Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) Fund – Global Innovation Grants (All Stages)

The Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) Fund is a global funding programme that supports innovative, evidence-based solutions with the potential to improve millions of lives. The fund operates as an R&D engine for development, combining risk-tolerant capital with rigorous evidence and scaling pathways.

DIV’s core objective is to identify, test, and scale cost-effective innovations that deliver measurable social impact particularly in low- and middle-income contexts.

Funding Structure (Tiered Model)

DIV uses a stage-gated funding approach, allowing innovations to grow from early pilots to large-scale implementation:

Stage 1: Pilot

• Funding: Up to USD 200,000
• Purpose: Test feasibility, user demand, and early impact
• Focus: Does the innovation work in real-world conditions?

Stage 2: Test & Position for Scale

• Funding: Up to USD 500,000 (up to USD 750,000 in exceptional cases)
• Purpose: Validate impact and refine scaling model
• Focus: Is the solution cost-effective and scalable?

Stage 3: Scale

• Funding: Up to USD 1.5 million
• Purpose: Scale proven innovations with strong evidence
• Focus: Can the solution achieve sustained, large-scale impact?

What DIV Funds

The fund supports innovations across sectors, provided they:

• Address critical development challenges
• Have potential for high social return on investment
• Demonstrate a clear pathway to scale

This includes solutions in:

• Health
• Education
• Climate and environment
• Agriculture
• Economic inclusion
• Digital and public service delivery

Core Evaluation Criteria

All applications are assessed against three key pillars:

1. Evidence of Impact

• Strong theory of change
• Existing or potential evidence that the solution improves lives

2. Cost-Effectiveness

• Ability to deliver greater impact per dollar than alternatives

3. Potential for Scale

• Clear pathway to reach 1 million+ people
• Sustainable model (government, market-based, or hybrid)

Eligibility Criteria

DIV is open to:

• Startups and SMEs
• NGOs and social enterprises
• Research institutions
• Private sector companies

Applicants must:

• Present an innovative solution with development impact
• Demonstrate scalability and sustainability potential
• Have the capacity to implement and measure results

Application Process

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and involve:

1. Submission via online portal
2. Initial review against DIV criteria
3. Detailed due diligence (for shortlisted applicants)
4. Decision by expert funding panel
5. Milestone-based grant agreement

Funding is performance-based, tied to achieving agreed milestones.

Key Considerations for Applicants

• Strong emphasis on rigorous evidence and measurable outcomes
• Innovations must demonstrate value for money at scale
• The fund prioritizes solutions with global replication potential
• Applications must reflect clear human insight and contextual understanding (not generic or purely AI-generated content)

Click HERE to visit the official website.