2025 RIL Innovator Support: Capacity Building for Humanitarian Tech Solutions in Uganda (Deadline: 10 August, 2025)

The Response Innovation Lab (RIL) has officially opened applications for the 2025 Innovator Support Cohort, offering a transformative capacity building program aimed at Ugandan-led or refugee-led entities delivering impactful humanitarian tech and AI solutions. The initiative targets innovations that address critical needs in Education, Nutrition, Sustainable Livelihoods, Environment & Energy, Health, and WASH, particularly for children, adolescents, and youth in refugee or crisis-affected communities.

Who Can Apply?

RIL is looking for local or national entities that:

• Are led by Ugandans or refugees.

• Have been in operation for at least one year with tangible traction.

• Focus on tech or AI-driven solutions with a social impact mission.

• Are engaged in sectors such as:

  • Education

  • Nutrition

  • Health & WASH

    Education resources

  • Youth-focused livelihood development

  • Environment & clean energy

Note: Previous participants in RIL training are not eligible.

Capacity Building Bootcamp (August 18–22, 2025)

Selected innovators will join a 5-day intensive bootcamp guided by experts from RIL, Save the Children, Uganda Registration Services Bureau, United Social Ventures, and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards. The training will revolve around three core modules:

1. Gathering Evidence

Led by the RIL team, this module helps participants:

• Build a simplified theory of change

• Use qualitative feedback and pilot data tools

• Apply ethical guidelines via the Humanitarian Accountability and Ethics Checklist

• Track pivots and improvements

2. Consolidating the Business Model

Led by United Social Ventures, with support from RIL and Save the Children, this module covers:

• Humanitarian business model canvas

• Go-to-market and fundraising strategies

• Value-for-money and ROI measurement

3. Communicating Innovation

RIL experts will support innovators in:

• Crafting compelling innovation stories

• Creating impactful pitch decks

Additionally, the bootcamp will include:

• Safeguarding training by Save the Children

• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) session by URSB

• Product certification guidance by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards

Awards and Next Steps

A prize will be awarded to the most innovative humanitarian tech/AI solution in the cohort. Innovators may also be recommended for a seed grant scheme if their projects are deemed ready for the next stage of scaling.

The program encourages university students and recent graduates with impactful solutions to apply, building a generation of informed, resilient, and capable humanitarian innovators.

About the Response Innovation Lab (RIL)

Founded by humanitarian leaders from World Vision, Save the Children, Oxfam, George Washington University, and Civic, RIL bridges the gap between humanitarian responders and the innovation ecosystem. Rather than replacing existing incubators or accelerators, RIL acts as a connector and amplifier of solutions that address real challenges in delivering aid effectively in emergency settings.

RIL fosters inclusive ecosystems, empowering local communities, NGOs, governments, and innovators to co-create, adapt, and scale solutions that address barriers to aid delivery. Through strategic support, RIL enhances the impact of humanitarian actors on the ground and within vulnerable populations.

How to Apply

Ready to transform humanitarian innovation?
Apply now by filling the form  and become part of the next wave of changemakers.

Deadline to Apply: August 10, 2025
Location: Uganda
Bootcamp Dates: August 18–22, 2025