World Bank’s Mission Billion Challenge

The 2nd Mission Billion Challenge is now open!

Call for Innovation to Strengthen Inclusion and Empower the 'Invisible Billion'

The COVID-19 pandemic highlights how countries with platforms (such as digital ID systems, digital payment systems, and integrated social protection information ecosystems) are able to quickly scale up existing or introduce new social protection programs. In particular, countries with such assets have been able to efficiently make emergency cash transfers to vulnerable groups—such as women and girls, the poor, informal workers, migrant workers, people living in remote areas, and refugees. 

The Mission Billion Challenge seeks solutions to how countries can increase their efforts to further support these groups—who often lack smartphones, computers and broadband internet access—so they can access services and cash transfers with minimal health risks.

Eligibility

• Individuals, including academics, entrepreneurs, scientists, technologists and other engaged citizens.
• Organizations involved in research, advocacy, design and implementation of digital ID systems, digital payment or social protection systems.
•  Please note:
• 
  
• Individuals must be of at least 18 years of age at time of entry
• Organizations must be legally established entities (profit, non-profit, academic) in their respective countries.

Expected Solutions

Innovations large or small. Human-centered solutions. Solutions that enhance the accessibility and inclusiveness of digital identification systems.

Solution applications must be written in English for the Global Prize and English or French for the WURI West Africa Prize. The Mission Billion Challenge will consider solutions at all stages of development:

Idea: A plan or concept by an individual or organization.

Prototype: An individual or organization building and testing a product, service, or model.

Pilot: An individual or organization deploying a tested product, service, or model in at least one location.

Growth: An individual or organization with an established product, service or model rolled out, which is poised for further growth in multiple locations.

Scale: An individual or organization working in several locations and that is looking to scale significantly, focusing on increased efficiency.

The most important thing is that your solution addresses the focus of the Mission Billion Challenge. Through open innovation, Mission Billion are looking for a diverse portfolio of solutions across geography, development stage, and team members’ gender and background. We encourage people of all backgrounds to submit applications.

Timeline

May 27, 2020 - Mission Billion Challenge Opens

August 14, 2020 - Deadline to Submit a Solution

September 16, 2020 - Finalists Announced

October 16-18, 2020 - Pitch Event during Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund

Prizes

Finalists for the Global and WURI West Africa Prizes will be invited to a high-level event during the World Bank Group Annual Meeting (or alternative) in October 2020 to present their solutions and to compete for up to $150,000 in cash prizes.