Discover the European Prize for Humanitarian Innovation (InnovAid) finalists

The Commission has announced today three finalists of the first edition of the European Prize for Humanitarian Innovation (InnovAid). Supported by the European Innovation Council under Horizon Europe, the prize rewards humanitarian organisations, social enterprises, and companies that are developing technology to better assist vulnerable people affected by natural hazards and man-made crises such as conflicts.

After a careful selection process, the high-level juries of independent experts have selected three finalists for this first edition (below, in alphabetical order):

• GOAL 3 B.V (The Netherlands)
• Humanitarian Logistics Cooperative (France)
• International Rescue Committee IRC Deutschland (Germany)

Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said:

With the InnovAid prize, we celebrate innovators that transform compassion into action to deliver more effective humanitarian aid. I am proud to acknowledge these three pioneers who are redefining aid in times of need. They exemplify the spirit of humanitarian creativity, pushing the boundaries to benefit the lives of vulnerable people in crisis.

Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, said:

As one of the leading humanitarian donors, the European Commission is among others constantly striving to contribute to efforts aimed at delivering lifesaving aid better. During times when humanitarian needs have reached unprecedented levels and only continue to rise, as well as the humanitarian funding gap, investing in more effective and efficient delivery of humanitarian aid has is more important than ever before. These finalists represent the cutting edge of use of new technologies and collaborations between humanitarians and the private sector. I will be delighted to host them at this year’s European Humanitarian Forum in March, where we will declare the winner of the 2024 European Prize for Humanitarian Innovation.

What happens next?

One winner and two runners-up will be awarded at the award ceremony on 19 March 2024, in Brussels (Belgium), during the European Humanitarian Forum. Apart from the prestigious recognition, the winner will receive a prize of €250 000, while two runners-up will get €150 000 and €100 000 respectively.

Background

Humanitarian emergencies are increasing year by year in number, complexity, and severity and funding to cover humanitarian needs cannot keep up. To meet these rising needs, innovative technological solutions, which improve the efficiency and effectiveness of aid, are crucial. InnovAid recognises organisations that have developed innovative solutions for the delivery of humanitarian aid, that are cost-effective, simple to use and re-use, and scalable. The prize provides a mark of recognition for innovative organisations and brings enhanced visibility to their innovations, facilitating their redeployment at scale. InnovAid builds on the previous EIC Prize for Affordable High Tech in Humanitarian Aid, awarded in 2020.

InnovAid is one of the five EIC prizes granted under Horizon Europe, the EU's research and innovation framework programme. The prize is managed by the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency, and the winners are chosen following an assessment performed by a panel composed by high-level independent experts.