D-Prize Challenges

The D-Prize is a global competition that funds new social entrepreneurs who can distribute proven poverty-intervention technologies to millions of people in the developing world. Unlike other grants that focus on inventing new things, D-Prize focuses exclusively on "distribution".

The program identifies "proven" solutions (like solar lamps, clean water tablets, or vaccines) that already exist but aren't reaching the people who need them most. D-Prize provides the seed capital to help you start a new social enterprise to solve this "last-mile" delivery problem.

Key Benefits:

• Seed Capital: Winners receive a grant of up to $20,000 USD to launch a pilot.

• Scalability Support: If the pilot is successful, D-Prize provides support and connections to help you raise follow-on funding (often $100k+) from larger partners.

• Expert Mentorship: Access to a network of social innovators and operational experts to help you navigate the logistics of working in low-resource settings.

• No Equity: This is a non-dilutive grant; D-Prize does not take ownership of your organization.

D-Prize is unique because it is open to almost anyone, anywhere, as long as they have a clear plan for execution.

1. Applicant Profile

• Who can apply: Aspiring entrepreneurs from anywhere in the world. You can be a student, a professional, or even a group of friends.

• Experience: No prior experience in social entrepreneurship is required, but you must demonstrate an "unrelenting" ability to execute.

2. Focus Areas (The "Challenges") You must choose a specific "challenge" from the D-Prize list. Current categories include:

• Health: Distribution of self-injectable contraceptives, oxygen, or maternal health kits.

• Education: Enabling low-cost private schools or teaching-at-the-right-level programs.

• Agriculture: Distribution of quality seeds, fertilizer, or irrigation tools to smallholder farmers.

• Livelihoods: Clean energy (solar lamps), financial inclusion, or job placement services.

• Custom Challenge: If you have a proven intervention not on their list, you can pitch your own "Distribution Challenge".

3. Location of Work

• Target Regions: The enterprise must operate in a low-income country or a region where the target population lives on less than $2 per day.