Application Process

All applications must be submitted via VentureWell’s online application platform. All deadlines end at 11:59pm Eastern Time on the deadline date unless otherwise indicated.

To access an existing account or create a new one click here. Then sign in, go to “Open Opportunities” and click on Moonshots for Development (M4D) Open Innovation Challenge 2025/26 to begin your application.

You may start, save, stop, and return to your application at any time before submitting. We recommend that you start your application at least 1 week before the deadline to leave ample time to edit, proofread, and gather supporting documentation.

Required Components:

In addition to all required text fields, which will require you to answer questions about yourself, your organization, and your solution and how it aligns with the M4D Open Innovation Challenge, we will also ask you to include these components:

Resumes (Required): PDF file upload or link to a PDF containing up to four resumes for key personnel who would implement the proposed solution. You can upload or link the file, you do not need to do both.
Pitch Deck (Required): A file upload or a link to a file that explains your proposed solution. PDF format is preferred, but Powerpoint and Apple Keynote files can be submitted. You can upload or link the file, you do not need to do both.
Pitch Video (Required): A video upload or a link to a video that introduces yourself and your solution in 2 minutes or less. You can upload or link the file, you do not need to do both.
- To add a video link, you could create the video using a platform like YouTube, Vimeo, Instagram, Facebook, etc. and then share the link. Make sure the sharing settings allow for public viewing so we can access the file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is funding available for participating teams?

The program starts with Phase 0 and there is no funding associated with Phase 0, however, teams will have access to a virtual bootcamp and tailored mentorship for their enterprise and support in developing their business model. Teams that successfully complete Phase 0 become eligible to apply for Phase 1 of the program with the chance to receive up to $10,000 USD and additional coaching sessions.

All applicants who are accepted into Phase 1 and successfully complete the Phase 1 program will be eligible to apply for Phase 2 of the program with the chance to receive up to $100,000 USD and pilot and implementation support. All applicants who are accepted into Phase 2 and successfully complete the Phase 2 program will be eligible to apply for Phase 3 of the program with the chance to receive up to $250,000 USD and additional support for scaling their business.

Is there a cost to apply or participate in this program?

No! There is no fee to apply and no fee to register if you are accepted to participate in the program.

What is the commitment for this program?

Teams accepted into Phase 0 are expected to participate in the full duration of the virtual bootcamp (expected to be held in May 2026), exact dates to be determined and 1 month of virtual mentorship. Upon successful completion of Phase 0, invited teams are also committed to applying for and participating in subsequent stages of the program, as applicable.

How do I know if my enterprise is ready for this program?

This program is open to teams with a validated business model, and a functional product or service already deployed in a live environment. If you need help calculating your readiness level, please visit this page for more information: https://www.scalingreadiness.org/calculator-readiness/

What language will the M4D programming be delivered in?

The bootcamp, mentoring, and business support for the M4D Open Innovation Challenge will be delivered in English.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Moonshots for Development Open Innovation Challenge, applicants MUST:

Be committed: The proposal should include at least one team member in a key leadership role. A team lead (CEO, CTO, founder, etc.) must commit to full participation in the program, which will include a virtual bootcamp and one month of tailored mentorship sessions. Applicants will commit to applying for subsequent stages of the program, if given the opportunity, and to learning and adaptation via stage-gate reviews, life-cycle analysis, and a scaling strategy coordinated with M4D and partner programmes.
Align with M4D Priorities: Presented innovations should strengthen local institutions & community governance for accountable service delivery and social cohesion, improve food & nutrition security via resilient, inclusive food systems and last-mile market/extension access, advance sustainable natural resource management & climate adaptation, including anticipatory action, and/or empower women, youth and vulnerable groups with gender-transformative, youth-inclusive approaches that make them agents of resilience.
Demonstrate a dedication to positive impact and your selected innovation track: Applicants should be able to show impact aligned with at least one Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), directly address challenges faced by smallholder farmers, enhance rural resilience and/or promote rural development, and align with one of the following innovation tracks: (1) Insurance, (2) Agroecology, (3) Digital Extension, and (4) Fragility, with particular interest in solutions that use AI and geospatial analysis to create positive impact for smallholder farmers and/or rural communities.
Be a legally registered enterprise: The enterprise should be legally established or formally registered, have a validated business model, and a functional product or service already deployed in a live environment.

M4D strives to make this process accessible for all eligible applicants. If you have barriers such as digital access or limited internet connectivity and you need further assistance with your application, please reach out to us directly via email at grants@venturewell.org.

Application Guidelines

Around the world, rural communities are navigating the accelerating impacts of climate change, economic uncertainty, and systemic fragility. The Moonshots for Development (M4D) Open Innovation Challenge calls on growth-stage enterprises to help meet these urgent challenges by advancing bold, practical solutions that strengthen resilience, support smallholder farmers, and improve livelihoods across vulnerable rural landscapes.

Innovators selected for this opportunity will:

Participate in the Phase 0 virtual bootcamp hosted by VentureWell where innovators will receive business model development support. (May 2026, exact dates TBC)
Receive one month of tailored mentorship. (targeted for May 2026)
Have the opportunity to apply for Phase 1 of the program with the chance to receive up to $10,000 USD and additional coaching sessions focused on your business development needs as well as the opportunity to leverage existing M4D resources and networks to benefit your organization.
- All applicants who are accepted into Phase 1 and successfully complete the Phase 1 program will be eligible to apply for Phase 2 of the program with the chance to receive up to $100,000 USD and pilot and implementation support.
  - All applicants who are accepted into Phase 2 and successfully complete the Phase 2 program will be eligible to apply for Phase 3 of the program with the chance to receive up to $250,000 USD and additional support for scaling their business

In addition to the above resources, challenge participants may be eligible to receive technical and/or financial resources from M4D Alliance Members, pending availability. These additional support resources will be determined in consultation with Alliance Members at each phase of program delivery.