Creating Hope in Conflict: A Humanitarian Grand Challenge was created with a simple, but powerful mission: to fund innovations that address the needs of those whose lives had been upended by conflict-induced humanitarian crises.
Formed in partnership with the U.S. Agency for International Development, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Global Affairs Canada, and Grand Challenges Canada, Creating Hope in Conflict (CHIC) aims to find and fund locally-based solutions that address the most pressing challenges facing conflict-affected communities in places such as Syria, Yemen and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since 2019, CHIC has done just that, investing more than $33.4M CAD across 91 innovations.
In the fourth round of seed funding, CHIC has awarded $250,000K CAD each to promising innovations that are responding to the needs of conflict-affected communities and will test bold new ideas seeking to challenge the status quo of how humanitarian assistance is delivered. Over the course of 24 months, the funds awarded will improve access to energy, lifesaving information, and health supplies and services in hard-to-reach communities affected by conflict.
Meet the Innovators:
Health
Spark Charity for Innovation and Creativity – Gaza HopeWave: AI-Powered Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Gaza, Palestine)
Sector: Health
Institution Country: Gaza / Palestine
Implementation Country: Gaza / Palestine
Funding Stage: Proof of concept
Keywords: Breast cancer diagnosis
In Gaza, access to timely and accurate breast cancer diagnosis is limited due to ongoing conflict in the region, leading to late detection and lower survival rates. Traditional methods of diagnosis may not always be efficient or readily available, especially in remote areas, under-resourced healthcare facilities, or where the recent intensification of conflict has destroyed hospitals and/or rendered them unusable.
Spark Charity for Innovation and Creativity is introducing an advanced AI-powered breast cancer diagnosis system called Gaza HopeWave. This system utilizes cutting-edge deep learning techniques, including convolutional neural networks and learning transfer, to analyze mammography X-rays with precision. It can accurately detect early-stage breast cancer and classify the severity of the cancer from 1 to 3, enabling oncologists to tailor personalized treatment plans for patients based on the cancer’s severity.
Convexity Technologies Ltd – Improving methodologies for the distribution of medication to hard-to-reach populations, Nigeria
Sector: Health
Institution Country: Nigeria
Implementation Country: Nigeria
Funding Stage: Proof of concept
Keywords: Essential medicines
In Nigeria, delivering essential medication and aid to vulnerable populations is hampered by geographical, political, economic, and social challenges. Traditional distribution methods involving multiple intermediaries often lead to inefficiencies and delays, impeding timely assistance. Convexity Technologies Ltd’s CHATS platform revolutionizes this process using blockchain to enable direct, transparent transfers of funds and supplies. CHATS employs geo-fencing, machine learning, and offline capabilities to ensure efficient resource distribution to internally displaced persons (IDP) communities. Community members can access aid directly from local vendors, eliminating intermediaries, reducing delays, and restoring dignity. Additionally, real-time tracking offers transparency and accountability, allowing donors and policymakers to make informed decisions and adapt strategies based on real-time feedback, ultimately enhancing the impact of humanitarian efforts in Nigeria.
Photo source: Convexity Technologies Ltd., Nigeria
Berine and Bokwe Foundation – Maternal Health Empowerment in Matoh District, Cameroon
Sector: Health
Institution Country: Cameroon
Implementation Country: Cameroon
Funding Stage: Proof of concept
Keywords: Mental health, maternal and newborn health
In Matoh District, Cameroon, there are high maternal mortality rates due to limited access to quality healthcare, skilled birth attendants, and antenatal care. This situation is worsened by inadequate resources and a lack of awareness about maternal health.
The Berine and Bokwe Foundation’s Maternal Health Mobile Hub addresses these challenges through a mobile health clinic that provides affordable misoprostol for postpartum hemorrhage and clean birthing kits for safe deliveries. The program also offers community-based antenatal care, regular check-ups, and resources for pregnant women. Additionally, it includes capacity building for traditional birth attendants and awareness campaigns on maternal health. This initiative enhances access to quality maternal care, reduces preventable deaths, and empowers women to make informed health decisions during pregnancy and childbirth.
