Each year HIP launches a call for proposals for projects seeking to develop, test and scale innovative solutions with the potential to create meaningful and lasting humanitarian impact.

What we fund

HIP supports innovation partnerships between humanitarian organisations and the private sector at different stages of maturity. Applicants may apply through one of two funding tracks:

1. Innovation Lab

The Innovation Lab supports early-stage innovation projects. At this stage, projects to not yet have a final solution and the partnership with private sector actor is not yet established.

Projects use an innovation-friendly procurement process to better understand humanitarian challenges, engage the market, identify the most suitable private sector partner, and co-develop or adapt solutions that respond to real operational needs. This approach helps humanitarian organisations remain open to different technologies and approaches rather than committing to a predefined solution from the outset. Read more about the innovation-friendly procurement process here. This process is mandatory for all innovation lab projects.

2. Scaling

The Scaling grant supports solutions that have already demonstrated proof of concept and are ready to move beyond piloting towards broader adoption and sustained impact.

The Scaling grant scheme supports the uptake and scaling of solutions that have been successfully piloted and reached proof of concept in at least one humanitarian setting. Projects that have previously received support through the Innovation Lab will have an advantage in the competition for the Scaling grant scheme.

The Scaling grant scheme funds projects in two phases:

• Transition to scale focuses on the implementation of an innovative solution and the development and testing of different routes to scale. This opportunity is for projects that are rigging their innovations for scale in the very near future. Projects are expected to use this phase to demonstrate readiness for scaling by clarifying how the solution can be replicated and adapted, whether users and partners are ready to adopt it, and whether the necessary operational, financial, and organizational structures are in place to support growth.
• Scaling Impact focuses on turning readiness into actual, sustained scale. Projects are expected to implement the scaling strategy, secure concrete adoption decisions, support successful roll‑out in new contexts, and ensure the solution becomes embedded in systems, practices, or markets, with continuous learning and improvement to increase impact over time.

Projects can receive funding from the scaling grant twice, first for Transitioning to scale (typically a smaller grant) and then for Scaling Impact. The proposal will be evaluated on whether the budget applied for aligns with the plans and ambitions for the project in a given phase of scaling.

Scaling projects must be implemented in partnership with a private sector actor and include matching funding from private sources.

Who can apply?

The lead applicant must be a humanitarian organisation. Eligible applicants include:

• UN agencies with a humanitarian mandate
• The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
• The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
• International NGOs with an office in Norway and registration in the Brønnøysund Register
• Consortia led by one of the organisations above

HIP encourages collaboration across sectors and geographies. Projects may involve private companies, national NGOs, research institutions, social enterprises, and other relevant partners where appropriate.

What we look for

HIP supports ambitious projects that address humanitarian challenges through innovative solutions and strong partnerships.

Across all applications, we look for projects that demonstrate:

• A high level of innovation
• Clear humanitarian relevance and impact
• People affected by crises are involved throughout the entire project cycle
• Meaningful involvement of people affected by crises
• Strong humanitarian-private sector collaboration
• Organisational commitment and readiness
• Feasibility and implementation capacity
• Potential for adoption, sustainability, and scale

Innovation can be technological or non-technological. We welcome new products, services, business models, financing approaches, delivery models, and systems innovations that have the potential to improve humanitarian outcomes.

Thematic focus areas

HIP supports projects that contribute to improved humanitarian response and resilience. Applications may address one or more of the programme's thematic focus areas:

• Green humanitarian response
• Health and sanitation
• Protection
• Innovative financing
• Food security

Our approach to innovation

HIP is built on the belief that innovation is most effective when it is:

Needs-driven and locally embedded

Projects should address clearly identified humanitarian challenges and involve people affected by crises throughout the innovation process.

Partnership-based

The programme exists to strengthen collaboration between humanitarian organisations and the private sector, leveraging complementary expertise, technologies, and business capabilities.

Designed for scale

All projects should consider how solutions can achieve broader impact by designing their projects for scale from the beginning.

Focused on learning

Applicants should demonstrate how they will monitor results, generate evidence, and share learning with the wider humanitarian sector.

How the application process works

The annual call for proposals follows a competitive process that typically includes:

Publication of the call for proposals

Submission of applications through the online portal

Independent expert assessment

Shortlisting of projects

Digital pitch/interviews for shortlisted applicants

Final funding decision

Contracting and project launch

Specific timelines, funding amounts, application documents, and deadlines are published with each annual call.

Resources for applicants

Before applying, we encourage all applicants to review:

• The 2026 call for proposals - for more detailed information on criteira, timeline and process
• HIP Scaling Framework and Toolbox
• Innovation-Friendly Procurement resources
• Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) guidance
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

These resources are designed to help applicants develop stronger projects, partnerships, and pathways to impact.

Questions?

If you have questions about eligibility, partnerships, application requirements, or the annual call, please contact the HIP team or join the information session during the application period.