About This Opportunity

D-Prize is a global seed funding competition that awards up to $20,000 to early-stage entrepreneurs launching new organisations to distribute proven, evidence-based solutions to poverty. Unlike most startup programs, D-Prize does not fund new inventions — it funds people ready to get existing, proven solutions into the hands of communities that need them most, whether in health, education, agriculture, energy, or livelihoods. Most past winners were first-time entrepreneurs who had never launched a venture or raised outside funding before applying. D-Prize particularly encourages applicants from low- and middle-income countries.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Open to individuals, teams, students, and professionals worldwide
  • Applicants from all African countries are eligible and strongly encouraged
  • Must be proposing a new organisation — not an existing one with more than 18 months of full-time operations or more than $30,000 USD already raised
  • Your venture must focus on distributing an existing, evidence-based poverty intervention (not a new or experimental idea)
  • No prior funding or formally established organisation required — most awardees are first-time founders

What You Get / Benefits

  • Up to $20,000 in seed funding (average award is approximately $16,000) to pilot your venture
  • Mentorship and strategic support to help you launch and demonstrate impact
  • Exposure to a global network of social innovators and funders
  • A launchpad for building a high-impact social enterprise with a clear path to scale

How to Apply

  • Visit d-prize.org and browse the available poverty challenge categories
  • Select a challenge that aligns with your skills, context, and passion
  • Download the application packet from the website
  • Prepare a two-page concept note covering your distribution model, barriers, pilot plan, outcome table, and budget — plus a one-page resume per team member
  • Submit your application before the deadline via the online portal
  • If shortlisted (top 5%), you will be invited to answer short written questions, followed by phone and email interviews

    • Tips

    • D-Prize funds distribution, not invention — your idea does not need to be new. Pick a proven solution (solar lamps, maternal health tools, agricultural inputs, etc.) and show how you will get it to the people who need it.
    • Keep your concept note tight and specific. With 3,000+ submissions per cycle, clarity and a realistic pilot plan matter more than grand ambitions.
    • If you need more time, register for the extension at d-prize.org/extension — this gives you until June 28, 2026 to submit.

    ⏰ The regular deadline was June 7, 2026. An extension is available until June 28, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT — register for it at d-prize.org/extension if you need the extra time.