• "SDG Impact Accelerator (SDGia) is an inspiring initiative under Turkey's humanitarian and enterprising foreign policy..." more »
    Faruk Kaymakçı
    Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director for EU Affairs of the Republic of Turkey
    Faruk Kaymakçı
    Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director for EU Affairs of the Republic of Turkey

    SDG Impact Accelerator (SDGia) is an inspiring initiative under Turkey's humanitarian and enterprising foreign policy. It brings public and private sectors together to address some of the most complex development challenges of the 21st century. The II Phase of SDGia is focused on financial inclusion challenges in Bangladesh and the utilization of technology in agriculture in Uganda.

    Startups that want to create an impact in the world through their innovative solutions by joining the Accelaration Programme will not only have the opportunity to accelarate their businesses but will also be contributing to the achievement of SDGs and the overarching aim of “Leaving No One Behind“.

    I believe with the Covid-19 Pandemic this has become more important than ever and I congratulate everyone who is playing part in these efforts and thank our partners UNDP Turkey, UN Technology Bank for LDCs, the Government of Bangladesh and the Government of Uganda.

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  • "In today’s world where the need to focus on solutions for the most pressing issues of the globe is inevitable..." more »
    Claudio Tomasi
    UNDP Turkey Resident Representative
    Claudio Tomasi
    UNDP Turkey Resident Representative

    In today’s world where the need to focus on solutions for the most pressing issues of the globe is inevitable, we remain strongly dedicated to work for the Sustainable Development Goals and continue our efforts to accelerate our response to the needs of the most vulnerable populations. The SDG Impact Accelerator is playing a crucial role on boosting these efforts in a powerful collaboration with the governments, entrepreneurs and the private sector that are willing to create an impact to the world in line with our principle of “Leave no one behind” together with us.

    I strongly believe that the program will have a significant impact on selected development challenges in Bangladesh and Uganda through innovative solutions. UNDP is proud to be a part of this initiative with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, the UN Technology Bank for LDCs, the Government of Bangladesh and the Government of Uganda.

  • "The UN Technology Bank is a proud partner in the SDG Impact Accelerator and we recognise..." more »
    Joshua Setipa
    UNTB for LDCs Managing Director
    Joshua Setipa
    UNTB for LDCs Managing Director

    The UN Technology Bank is a proud partner in the SDG Impact Accelerator and we recognise the important role it will play in leaving no one behind, especially in least developed countries such as Uganda and Bangladesh. By empowering entrepreneurs and providing innovative, forward-thinking solutions, we can collectively contribute to finding answers to some of the most pressing challenges faced by disadvantaged groups.

  • "The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MoSTI) is privileged to be part of this transformative partnership..." more »
    Hon Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye
    Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MoSTI)
    Hon Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye
    Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MoSTI)

    The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MoSTI) is privileged to be part of this transformative partnership that brings together UNDP Turkey, the UN Technology Bank for LDCs and MoSTI among others to facilitate the implementation of the SDGia by harnessing the power of ICT to address some of the most binding challenges in the agricultural sector in Uganda. I am confident that this call by the coalition of the willing that seeks to leverage innovation, technology and entrepreneurship is set to plant a mustard seed with a potential of creating immense impact in the agricultural sector.

  • "Bangladesh is celebrating Mujib Borsho to commemorate the birth centenary..." more »
    Zunaid Ahmed Palak
    State Minister for ICT Division
    Zunaid Ahmed Palak
    State Minister for ICT Division

    Bangladesh is celebrating Mujib Borsho to commemorate the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation and 50th birth anniversary of the Country. Under the Digital Bangladesh campaign, information technology impacting lives of millions by reducing poverty and empowering people with innovative tech-based services such as e-commerce, e-payments, Telehealth, online education and mobile banking etc. Startups are at the forefront of driving such essential services for the citizens. SDGi Accelerator spearheaded by the Turkish government and UN will encourage local and international startups to find innovative solutions in the areas of fintech and Agri tech. I wish all contestants best of luck and commit all necessary support from the ICT Division.

SDG Impact Accelerator

Empowering Impact Entrepreneurs for Systems Change

We see the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the universal call for action to all fellow human beings. The SDG Impact Accelerator (SDGia) is a global accelerator built by a multi stakeholder platform focusing on empowering “systems entrepreneurs” and innovators who are providing impact at scale.

Our initiative aims to generate market-creating innovations initially for refugee populations and least-developed country (LDC) populations. Market-creating innovations will be executed not by focusing on a particular solution only, but by mobilizing different stakeholders to catalyze systems change.

As the partners of SDGia we are building a unique model for accelerating the discovery and market entry of solutions for the selected big problems related specifically to topics described below. We will do this by finding, mentoring, and funding founders and innovators in an accelerated time frame with the help of global investors, mentors and partners.

Call for Impact

If you are working on any technology, service or product offering a solution to the challenges defined below, we are ready to support you to accelerate and implement your solution through our 2020 calls:

Digital Agriculture

Farmers today, are facing significant pressures to feed an ever-growing population and their challenges are far more complex in the light of climate change issues and the pandemic resulting in international trade challenges. The need to adopt modern and sustainable farming practices backed by technology is evident. If you have an innovative product/solution that will add value in digitalization of agriculture in Uganda click here to apply.

Financial Inclusion

A huge number of people in especially least developed countries (LDCs) currently do not have access to basic financial services such as bank accounts, credit, savings, and insurance products. Financial inclusion is a major element of social inclusion with potential to create major economic and social impact. To implement your product/ solution in Bangladesh and take the financial inclusion further, apply here.

