[DhakaTribune] USAID opens applications for boosting innovation ecosystem in Bangladesh

This article was published by DhakaTribune on August 3, 2022 [Source]

The move is urgent at a time when both the frequency and scale of humanitarian crises are increasing and compounded by climate change, said the organization

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has opened applications for a new challenge competition to strengthen the innovation ecosystem for humanitarian challenges and community resilience in Bangladesh. 

The challenge will create more robust support structures for innovators and humanitarian actors to develop, test and scale innovations that complement traditional humanitarian responses and build long-term community resilience. 

The organization said the move is urgent at a time when both the frequency and scale of humanitarian crises are increasing and compounded by climate change – the humanitarian community’s ability to respond is stretched thin.

The challenge is part of the Accelerating Innovation for Resilience (AI4Resilience) initiative in Bangladesh, implemented by the US-based nonprofit Global Knowledge Initiative (GKI) in partnership with Spring Activator, a global incubator, accelerator, and advisory firm. 

The AI4Resilience challenge supports the co-creation of solutions to catalyze the supply and scale of innovations for community-led humanitarian response and long-term resilience. At the same time, the initiative will enhance relevant capacities, networks, partnerships, and collaboration across the community. 

AI4Resilience has set aside $300,000 for the challenge participants to support the design and implementation of the solutions. Participants will also receive a wide array of support, including coaching, mentoring, technical assistance, partnership development and events.