The UN Global Pulse Scale Accelerator Program 2026 is now open for applications, offering an exciting opportunity for eligible United Nations teams to scale proven innovations with the potential to deliver significant development and humanitarian impact.
The programme supports solutions that have moved beyond pilot stage and are ready to expand their reach, influence systems, and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations worldwide.
This call provides structured acceleration support, expert mentorship, and scaling grants of up to USD 60,000 for selected teams.
About the UN Global Pulse Scale Accelerator Program 2026
The UN Global Pulse Scale Accelerator Program 2026 is a specialised United Nations initiative designed to help tested innovations transition from successful pilots into scalable, sustainable solutions.
The accelerator focuses on strengthening scaling strategies, improving implementation readiness, and enabling broader adoption of impactful innovations across countries, regions, or systems. The programme supports solutions that leverage data, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, or innovative methodologies to address development and humanitarian challenges.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Applications are open exclusively to teams within the United Nations system, including:
- UN agencies
- UN entities
- UN funds and programmes
To be eligible, teams must meet the following criteria:
- The innovation must have been pilot-tested at least once, with evidence of positive results
- The solution must demonstrate readiness to scale, showing clear potential for expansion and wider impact
- The innovation should use data, digital tools, AI, or other enabling technologies (low-tech solutions are also considered where relevant)
- The project must align with UN principles, including human rights, gender equality, diversity, and inclusion
Innovations addressing urgent challenges in least developed, fragile, or vulnerable contexts are strongly encouraged.
Key Focus Areas
The programme welcomes innovations that contribute to:
- Sustainable development outcomes
- Humanitarian response and resilience
- Evidence-based decision-making
- Data-driven policy and programme implementation
- Scalable solutions that can be adopted across multiple contexts
Programme Benefits
Selected teams participating in the Scale Accelerator will receive comprehensive support designed to strengthen both strategy and execution.
Scaling Strategy Development
Participants will take part in structured workshops and coaching sessions focused on developing robust and actionable scaling strategies tailored to their innovation.
Expert Mentorship and Technical Support
Teams will receive guidance from multidisciplinary experts to refine their approach, address scaling challenges, and strengthen pathways to impact.
Partnerships and Networking
The programme provides access to a broad network of partners across the UN system, public sector, and private sector to support adoption, collaboration, and sustainability.
Scale Catalyst Grant Funding
A limited number of participating teams will receive scale catalyst grants of up to approximately USD 60,000 to support the implementation of their scaling strategies.
Travel support and allowances for in-person programme activities are provided in line with UN regulations.
Application Timeline
- Applications open: 21 January 2026
- Application deadline: 11 February 2026 (midnight EST)
Applicants are expected to clearly demonstrate:
- Evidence of pilot success
- Readiness and feasibility for scaling
- Anticipated development or humanitarian impact
- Alignment with UN values and strategic priorities
Important Notes
- This opportunity is not open to private startups, NGOs, or organisations outside the UN system
- Only innovations led or co-led by UN agencies or entities are eligible
- All application instructions and detailed guidelines are provided through the official programme platform
How to Apply
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