UNDP, BGA Launch $1.5M SDG Blockchain Accelerator

The Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have launched the SDG Blockchain Accelerator, a global initiative aimed at leveraging blockchain technology to address the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This program, in partnership with EMURGO Labs, seeks to accelerate the development and implementation of blockchain solutions to tackle economic development challenges worldwide.

The accelerator will provide UNDP staff and partners with the necessary knowledge, mentorship, and tools to develop, test, and implement blockchain technologies. The initiatives will focus on the 17 SDGs, including poverty reduction, climate action, and gender equality, across five global regions. Teodor Petricevic, UNDP Accelerator Lead, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating that it represents a pivotal advancement in using blockchain for sustainable development. The goal is to find practical ways to enhance communities globally.

The accelerator will onboard one cohort twice a year for a four-month period. Participants will receive training in blockchain technology, solution development, and ecosystem growth. Selected projects will be awarded funding, with mentorship provided by industry experts from around the world. Up to $1.5 million of the program is allocated for funding blockchain initiatives that promote social impact. This capital, along with UNDP’s extensive ecosystem, is open to startups and innovators looking to scale their solutions. Petricevic further noted that for UNDP, blockchain is not just a technology but a force for change, enabling innovators to overcome humanity’s biggest challenges.

The SDG Blockchain Accelerator will take place in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. It aims to encourage collaboration among governments, the private sector, and innovators to develop scalable solutions. EMURGO Labs, a leader in blockchain technology, will provide technical expertise to ensure the viability of any project. Glenn Tan, Managing Partner at BGA, highlighted the immense potential of blockchain to drive social good, stating that the accelerator will connect groundbreaking ideas with their practical application.

The initiative aligns with the global trend of blockchain adoption. Social impact initiatives may provide meaningful use of blockchain networks. The accelerator will also supplement initiatives such as the UNDP’s partnership with the Stellar Development Foundation on financial inclusion using blockchain. Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open, with priority given to projects addressing economic inequality and environmental sustainability. The program is anticipated to catalyze innovation and make blockchain a driving force for development practices worldwide.

This initiative follows BGA’s previous work, including a $1 million investment in EthicHub, a blockchain platform developing rural agricultural communities. This investment underscores BGA’s mission to bring impactful blockchain applications to the world. The SDG Blockchain Accelerator is set to make a significant impact by fostering collaboration and innovation in the use of blockchain technology for sustainable development.