Apply Now: SDG Blockchain Accelerator Program

Deadline: 30-Sep-26

The SDG Blockchain Accelerator is a global initiative that helps UN teams and technology innovators develop and scale blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and other emerging technology solutions for sustainable development challenges. The programme focuses on practical applications that can improve trust, transparency, efficiency, inclusion, accountability, digital payments, identity systems, supply chains, and data protection. The Accelerator provides selected participants with a structured four-month programme combining technical mentorship, business development support, solution architecture guidance, communications assistance, and access to technology and development ecosystems. What Is the SDG Blockchain Accelerator? The SDG Blockchain Accelerator is designed to connect development challenges with emerging technologies that can deliver practical and measurable results. The programme works with UN teams and technology innovators to move promising solutions beyond the pilot stage and toward responsible implementation and scale. The initiative has already supported two global cohorts, producing 46 implementation-ready solutions. According to the programme information, 70% of these solutions have been incorporated into ongoing national or regional programmes, while 12 have already been deployed in country contexts. Why Does the SDG Blockchain Accelerator Matter? Many development programmes face challenges involving fragmented data, limited transparency, inefficient transactions, weak traceability, and difficulties in reaching vulnerable populations. Blockchain, AI, and related technologies can potentially address these challenges when they are appropriately designed and integrated into existing systems. The Accelerator focuses on technologies that can help development programmes achieve: - Greater transparency and accountability. - More efficient service delivery. - Improved digital inclusion. - Secure and trusted transactions. - Better data management and privacy. - Improved traceability across supply chains. - More effective digital identity systems. - Scalable technology solutions for national and regional programmes. The programme prioritizes practical development outcomes rather than technology for its own sake. Key Focus Areas The SDG Blockchain Accelerator supports solutions addressing several important technology and development areas. Digital Payments Projects may explore blockchain or AI-enabled approaches that make digital payments more transparent, efficient, accessible, or secure. Digital Identity Technology solutions can address challenges related to identity verification, access to services, inclusion, and secure digital credentials. Traceability and Supply Chains Blockchain-based systems can potentially improve transparency and traceability across supply chains, helping development programmes monitor products, transactions, and resources. Data and Privacy Projects may focus on responsible data management, privacy protection, secure information sharing, and technologies that improve trust in digital systems. What Support Does the Accelerator Provide? Selected UN teams and technology innovators participate in a four-month structured acceleration process.

Support can include:

- Business development: Assistance in developing practical implementation and scaling strategies.

- Technical mentorship: Guidance from technology experts on appropriate technical approaches.

- Solution architecture: Support to design technology systems that can respond effectively to identified development challenges.

- Communications support: Assistance in communicating the value and impact of solutions.

- Ecosystem access: Opportunities to connect with relevant technology, development, and implementation partners.

- Implementation planning: Support for moving solutions toward real-world deployment.

- Post-acceleration support: Continued assistance aimed at integration and scaling.

The programme therefore helps bridge the gap between an early-stage technology pilot and an implementation-ready development solution. Who Is Eligible? The programme is intended for both UN entities and technology innovators that can contribute to practical sustainable development challenges.

Eligible participants can include:

- UNDP Country Offices. - UNDP regional bureaux. - Other UN entities presenting relevant development challenges. - Technology companies. - Technology innovators. - Organisations with relevant blockchain, AI, or emerging technology capabilities. Technology innovators should be able to contribute appropriate products, technical expertise, or implementation support.

Projects should generally:

- Be connected to an active UNDP programme or portfolio. - Address a practical development challenge. - Relate to one or more of the Accelerator’s focus areas. - Have a realistic opportunity for technology-enabled implementation. - Demonstrate potential for measurable development impact. - Show readiness to collaborate with UN teams and relevant stakeholders. How the SDG Blockchain Accelerator Works The Accelerator follows a collaborative model rather than simply providing funding for technology development.

Step 1: Identify a Development Challenge

A UN team identifies a specific development problem that could potentially benefit from an emerging technology solution.

Step 2: Identify the Appropriate Technology

The programme helps participants determine whether blockchain, AI, or another emerging technology is appropriate for addressing the challenge.

Step 3: Develop the Solution

UN teams and technology innovators collaborate to refine the proposed solution, including its technical architecture, implementation model, and expected development outcomes.

Step 4: Participate in the Acceleration Programme

Selected teams participate in the four-month acceleration process and receive technical, business, communications, and ecosystem support.

Step 5: Prepare for Implementation

Solutions are develop