Deadline: December 1, 2025
The Mercy Corps Ventures AI for Financial Resilience 2025/2026 initiative invites innovative start-ups leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to build financial solutions that strengthen the resilience of underserved communities. This programme aims to accelerate inclusive financial innovation across emerging markets, with a particular focus on Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
By supporting AI-driven solutions that empower low-income, unbanked, and climate-vulnerable populations, the initiative seeks to create scalable financial products that foster equitable access to capital, security, and opportunity.
About the Opportunity
Mercy Corps Ventures (MCV) is calling for applications from start-ups pioneering AI-powered financial tools designed to enhance financial resilience and inclusion. The AI for Financial Resilience 2025/2026 programme supports the development of financial innovations using cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and blockchain.
The initiative focuses on practical, technology-based financial solutions that reach people excluded from traditional financial systems. Examples of solutions being sought include:
- AI-driven insurance products;
- Parametric credit systems;
- Tokenised savings and digital asset tools;
- Anticipatory cash transfers and remittance models;
- AI-based financial education and capacity-building platforms.
Mercy Corps Ventures aims to catalyse responsible innovation by providing financial and technical support to promising ventures committed to building a more inclusive and resilient digital economy.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to start-ups developing innovative financial solutions that serve the unbanked or underbanked, particularly:
- Low-income individuals and small business owners (MSMEs);
- Women, migrants, and other underserved demographics;
- Populations in emerging markets, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Applicants must:
- Have a product or prototype leveraging AI or other emerging technologies;
- Demonstrate clear potential for measurable social impact;
- Submit applications in English.
Benefits/Award Details
Selected start-ups will receive:
- Equity-free grants of up to USD 50,000;
- Access to expert mentorship from Mercy Corps Ventures’ global network;
- Advisory support on impact measurement and responsible AI deployment;
- Partnership and investment matchmaking opportunities;
- Brand visibility and inclusion in the Mercy Corps Ventures knowledge-sharing ecosystem.
A total of five innovative start-ups will be selected to participate in the 2025/2026 cohort.
Application Requirements
Applicants must present clear, scalable, and sustainable AI-driven solutions that promote financial inclusion. Required documentation typically includes:
- Company profile and founding team overview;
- Description of the product and its unique value proposition;
- Business model and financial sustainability plan;
- Evidence of traction or early adoption (if available).
All submissions must be completed online via the official application portal before the deadline.
Timeline/Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 1 December 2025
- Programme Year: 2025/2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit early to ensure eligibility verification and adequate review time.
How to Apply
Interested start-ups can apply online via the official application portal. Applicants should carefully review all eligibility and submission requirements before completing the online form.
Selection Process
Applications will be evaluated based on innovation, impact potential, scalability, and alignment with the financial resilience theme. The selection panel will consider how well each solution uses AI responsibly to address systemic barriers to financial inclusion in emerging markets.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to present their projects for final review before grant awards are announced.
Additional Information
The Mercy Corps Ventures AI for Financial Resilience 2025/2026 initiative represents an opportunity for start-ups at the intersection of fintech and social innovation to drive inclusive economic growth. Through this programme, Mercy Corps Ventures continues its mission to empower entrepreneurs who are building adaptive solutions for communities most affected by financial and climate vulnerability.
For detailed information about the programme and selection process:
Read More about the Programme
(Contact us for proposal drafting, refining and review.)
