UN Global Pulse Scale Accelerator Program 2026 ($60,000 in grants)

The UN Global Pulse Scale Accelerator, a United Nations program designed to help tested innovations expand their impact is now accepting applications for its 2026 cohort. The Accelerator supports UN-led teams with pilot-tested solutions that are ready to scale in development and humanitarian contexts, offering strategy development, expert guidance, and potential grant funding to extend impact across countries and communities

The UN Global Pulse Scale Accelerator Program is a flagship initiative designed to help United Nations-led teams transition their pilot-tested innovative solutions into sustainable, large-scale projects. 

The program specifically targets solutions that leverage data, digital technology, or AI to address global development and humanitarian challenges. 

About the UN Global Pulse Scale Accelerator?

The Scale Accelerator is a structured program that helps UN teams turn effective pilot initiatives into broader, sustainable solutions that deliver measurable social and development impact. It enables participating teams to develop scaling strategies, refine delivery models, and connect with multidisciplinary expertise to increase reach and effectiveness.

This effort aligns with broader goals to strengthen innovation across the UN system and support solutions that help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Benefits for Participant

Selected teams (typically nine per cohort) undergo a structured journey to refine their scaling strategies. 

• Funded Workshop: Selected teams attend an intensive, in-person workshop in Helsinki, Finland (scheduled for 8–12 June 2026).
• Scale Catalyst Grant: Following the workshop, the three most compelling scaling strategies are awarded a grant of USD $60,000 each to fund implementation.
• Expert Mentorship: Teams receive tailored technical guidance on impact measurement, ethical innovation, and partnership brokering with the public and private sectors.

Eligibility Criteria

Applications are open to teams within the UN system (UN entities, agencies, funds, and programmes) that meet the following criteria:

Must be led or co-led by a UN entity and have been piloted at least once with documented evidence of positive outcomes.

Applicants must articulate how their solution contributes to sustainable impact, engagement with end users, and incorporation of cross-cutting themes such as human rights, gender equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Projects are expected to apply data, digital technologies, or AI as enablers, although applicable approaches can span low-tech to high-tech based on context.

The solution should demonstrate readiness to scale — meaning it has potential to reach more people or influence broader systems.

How To Aaply

Applications for the 2026 Cohort are currently open, focusing on agile and future-ready solutions for the UN’s 80th anniversary. 

Interested UN teams can review the official FAQ document and submit their applications through the UN Global Pulse application portal.

• Application Period: 21 January – 11 February 2026 (Midnight).

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