UNDP Accelerator Labs

🌍 From "Best" to "Next" Practices. As we enter 2025, we share how we activated distributed R&D through our Research and Development Raves. At UNDP Accelerator Labs, we believe the true experts are often those closest to the problem. So, how do we learn from them? By embracing a new approach to R&D that blends collective learning, rapid experimentation, and real-world insights. Our latest blog explores how our playful yet powerful “R&D Raves” bring together innovation signals from diverse sectors to tackle challenges like digital financial inclusion, circular economies, and food systems. These “raves” are about sparking collaboration, testing bold ideas, and iterating solutions based on what works. We’re committed to rethinking how R&D can accelerate SDG progress by turning questions into action. By experimenting alongside local innovators and global partners, we’re building solutions that scale and drive tangible change. Read more as our team leader, Gina Lucarelli, shares more about our journey and how we’re reimagining R&D for a better future👇https://lnkd.in/gTj7XtNp --- UNDP Achim Steiner Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Qatar Fund for Development Cabinet Office, Government of Japan UN 2.0 | United Nations UN Innovation Network

If we want to solve new problems in new ways, questions are our currency. 💡Read our latest blog on how UNDP Accelerator Labs is driving R&D to answer key questions on digital financial inclusion, circular economies, and food systems 👉 https://lnkd.in/gTj7XtNp --- UNDP Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Qatar Fund for Development 外務省MOFA Japan Japan Innovation Network United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) UN 2.0 | United Nations UN Innovation Network

The UNDP Accelerator Labs held “R&D Raves” a dynamic way to describe how we pull together innovation signals on sustainable development problems for coalition and collective learning. Read more and Rave On → https://lnkd.in/gTj7XtNp --- UNDP Achim Steiner Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Qatar Fund for Development UN Innovation Network UN 2.0 | United Nations

At the intersection of innovation and sustainability lies… fungi! 🍄🌱 UNDP Accelerator Labs in Argentina is exploring how mushrooms can solve pressing development challenges—from eco-friendly waste management to providing sustainable food sources. Read more about this initiative: https://lnkd.in/gqqsbhHc and watch below 👇 as Maria Eugenia López shares more insights about their work. --- UNDP PNUD Argentina PNUD en América Latina y el Caribe Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Qatar Fund for Development UN 2.0 | United Nations UN Innovation Network

Celebrating women’s entrepreneurial spirit: Ulduza led her company in collaboration with UNDP Accelerator Labs in Azerbaijan to create an electronic system for urban planning control, streamlining processes, and enhancing transparency. Read more about her 👉 https://lnkd.in/gYT2yhdy --- UNDP Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Qatar Fund for Development UNDP Azerbaijan UNDP Climate UN Climate Change UN Innovation Network UN 2.0 | United Nations

Women reimagining the future. Angelina built her biomaterials startup to provide alternatives to traditional materials like leather and plastics. She experimented with innovative ideas in biowaste transformation with the UNDP Accelerator Labs in North Macedonia. Read more about her: https://lnkd.in/gYT2yhdy --- UNDP Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Qatar Fund for Development UNDP North Macedonia UN 2.0 | United Nations UNDP Climate UN Climate Change UN Innovation Network

Women are leading the charge! Roslyn is the director of a sustainable circular community. With support from the UNDP Accelerator Labs in Trinidad and Tobago, she unlocks local resources for food security, waste management, and green livelihoods. Read more about her 👉 https://lnkd.in/gYT2yhdy -- UNDP Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Qatar Fund for Development UNDP Trinidad and Tobago Multi Country Office PNUD en América Latina y el Caribe UN Innovation Network UN 2.0 | United Nations

Bringing women’s passion and advocacy to the fore: Yara is an ardent advocate for biodiversity and the environment. As part UNDP Accelerator Labs in Cabo Verde’s STEM program for girls, Yara helped inspire high school students, teaching them about successful career pursuits in green jobs and STEM. Read more about her: https://lnkd.in/gYT2yhdy --- UNDP Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Qatar Fund for Development UN Cabo Verde UN Cabo Verde UNDP Africa UN 2.0 | United Nations UN Innovation Network UN Women

🇸🇴 Community-Led Innovation: Tackling Drought Through Collective Action 💡 Drought is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, threatening livelihoods, food security, and ecosystems worldwide. But in the face of this adversity, communities are proving that local knowledge and innovation are powerful tools for resilience. ?Why Grass Root Solutions Matter: Localized Understanding: Communities living with drought understand the unique dynamics of their environment better than anyone else. Sustainable Practices: From water conservation techniques to crop diversification, these solutions are often rooted in sustainable practices passed down through generations. Collaboration Over Competition: When communities come together to share resources and ideas, they create scalable solutions that benefit all. 💧 Examples of Innovation: 1️⃣ Rainwater Harvesting Systems: Communities in arid regions are building simple yet effective systems to capture and store rainwater. 2️⃣ Drought-Resistant Crops: Farmers are adopting indigenous seeds and crops that thrive in dry conditions. 3️⃣ Community-Led Reforestation: Planting trees not only combats desertification but also improves water retention in the soil. 🤝 The key to success lies in empowering communities, amplifying their voices, and investing in their ideas. By supporting grassroots innovation, we can turn the tide on drought and build a future where everyone has access to water and food security. Let's celebrate and support the changemakers on the ground who are transforming their challenges into opportunities! A series of articles from the #DPPD (Data Powered Positive Deviance initiative) the first of which was written by me: https://lnkd.in/dCFvQyEx #ClimateAction #DroughtSolutions #CommunityInnovation #Sustainability #GrassrootsLeadership UNDP Accelerator Labs COP16Riyadh UNDP Somalia COP29 Azerbaijan Basma Albanna, PhD

Celebrating women in green jobs. Katarina leads a key development hub for micromobility, tackling urban transportation challenges with eco-friendly solutions in her mission to make urban transportation sustainable. Read more about her: https://lnkd.in/gYT2yhdy -- UNDP Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Qatar Fund for Development UN Climate Change UNDP Climate UN Innovation Network UN 2.0 | United Nations UN Women