What's Happening?
The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through Innovation Norway, is offering funding for humanitarian organizations to partner with private sector actors in developing solutions for crisis-affected populations. The initiative, known as the Humanitarian
Innovation Programme, focuses on co-developing or scaling solutions in areas such as green humanitarian response, health, protection, innovative finance, and food security. The program is structured to ensure that the humanitarian organization is the primary applicant and grant recipient, with the private sector partner involved in the project. Two streams are available: an Innovation Lab for early-stage co-development and a Scaling stream for solutions already validated with a private partner. The funding amounts range from NOK 4,000,000 to 10,000,000, with a total historical envelope of NOK 100,000,000.
Why It's Important?
This funding initiative is significant as it encourages collaboration between humanitarian organizations and the private sector, fostering innovative solutions to address complex crises. By focusing on areas like green response and food security, the program aligns with global sustainable development goals, potentially leading to more effective and sustainable humanitarian interventions. The involvement of private sector partners can bring in new technologies and business models, enhancing the capacity of humanitarian organizations to respond to emergencies. This approach not only addresses immediate needs but also builds resilience in affected communities, potentially reducing future vulnerabilities.
What's Next?
Organizations interested in applying must be headquartered in Norway or be a UN humanitarian agency. The deadline for applications is August 16, 2026. Successful applicants will need to demonstrate a clear partnership with a private sector entity and outline the commercial logic for the partner's involvement. The program's focus on co-development suggests that selected projects will undergo a collaborative design process, potentially leading to innovative solutions that can be scaled globally. As the deadline approaches, interested organizations will likely intensify efforts to form partnerships and develop compelling proposals.
