The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched the SDG Blockchain Accelerator, harnessing blockchain technology to develop, pilot, and scale innovative solutions to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This initiative is strategically led by UNDP in collaboration with the Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA) and co-implemented by the UNDP AltFinLab, BGA’s Board of Advisors, and EMURGO Labs. BGA and Project Catalyst Fund13 provide funding support.
The SDG Blockchain Accelerator leverages UNDP’s Blockchain Academy, the UN Innovation Network Blockchain Community of Practice, with affiliations to BGA’s Incubation Program, and EMURGO Labs’ technical expertise, equipping UNDP employees with the knowledge and tools needed to integrate blockchain solutions into real-world development challenges.
“We are looking for new ways of working and technologies – to help us deal with old and new problems. Through the partnership between UNDP, BGA, and EMURGO Labs, we are thrilled to launch an accelerator program that brings together a diverse network of stakeholders. From development experts, project leaders, and ecosystem partners to blockchain developers and mentors. By leveraging expert networks, we ensure that UNDP personnel gain access to the technical guidance and resources they need to effectively implement and scale blockchain solutions for UNDP, supported governments and stakeholders,” said Teodor Petricevic, UNDP Accelerator Lead.
The accelerator will:
“This partnership with UNDP is a testament to our vision of leveraging blockchain to solve real-world challenges and drive sustainable progress,” said Ahmed M. Amer, CEO of EMURGO Labs. “By combining Cardano’s powerful infrastructure with UNDP’s global expertise, we aim to pioneer solutions that not only advance blockchain adoption but also contribute meaningfully to the SDGs.”
The SDG Blockchain Accelerator is a multi-year program designed to onboard, support, and potentially fund two cohorts per year, each running for four months. The program will develop tailored curricula and educational modules, provide mentorship to project teams in implementing blockchain-based solutions, and document and share project outcomes through open-source resources.
The accelerator in 2025 will amplify Cardano’s visibility by demonstrating its versatility in addressing SDG-focused challenges. The initiative’s interoperable and open-source framework will also encourage collaboration across blockchain platforms, driving broader ecosystem adoption. In the second iteration (starting in September 2025), the accelerator will amplify Cardano and other blockchain potential in UNDP development initiatives.
The program aims to achieve several key impacts. Firstly, it aims to deliver up to 40 blockchain-based solutions that directly address critical SDG goals. It also plans to establish a comprehensive resource library that serves as a valuable guide for future blockchain initiatives. Finally, the program will enhance the capacity of both the UNDP network and external stakeholders to effectively develop and implement blockchain applications.
“At the Blockchain for Good Alliance, we believe blockchain’s true potential lies in its power to drive inclusive and real-world impact. This strategic partnership with the UNDP reflects our commitment to supporting a major global programme that enhances social and public good. By uniting our initiatives and expertise with the UNDP’s mission, BGA is spearheading new pathways for blockchain to serve as a catalyst for sustainable progress through this collaboration,” said Helen Liu, Founder of the Blockchain for Good Alliance.
This collaboration between UNDP, Blockchain for Good Alliance, and EMURGO Labs underscores blockchain’s transformative potential in sustainable development. The SDG Blockchain Accelerator invites partners, innovators, and participants to join transformative efforts to address global challenges using blockchain.
For more information, please contact:
Hajdana Imrovic
Communication and Crowdfunding Analyst, UNDP AltFinLab
hajdana.imrovic@undp.org
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 (BGA) 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.
RELATED POSTS
The SDG Blockchain Accelerator is a global initiative designed to identify, support, and scale blockchain-powered solutions that tackle real-world development challenges aligned with the UN […]
Unlock the power of blockchain for sustainable development The SDG Blockchain Accelerator is now looking for UNDP challenges for the 2025 cohort! Led by the […]
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Europe and Central Asia and the Stellar Development Foundation (SDF) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at harnessing […]