We believe in Passionate, Productive and Patient founders from all around the world with a focus on building sustainable business models while realizing their inventions and ideas. Follow us on twitter and instagram to keep updated.

What We Offer

EQUITY FREE CASH

The teams that successfully complete pre-acceleration and are accepted to the accelerator program will be granted cash up to $15K and in-kind support.

MENTORING

Building a sustainable business requires many functions to operate together. SDGia program is designed to have mentors support your specific needs while you grow your business.

FIELD VISITS

Adapting a product to a specific market requires frequent contact and clear understanding between the solver and the beneficiaries. Physical or not, SDGia takes you closer to the field for understanding the users and meeting with the main actors.

NETWORK

SDGia’s global and local support network with its strong partners covers a wide range of organizations willing to support you during and beyond the program.

IMPACT CAPITAL

The SDGia is building an impact fund to be allocated to the accelerator graduates. An investment offer up to up to $100K could be made available to the successful graduates of the accelerator.

IMPLEMENTATION

SDGia focuses on getting your project live on the field. We make targeted introductions to make the process smoother and continue supporting you during the implementation phase.

Equity Free Cash

The teams that successfully complete pre-acceleration and are accepted to the accelerator program will be granted cash up to $15K and in-kind support.

Mentoring

Building a sustainable business requires many functions to operate together. SDGia program is designed to have mentors support your specific needs while you grow your business.

Field Visits

Adapting a product to a specific market requires frequent contact and clear understanding between the solver and the beneficiaries. Physical or not, SDGia takes you closer to the field for understanding the users and meeting with the main actors.

Network

SDGia’s global and local support network with its strong partners covers a wide range of organizations willing to support you during and beyond the program.

Impact Capital

The SDGia is building an impact fund to be allocated to the accelerator graduates. An investment offer up to up to $100K could be made available to the successful graduates of the accelerator.

Implementation

SDGia focuses on getting your project live on the field. We make targeted introductions to make the process smoother and continue supporting you during the implementation phase.

LATEST SDGia NEWS

SDG Impact Accelerator Team and Project Partners Came Together with Startups on a Live Webinar

Running the second phase to create innovative solutions to development problems, this time on financial inclusion and digital ...

SDG Impact Accelerator Opens Its Second Global Call for Startups

SDG Impact Accelerator (SDGia), a global accelerator launched by Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UNDP in 2018, has opened its ...

The 2nd phase of Turkey’s “SDG Impact Accelerator” takes off in Bangladesh and Uganda

Following its pilot program successfully launched in 2019, Sustainable Development Goals Impact Accelerator (SDGia) partners identified ...

Turkish Private Sector to Support International Development Cooperation Activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Foundation Act was signed for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Impact Accelerator Foundation. Having started its activities ...

SDG Impact Accelerator featured at the Global Refugee Forum as a multi-stakeholder model to support refugees

Innovative solutions to improve the lives of refugees in Turkey have been presented on 16 December 2019 at the Spotlight Session ...

Turkey leads international public & private sector coalition to achieve SDGs by accelerating innovative solutions for refugees

Innovative solutions to improve the lives of refugees in Turkey have been presented on 23 September 2019 at a high-level side event ...

Turkey is becoming a hub of innovative solutions for the problems faced by refugees

The “Demo Day” of Turkey’s first-ever international impact acceleration programme “SDG Impact Accelerator” led by the Turkish Ministry ...

Second Field Visit in Istanbul, Gaziantep and Ankara

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Impact Accelerator’s second field visit has been organized by WFP, UNDP and Ministry of ...

10 startups to continue on into the Acceleration period announced

The SDG Impact Accelerator is proud to announce the following 10 funded startups to continue on into the Acceleration period, ...

SDG-Impact-Accelerator-next-round

SDG Impact Accelerator to select initiatives to qualify for the next round

Aiming to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Turkey’s first-ever international impact accelerating ...

We’d love to hear from you

If you have an idea and feel that it will contribute to the impact accelerator, contact us.

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© 2021 SDGia

  • MANIFESTO

    The world is facing one of the largest crisis in history of humanity: More than 70 million people are displaced around the world due to wars, economic inequalities and climate change. This number is expected only to increase in the upcoming years.

    Displaced people face a variety of livelihood challenges. These challenges are complex and their solutions are usually beyond the capacity of individual governments, corporations or international organizations.

    The SDG Impact Accelerator was started with a belief in the power of entrepreneurs in providing solutions to the livelihood problems of displaced people by catalyzing cooperation between the relevant stakeholders in an action-oriented and solution-focused way.

    We aim to accelerate the solutions by startups, spinoffs or research teams by making them to work together with relevant stakeholders in pre-determined systemic challenges. In Summer 2019, we open two challenges, supported by some of the most critical institutions in the respective areas:

    • Sanitations solutions – supported by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the world’s largest private donor institution and Eczacibasi Vitra, one of the largest sanitation systems producers globally
    • Digital ID solutions – supported by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and World Food Program (WFP)

    The SDG Impact Accelerator is initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey. More than 4 million displaced people live in Turkey, the country hosting largest number of refugees in the world. Turkey is an excellent place to explore new solutions to the needs of displaced people. The Summer 2019 programs of the SDG Impact Accelerator will support testing new solutions, which in turn would be scalable to other locations.

    The program is also supported by Limak Holding, a Turkish conglomerate with investments in energy, health and transport in developing countries. A number of global technology luminaries support the program through the international advisory board.

    • If you are a startup, spinoff, a social venture or a corporate or research team that wants to be involved in the challenges, you can apply here.
    • If you are a corporation, philanthropic foundation, international organization or an impact investor that can potentially partner with the SDG Impact Accelerator, you can get in touch with us here.
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