HZero
HZero is the first innovation hub for LAC with a focus on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN), promoting disruptive and transformative innovation towards achieving Zero Hunger in the LAC region. HZero aims at strengthening local innovation ecosystems in FSN, building alliances between key stakeholders, catalyzing efforts and capacities, and facilitating resources with the aim of supporting innovations that create a positive impact in the territories of LAC. The hub is managed by the WFP Country Office in Colombia.
We aim to strengthen local innovation ecosystems.
HZero objectives
Support and accelerate innovative solutions in FSN that empower and benefit communities, women, youth and children, smallholder farmers and migrants, by implementing innovation programs.
Foster FSN innovation at the territorial level, by facilitating linkages, knowledge exchange and resources to strengthen local
economies and markets.
Consolidate an innovation community in FSN in the LAC region, by promoting an innovation culture, facilitating exchanges and fostering collaboration among actors contributing to Zero Hunger.
Our unique value proposition
- We are part of the WFP global innovation network that has positively impacted the lives of more than 9 million people in 2021 alone by accelerating and scaling innovative solutions to fight hunger worldwide.
- We foster innovation in territories and promote culture, identities and diversity through an inclusive, community based and people-centered approach.
- We empower the most vulnerable by co-designing and implementing local and sustainable solutions.
- We convene and connect multi-sectoral actors.
Highlights 2021 - 2022
HZero launched the open call for the innovation program Acelera HZero 2022 – 2023, which aims to support up to 20 innovative FSN projects in the LAC region, through a Bootcamp and a 6-months acceleration program.
HZero delivered the first edition of the WFP’s Innovation Bootcamps in the LAC region. 8 innovative food security solutions were selected for a journey of ideation, project design and innovation. After the Bootcamp, 4 of them received financial and technical support to scale their impact.
HZero is supporting the first Latin American Network of Innovation Agencies (RELAI)-INNPulsa open innovation challenge on enhancing traceability of agri-food chains, launched in February 2022.
HZero was launched in partnership with Innovation for Nutrition (I4N), a visionary initiative of Colombia together with WFP, established in 2021 to accelerate the fight against malnutrition in the country and the Latin America and the Caribbean region.
Thematic areas
- Nutrition and healthy diets
- Sustainable and resilient food systems
- Ancestral knowledge and territories
- Equitable livelihoods
- FSN assistance in emergencies
- Innovation in WFP programmes
Contact
Contact us at: [email protected]