News

New report: Supporting creative business models for innovators in the humanitarian sector

We know that humanitarian action is severely underfunded. This calls for the exploration of alternative business models to deliver humanitarian impact at scale. That is why we commissioned Alliance4Impact to produce a report on innovative business models in humanitarian action that can serve as a practical tool for innovators. Download the report below. 

Let's talk about business models!

The humanitarian sector has gained valuable experience conducting pilots, however it is struggling to bring innovations to scale. In a sector that is chronically under-funded - how can we strengthen efforts to move from pilots to sustainable and scalable innovations? One approach to this challenge is designing innovative business models.

Increased support to humanitarian innovation

Innovation in the humanitarian sector is one of the areas given high priority in Norway’s Humanitarian Strategy. Innovation Norway administers funds for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Humanitarian Innovation Programme (HIP Norway). A pilot programme from 2018–2022 had extremely successful results, and a new agreement on the provision of NOK 100 million was recently signed.

Call for proposals 2022 information session - recording available

Innovation Norway is through the Humanitarian Innovation Programme looking for bold innovation projects, aiming to improve humanitarian action. The 2022 call for proposals is now open. If you were not able to join the info session 31 May, you can get in touch to receive the recording. 

The Sahara Refugees Running Their Own Plastic Workshop

Gender-responsive innovation: what, how and why?

Historically, most technology is designed by men, for men. Prevailing gender norms, roles and relations result in women and men facing different challenges, concerns and experiences. These have often been overlooked when developing new solutions. We sat down with two of the innovators from the HIP Norway portfolio that are applying a gender-responsive approach to disrupt this trend.

Social media quick tips

Social media is a great tool spark engagement about your innovation project. Here are some quick tips to get you started.

Let's talk about communications!

Communications is a crucial part of the innovation process. However, in a hectic workday, it is often the first thing to be down-prioritized. This article presents some tips on how to make it a priority, and some simple steps on how you can use your communications toolbox strategically to reach your project goals.

Meet the project manager for the Waste for Warmth project, Egil!

Engineers Without Borders Norway and their partners Polyfloss Factory and Field Ready are disrupting the field of shelter winterization. They are developing a solution based on candyfloss technology to produce shelter insulation locally, using plastic waste. Meet their project manager, Egil!

Humanitarian organisations use innovative procurement to get access to better and more effective solutions

Humanitarian organisations supported through HIP Norway have used innovative procurement procedures since 2018. We were interviewed by The National Programme for Supplier Development. Read the interview (in Norwegian) here.