The Alliance for International Medical Action – Accès à des consultations médicales via la télémédecine dans un contexte de sécurité détériorée, Central African Republic
Sector: Health
Institution Country: France
Implementation Country: Central African Republic
Funding Stage: Proof of concept
Keywords: Telemedicine
Accessing medical care in conflict-ridden areas of the Central African Republic is tough due to security challenges, leaving many without vital services. The Alliance for International Medical Action is tackling this issue head-on with telemedicine. This innovative approach connects patients in remote regions with healthcare professionals online, allowing real-time monitoring of crucial health indicators like weight, oxygen levels, and blood pressure. Powered by solar energy and satellite networks, this system is a lifeline for individuals in the Haut-Mbomou region, especially in the Mboki health district.Telemedicine consultations provide quality healthcare without risky travel, directly benefiting those in insecure areas. By keeping patients and healthcare staff safe from dangerous journeys, this initiative ensures timely medical care where it’s needed most. It’s a potential game-changer for healthcare delivery in conflict zones, improving access and preserving lives in the face of adversity.
Photo credit: Convexity, Nigeria
University of Juba – Empowering frontline health providers to save newborn lives in conflict zones, South Sudan
Sector: Health
Institution Country: South Sudan
Implementation Country: South Sudan
Funding Stage: Proof of concept
Keywords: Resuscitation, AIR, newborn health
In conflict zones of South Sudan, neonatal care faces significant challenges, with frontline health providers lacking resources and specialized training, leading to high mortality rates among newborns. To tackle this, the University of Juba introduces two innovative solutions: AIR and PRISMS. AIR enhances resuscitation devices with real-time feedback, improving ventilation quality and fostering continuous training among clinicians.PRISMS offers digital clinical guidance for newborn assessment, serving as a virtual mentor for frontline providers, ensuring quality care even in the absence of pediatricians. These tools directly benefit newborns and healthcare workers, especially in conflict areas, by reducing mortality rates and improving care quality. By enabling continuous training and expert guidance, AIR and PRISMS save lives and enhance healthcare delivery where it’s most needed in South Sudan.
Thrive Gulu – Creating hope amongst South Sudanese refugees through dance and therapy; a mental health innovation, Uganda
Sector: Health
Institution Country: Uganda
Implementation Country: Uganda
Funding Stage: Proof of concept
Keywords: Trauma, mental health, therapy
In Uganda’s Palabek settlement, South Sudanese refugees grapple with mental health issues stemming from trauma and displacement. Thrive Gulu introduces Dance+Therapy (D+T), a pioneering approach led by peers within the community. D+T combines counseling with dance movement, through a 12-week program designed to address trauma recovery stages and empower individuals through Social Emotional Learning.
This initiative directly benefits South Sudanese refugees by offering culturally relevant mental health support. D+T provides a structured pathway to healing, integrating counseling and dance therapy to foster resilience and community connections. Through this innovative approach, refugees find solace, support, and hope on their journey toward mental wellness.
Savyn Tech – Providing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) care using a neuroscience-based digital platform, Syria
Sector: Health
Institution Country: Canada
Implementation Country: Syria
Funding Stage: Proof of concept
Keywords: Mental Health, EMDR, Digital Health
In Syria, ongoing conflict has left many with PTSD, but effective mental health care is scarce due to cultural stigma, infrastructure damage, and limited access to traditional therapy. Savyn Tech’s digital platform addresses these issues by offering neuroscience-based therapy, including an adapted Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) protocol, accessible in Arabic.By partnering with the White Helmets and MolhamTeam, Savyn provides scalable, self-paced therapy for displaced people, refugees, and aid workers. This initiative empowers individuals to manage their mental health on their own terms, with a triage process for those needing in-person therapy, supported by local and diaspora therapists. Additionally, it includes mental health capacity-building for aid workers, enhancing support in areas with limited infrastructure. Savyn Tech aims to make PTSD care accessible and culturally appropriate for those impacted by the conflict in Syria.
Photo credit: Berine and Bokwe Foundation, Cameroon
Kazadi Enterprises Ltd. – Improving blood supply in Bandundu (Kwango) through electricity-free blood bank technology, Democratic Republic of Congo
Sector: Health
Institution Country: United States
Implementation Country: Democratic Republic of Congo
Funding Stage: Proof of concept
Keywords: Blood bank
In the Bandundu (Kwango) region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, there is a critical shortage of reliable blood supply due to the lack of electricity needed for traditional blood bank refrigeration. This problem is exacerbated in conflict-affected communities where infrastructure is often damaged or nonexistent.Kazadi Enterprises Ltd. is developing an innovative, electricity-free cooling technology for blood banking. This technology uses environmental heat as an energy source through a modified sorption refrigeration process designed specifically for low-resource settings. It can be manufactured, sold, and maintained locally, utilizing local materials and equipment. The system “recharges” the sorption material using heat extracted directly from the air, making it highly reliable even in areas with intermittent solar power, grid failures, or energy storage issues.
This new cooling technology seeks to improve the transportation, preservation, and distribution of blood for transfusions, ultimately enhancing the blood supply system in the region, improving health outcomes and saving the lives of those affected by significant instability and attacks on civilian populations.
