Moonshots for Development (M4D) Open Innovation Challenge 2026

📖 About Moonshots for Development (M4D) Open Innovation Challenge

The Moonshots for Development (M4D) Open Innovation Challenge invites innovators to pilot solutions that address food system resilience in rural and indigenous communities. It emphasizes sustainable, inclusive, and scalable solutions tailored to the needs of smallholder farmers and rural households.

💰 Benefits of Moonshots for Development (M4D) Open Innovation Challenge

The program offers up to $360,000 USD in funding, delivered through a structured multi-phase innovation journey:

1. Phase 0:

   • Virtual bootcamp designed to propel business model development.
   • Includes a month of personalized mentorship to set the foundation for success in later stages.

2. Phase 1:

   • Selected teams can secure up to $10,000 USD.
   • Offers bespoke coaching tailored to unique business needs, with exclusive access to M4D’s resources and networks.

3. Phase 2:

   • Top teams can earn up to $100,000 USD.
   • Includes comprehensive pilot and implementation support to bring your vision to life.

4. Phase 3:

   • Finalists have the potential to earn up to $250,000 USD.
   • Receive unparalleled support to scale your enterprise to new heights.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants include:

• Teams with a validated business model.
• Projects or startups with a functional product or service deployed in a live environment.
• Innovators capable of piloting solutions that directly impact rural and smallholder communities.

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to execute solutions with measurable social, economic, or environmental outcomes.

📝 Application Date and Process

Steps to Apply:

1. Form a Team:
   Ensure you have a validated business model and deployed solution.

2. Select Challenge Track:
   Choose one of four focus areas: Insurance, Agroecology, Digital Extension, or Fragility.

3. Prepare Application Materials:
   Include technical details, proof of product deployment, and social impact potential.

4. Submit Application:
   Follow the official M4D application guidelines through the online portal.

5. Participate in Phase 0 Bootcamp:
   Engage in mentorship and business model refinement.

6. Progress Through Phases:
   Access progressively larger funding and implementation support based on performance and impact potential.

📅 Application Deadline

30 March, 2026

🌐 Application Portal

• View details of the Moonshots for Development (M4D) Open Innovation Challenge.
• Apply directly via the official application portal.

This opportunity is a remarkable chance for innovators to make a significant impact on rural and indigenous communities while accessing substantial funding and support.

• Up to $360,000 USD in funding through a structured multi-phase innovation journey.
• Phase 0: Virtual bootcamp with personalized mentorship.
• Phase 1: Up to $10,000 USD funding with bespoke coaching.
• Phase 2: Up to $100,000 USD funding with pilot and implementation support.
• Phase 3: Up to $250,000 USD funding for scaling enterprises.