The UNCTAD Supply Chain Innovation Challenge 2026 is now accepting applications from innovators around the world. The challenge offers an opportunity to develop innovative, technology-driven solutions to some of the major disruptions affecting global supply chains.
The challenge is being organized as part of the 2nd UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum, which will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 29 to December 1, 2026.
Selected participants will have the opportunity to attend the forum in Saudi Arabia, with travel and accommodation expenses covered for the selected participant or a representative of the winning team.
There is no application fee, and individuals from around the world are eligible to apply.
UNCTAD Supply Chain Innovation Challenge 2026 Details
- Organizer: UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
- Challenge: 2nd Supply Chain Innovation Challenge
- Event: 2nd UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum
- Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Forum Dates: November 29 – December 1, 2026
- Application Deadline: September 4, 2026
- Eligible Applicants: Individuals worldwide
- Team Size: Up to 4 people
- Application Fee: Free
- Travel Support: Fully funded for the selected participant or winning team representative
What Is the UNCTAD Supply Chain Innovation Challenge?
The Supply Chain Innovation Challenge is designed to identify creative and practical solutions to current and emerging challenges affecting global supply chains.
The 2026 edition focuses particularly on the use of frontier technologies to help supply chains better anticipate, withstand, and recover from disruptions.
Applicants are encouraged to propose solutions that can make supply chains more:
- Sustainable
- Resilient
- Efficient
- Inclusive
The challenge follows the success of the first Supply Chain Innovation Challenge, which was held during the inaugural Global Supply Chain Forum in Barbados in 2024.
What Does the Challenge Offer?
The selected winner will have the opportunity to present the winning proposal at the 2nd UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
UNCTAD will cover travel and accommodation expenses for the selected participant or, where the winning proposal is submitted by a team, one representative of that team.
This provides participants with an opportunity to showcase their ideas to an international audience and engage with professionals, policymakers, innovators, and other stakeholders working in global supply chains.
Who Can Apply?
The UNCTAD Supply Chain Innovation Challenge is open to individual applicants from anywhere in the world.
Applicants can participate either:
- Individually; or
- As part of a team of up to four people
If a team wins the challenge, one member of the team will be selected to travel to Saudi Arabia and present the proposal at the Global Supply Chain Forum.
Applicants should demonstrate that their proposed solution has practical potential and addresses real-world supply chain challenges.
What Should the Proposal Focus On?
Applicants should develop an original idea that demonstrates how technology can help address supply chain disruptions.
The proposal should explain how the proposed solution can contribute to supply chains that are more:
- Sustainable: The solution should consider how supply chains can reduce environmental impact and operate more sustainably.
- Resilient: The proposal should explain how the solution can help supply chains prepare for, respond to, and recover from disruptions.
- Efficient: Applicants should demonstrate how their idea can improve the efficiency, reliability, or performance of supply chain operations.
- Inclusive: The proposed solution should consider how innovation can benefit a broader range of people and communities.
Proposal Requirements
Applicants must submit an original proposal written in English.
The proposal should be between 1,500 and 3,000 words, including the bibliography and footnotes.
Your proposal should clearly cover the following areas:
1. Problem Statement
Clearly explain the supply chain problem or challenge that your idea aims to address.
2. Innovative Solution
Describe your proposed solution and explain what makes it innovative.
3. Anticipated Impact
Explain the potential impact of your solution and how it could improve supply chain operations.
4. Feasibility Assessment
Demonstrate that your proposed solution is practical and could realistically be implemented.
How to Apply for the UNCTAD Supply Chain Innovation Challenge 2026
Interested applicants should prepare their original proposal in English and submit it through the official application platform.
You can apply individually or with a team of up to four people. The application is free, and applicants from around the world are welcome to participate.
APPLY NOW FOR THE UNCTAD SUPPLY CHAIN INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2026
Note: Before applying, applicants should review the official challenge information and ensure that their proposal meets all submission requirements.
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