From transparent supply chains to secure digital identities, blockchain revolutionizes global development. Introducing the SDG Blockchain Accelerator, where blockchain technology is harnessed to develop, pilot, and scale innovative solutions to accelerate the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The SDG Blockchain Accelerator builds onUNDP’s Blockchain Academy and the UN Blockchain Community of Practice, and is supported by BGA’s Incubation Program and EMURGO Labs’ technical expertise. Together, these partnerships will help equip UNDP personnel with the skills and tools needed to apply blockchain solutions to real-world development challenges.
The SDG Blockchain Accelerator ensures that promising projects will receive the resources, mentorship, and technical support needed to scale and be replicated across the UN ecosystem.
Accelerator Roadmap: From concept to impact
The SDG Blockchain Accelerator is a multi-year program, running two cohorts per year, each for four months. Participants journey from concept validation to pilot implementation, gaining the opportunity to showcase their work on a global stage, attract additional support, and unlock potential funding.
Throughout 2025, the program focuses on UNDP-led blockchain innovations, with plans to expand to other UN agencies in 2026. By fostering knowledge exchange and encouraging open-source collaboration, the accelerator aspires to be the go-to platform for blockchain-powered social impact across the UN system.
The SDG Blockchain Accelerator offerings will:
Enhance capacity building: Equip early-stage blockchain projects with technical expertise and mentorship.
Develop scalable solutions: Implement pilot projects that showcase blockchain’s real-world applications in development sectors.
Foster ecosystem growth: Promote cross-chain collaboration and enhance innovation across the broader blockchain ecosystem.
SDG Blockchain Accelerator: Open call for blockchain challenges
Are you ready to harness the power of blockchain to drive sustainable development? The SDG Blockchain Accelerator is now inviting UNDP teams from around the world to submit challenges that can be addressed using blockchain technology. This is your chance to pilot and grow blockchain-based innovations that tackle critical SDG priorities.
Submissions will be assessed based on their potential impact, scalability, and relevance in development contexts. The top 60 most promising UNDP challenges will be selected: 10 will enter the first accelerator cohort, while the remaining 50 will be invited to participate in regional hackathons.
Selected challenges will be matched with cutting-edge solution makers who will co-develop blockchain innovations alongside BGA Incubation, EMURGO Labs and UNDP, unlocking real-world impact and global visibility.
SDG Blockchain Accelerator: Open call for blockchain solutions
Building a blockchain solution that will drive real-world impact for sustainable development? The SDG Blockchain Accelerator is now accepting applications from innovative teams ready to pilot and scale their solutions.
This is your opportunity to co-develop with UNDP teams tackling pressing development challenges from across the globe. Selected solution makers will gain access to tailored mentorship, global visibility, and potential co-funding support up to USD $1.5m in post-accelerator grants, while working alongside experts from EMURGO Labs, the Blockchain for Good Alliance and UNDP’s innovation ecosystem. Top solutions will be matched with curated UNDP challenges and considered for the 4-month accelerator.
Cohort 1: Intensive acceleration (May – August 2025)
10 selected UNDP teams will join the SDG Blockchain Accelerator to go through an onboarding process, gaining access to mentorship, technical resources, and strategic guidance. Over four months, they will refine and scale their blockchain-based solutions while collaborating with development experts, policymakers, and blockchain specialists. The accelerator will spotlight Cardano’s versatility in tackling development challenges aligned with the SDGs. The initiative’s interoperable and open-source framework will also encourage collaboration across blockchain platforms, driving broader ecosystem adoption.
SDG Blockchain Hackathons (May – July 2025)
The SDG Blockchain Hackathons are your gateway to collaborate, innovate, and create real-world blockchain solutions for SDGs. Held across Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and the Arab States, these hackathons offer a dynamic platform to connect with experts, develop groundbreaking solutions, and compete for one of 30 spots in the second accelerator cohort.
Cohort 2: Expanding blockchain for impact (September 2025 – January 2026)
Following the hackathons, 30 winning teams will join the second cohort of the SDG Blockchain Accelerator, where they will undergo a four-month program focused on refining and scaling their solutions. Teams will get tailored mentorship, technical expertise, and access to key stakeholders, including governments and development organizations. The goal is to ensure these projects align with SDG priorities and are well-positioned for future funding and real-world implementation.
Partners
About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries and territories, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.
About UNDP AltFinLab
AltFinLab is a flagship UNDP initiative, pioneering alternative and innovative finance solutions. It supports UNDP, governments, civil society and private sector partners by testing and scaling new financing mechanisms, leveraging blockchain technology, crowdfunding, impact investing, and emerging financial instruments to mobilize resources for sustainable development.
About Blockchain for Good Alliance
The Blockchain for Good Alliance is a non-profit initiative established in 2024 by Bybit and global web3 leaders to harness the power of blockchain technology for addressing societal challenges and advancing social good. Bringing together startups, non-profits, and industry leaders, BGA focuses on driving innovation and implementing impactful solutions aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals through sponsorships, incubation programs, collaborative funding with major institutions and is behind the annual global Web3 Oscar.
About EMURGO Labs
EMURGO Labs is a global Web3 innovation hub specializing in blockchain solutions, real-world asset integration, and venture investments. With expertise in developing scalable, secure applications across multi-chain ecosystems, EMURGO Labs bridges the gap between Web2 and Web3 to drive sustainable growth.
