The Commission launched the first edition of the European Prize for Humanitarian Innovation (InnovAid) at the European Humanitarian Forum, on 21 March 2023.
The European Prize for Humanitarian Innovation (InnovAid), supported by the European Innovation Council (EIC) under Horizon Europe, recognises the European actors that have developed game-changing and lifesaving technological solutions which have enhanced the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of humanitarian response. The prize is aimed at incentivising change and inspiring other humanitarian actors to scale up actions and foster innovation.
The contest will award three prizes. The winner will receive €250 000 (ranked 1st), while the two runners-up will receive €150 000 and €100 000 for the applications ranked 2nd and 3rd.
The contest is open for applications from 21 March (00:00 CET) until 3 October 2023 (17:00 CET)
The competition is open to companies, humanitarian non-governmental organisations and other legal entities established in one of the EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories) or in a country associated to Horizon Europe.
A jury of independent experts will evaluate how the applicants are pushing the boundaries of technological innovation in humanitarian emergencies by looking at the following criteria:
- Innovating by using new technologies to address the needs of those in a most vulnerable situation;
- Delivering quality and sustainability of the solutions compared to existing practices;
- Assuring affordability and cost effectiveness and offering better value for money compared to existing solutions;
- Engaging with end users by ensuring their involvement in the design of tools that impact them.
Further details and exceptions can be consulted in the rules of contest.
An online info session for potential applicants is scheduled on 23 May, registrations will open in April.
Check the InnovAid webpage for updates.