GDC Innovation Challenge

To effectively channel resources to last mile distribution, and support a greater variety of more context-specific models in the hardest-to-reach markets, we believe that different approaches are needed – ‘collective’ approaches, which make support available to the distribution sector as a whole.The GDC believes that its members are proven innovators; they already have the knowledge and ideas to crack last mile distribution challenges; and that together they can unlock mass scale and bring life-changing products to those who need them mostThe GDC Innovation Challenge is a unique challenge that crowdsources innovations from their members, helps pilot the best ideas, and supports other members (and the broader last mile distribution community) to replicate and learn from those innovations. Up to four ideas will be selected from members, who will receive:Up to £30,000 in funding to pilot the innovationExpert technical assistance to support implementationConnections to key stakeholders who could help make your idea an even bigger successProfile and support to disseminate learnings and insights across the sector following implementationThis first challenge is only open to GDC members who have a presence in Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, Ethiopia, Rwanda or Tanzania, and who sell off-grid energy products (although this can be part of a wider product portfolio) - with an aim to run additional innovation challenges for other regions and sectors in the future. The deadline for applications is 22 April at 11:59 pm GMT.