The University of Washington – Strengthening the emergency health response to civilian victims of explosive weapons, Burkina Faso
Sector: Health
Institution Country: United States
Implementation Country: Burkina Faso
Funding Stage: Proof of concept
Keywords: Mine action, Trauma Care, Emergency responders
In Burkina Faso, civilian victims of explosive violence often do not receive timely trauma care, which drastically reduces their chances of survival. The lack of immediate medical response is a critical issue, especially in low-resource settings where healthcare infrastructure is limited and distant from the point of injury. The University of Washington, in collaboration with local and international partners, is introducing a community-led intervention to bring trauma care closer to where injuries occur. Using a training of trainers model, they seek to increase survival rates among civilians affected by explosive violence by providing lifesaving first responder training to laypersons in the community. Building on two years of partnership with the United Nations Mine Action Service, University of Washington also seeks to create new pathways for collaboration between the mine action sector and emergency health responders.
Community members will be equipped with the skills to deliver immediate trauma care, ultimately enhancing emergency health response capabilities in low-resource conflict settings and providing timely medical aid to those injured by explosive devices.
Field Ready Turkiye (Sahaya Hazır İnovasyon Derneği) – Repurposing E-Waste for Northern Syria
Sector: Health
Institution Country: Turkiye
Implementation Country: Syria
Funding Stage: Proof of concept
Keywords: E-waste, App
Northern Syria is severely impacted by the convergence of ongoing conflict and natural disasters. The health system is severely strained, and there is a shortage of functional medical devices and improper disposal of electronic waste, such as broken medical equipment. This situation endangers both public health and the environment, as hazardous materials from e-waste can contaminate the soil and water.To tackle these challenges, Sahaya Hazir Inovasyon Dernegi – a group of engineers and humanitarian aid and development sector experts – will develop an e-waste reporting app to be used by local manufacturers and healthcare workers to identify, safely recycle or repurpose e-waste, and is expected to support 25,000 people. Through the development of an e-waste innovation lab, they will also restore and refurbish defective medical devices, making them operational again, which will improve access to critical and lifesaving health care and reduce accumulation of electronic waste through the development of an e-waste reporting app.
Energy
Africa GreenTec Electrification Rurale Sarl – Énergétiser l’Espoir en Temps de Crise : Mini-grids pour la Paix, Mali
Sector: Energy
Institution Country: Mali
Implementation Country: Mali
Funding Stage: Proof of concept
Keywords: Solar power
Across Mali, many conflict affected communities face a severe lack of access to reliable and clean energy sources. This energy deficit not only hampers everyday activities but also exacerbates existing challenges in education, healthcare, and economic development. Additionally, reliance on diesel generators contributes to environmental degradation and climate change.Africa GreenTec Electrification Rurale Sarl will implement an innovative solution called the Solartainer to address these challenges, providing hundreds of households with electricity in villages across Mali. The Solartainer is a mobile solar container equipped with solar panels, storage systems, and inverters. It generates and distributes clean, affordable, and scalable electricity independently, without relying on traditional power grids or polluting diesel generators.
This innovative approach allows for the rapid deployment of vital energy infrastructure in conflict zones, unlocking opportunities for education, healthcare and economic development, as well as promoting peace and stability while reducing CO2 emissions. Students can study after dark, clinics can refrigerate vaccines and medicines, and businesses can operate more efficiently. This innovation embodies a commitment to an equitable and sustainable energy future, transforming conflict-affected communities into drivers of sustainable growth and development.
International Training and Development Center – Solar electric vehicles, Yemen
Sector: Energy
Institution Country: Yemen
Implementation Country: Yemen
Funding Stage: Proof of concept
Keywords: Electric vehicles
Photo credit: Convexity, Nigeria
In Yemen, accessing vehicle fuel is particularly challenging in rural areas with limited infrastructure. Reliance on diesel not only exacerbates resource scarcity but also contributes to environmental pollution. Sustainable transportation solutions are crucial for these communities. The International Training and Development Center is addressing these issues with solar electric vehicles (EVs). This initiative harnesses surplus energy from village solar-powered water pumps to power EV charging stations. Instead of importing new EVs, existing vehicles will be converted using prefabricated kits, a process completed by trained mechanics in 96 hours. This approach promotes environmental sustainability, reduces air pollution, and enhances transportation access, leveraging renewable resources to improve the well-being of rural Yemeni communities.
