UNICEF Startup Lab Cohort 6 Program for Early-stage Startups

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The UNICEF Startup Lab Cohort 6 pre-application is now open, offering early-stage startups an exciting opportunity to collaborate with one of the world’s most influential development organizations. Designed to support innovative, impact-driven solutions for children and young people, this initiative is calling on entrepreneurs, innovators, and social enterprises to take the first step toward scaling solutions that address real-world challenges.

If you are building a startup with the potential to create measurable social impact—especially in areas aligned with UNICEF’s mission—this opportunity could be a game-changer for your venture.

The UNICEF Startup Lab is an innovation support program created to identify, nurture, and accelerate promising startups developing solutions that improve the lives of children, adolescents, and vulnerable communities. Through mentorship, technical guidance, exposure to global networks, and access to UNICEF’s ecosystem, selected startups gain the tools they need to grow sustainably and responsibly.

Now entering Cohort 6, the Startup Lab continues to strengthen its commitment to fostering innovation in sectors such as health, education, climate action, digital inclusion, child protection, and social development.

About UNICEF Startup Lab Cohort 6 Pre-Application

The pre-application stage is the first step in the UNICEF Startup Lab Cohort 6 selection process. At this stage, applicants are required to submit basic information about themselves and their startup. Once the pre-application form is successfully completed, eligible applicants will receive a link to the main application form, where more detailed information will be required.

This approach allows UNICEF and its partners to efficiently identify startups that align with the program’s goals while giving founders a simple and accessible entry point into the selection process.

Eligibility Criteria

The UNICEF Startup Lab Cohort 6 pre-application is ideal for:

Early-stage startups and social enterprises
Founders developing innovative, scalable solutions
Teams addressing social challenges affecting children and youth
Entrepreneurs interested in collaborating with global development partners
Startups operating in Africa or other emerging markets (depending on cohort focus)

While startups at different stages may apply, priority is often given to ventures with a clear problem statement, a defined solution, and strong potential for impact.