packet through the D-Prize platform, then submit through the D-Prize online submission form. Applications are not accepted by email.
Disclaimer
Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Results and funding outcomes are not guaranteed.