African 1000 Days Action (ADA) – Eco-friendly Biogas and Briquettes Use Promotion Project (EBBUPP), South Sudan
Sector: Energy
Institution Country: South Sudan
Implementation Country: South Sudan
Funding Stage: Proof of concept
Keywords: Biogass, Cooking fuels, Sustainable energy
In South Sudan, many internally displaced people (IDPs) lack access to clean energy, relying on unhealthy cooking methods and facing sanitation issues. The African 1000 Days Action (ADA) introduces the Eco-friendly Biogas and Briquettes Use Promotion Project (EBBUPP) to address these challenges. Trained technicians will convert stool waste into biogas and charcoal briquettes, empowering IDP women with valuable skills and ensuring access to sustainable energy sources. Focused on Central Equatoria, Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Unity State, EBBUPP offers improved living conditions for IDPs through eco-friendly energy alternatives and promotion of sustainable waste management. By reducing health risks and environmental damage, this project benefits both IDPs and the broader ecosystem, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future.
Imvelo Inc – Solares: Integrated Systems, Yemen
Sector: Energy
Institution Country: Canada, Yemen
Implementation Country: Yemen
Funding Stage: Proof of concept
Keywords: Solar energy, Transportation
In Yemen, delivering vital goods efficiently is hindered by poor infrastructure and unreliable energy sources, causing delays in aid efforts and environmental harm. Imvelo Inc. introduces SOLARES, an innovative solution to optimize transportation sustainability and efficiency. SOLARES forms a Collaborative Transportation Network, sharing truck capacity among organizations to maximize resources, while its solar electromobility kits harness solar energy to power vehicles, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering environmental impact. This initiative benefits Yemeni organizations and communities by enhancing transportation reliability and sustainability. By adopting SOLARES, organizations optimize capacity, cut costs, and reduce pollution, contributing to global environmental goals. With SOLARES, essential resources reach communities faster and sustainably, bolstering resilience and well-being in Yemen.
Life-saving information
Dalhousie University – Resettle-IDPs: Life-skills education and psychosocial resilience building for displaced Nigerians, Nigeria
Sector: Life-saving information
Institution Country: Canada
Implementation Country: Nigeria
Funding Stage: Proof of concept
Keywords: IDPs, mental health, life skills
In Nigeria’s Borno state, conflict has displaced many, leaving them traumatized and struggling to integrate into new communities. Dalhousie University’s RESETTLE-IDPs program aims to empower internally displaced persons (IDPs) by enhancing their psychosocial well-being and integration skills.Through tailored life skills training delivered over one year, RESETTLE-IDPs targets vulnerable IDPs, focusing on topics such as communication, problem-solving, and gender rights. Facilitated by local experts, these sessions provide crucial support to help IDPs rebuild their lives and thrive in their new surroundings.
Solutions Techniques Adaptées et Novatrices pour le Développement Universel des Populations (STAND-UP) – Projet de surveillance épidémiologique par notification électronique en temps réel au Nord Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo
Sector: Life-saving information
Institution Country: Democratic Republic of Congo
Implementation Country: Democratic Republic of Congo
Funding Stage: Proof of concept
Keywords: Disease monitoring, outbreaks, rapid response
In the North Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, disease monitoring needs an upgrade to prevent outbreaks like yellow fever, measles, and COVID-19. STAND-UP introduces electronic event-based surveillance, using cell phones and FrontlineSMS software to track diseases in real-time, enabling rapid response even without internet access.
This innovative solution aims to improve disease tracking and response in North Kivu, potentially preventing outbreaks and ensuring more efficient healthcare interventions. By enabling faster reporting and response, it can strengthen disease prevention efforts and safeguards public health in the region.
Source des photos : Convexity Technologies Ltd., Nigeria
Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) – Community aerial imagery for humanitarian response: Localising procurement and creation of drone data, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda
Sector: Lifesaving information
Institution Country: United States
Implementation Country: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda
Funding Stage: Proof of concept
Keywords: Aerial imagery, Drone, Mapping
In Eastern Africa, accessing timely aerial imagery for humanitarian response is a challenge for organizations working in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Traditional methods are slow, costly, and often reliant on external sources, delaying aid efforts, especially in conflict zones where resources are scarce. To tackle this, the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) introduces community aerial imagery—a localized solution empowering conflict-affected communities to provide vital drone data for humanitarian use. HOT is developing an affordable, non-weaponizable drone tailored for disaster response mapping, enabling local communities to meet the demand for aerial imagery. By putting technology directly into the hands of those affected, this initiative revolutionizes response efforts, improving efficiency and outcomes for vulnerable populations. Empowering communities with accessible tools not only enhances local participation in humanitarian aid but also streamlines response efforts, ensuring faster and more effective assistance where it’s needed most.