Global innovators are invited to create scalable and impactful Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) based solutions that tackle critical people and planetary challenges in the lead-up to COP30.

June 9, 2025 – The Digital Public Infrastructure for People and Planet (DPI4PP) Innovation Challenge 2025 officially opens for applications. The challenge is hosted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Co-Develop, Gates Foundation, Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure (CDPI), and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), in partnership with the COP30 Presidency. This global initiative seeks innovative DPI-based solutions across various sectors, ranging from energy transition and disaster resilience to sustainable agriculture and carbon markets.

DPI refers to foundational systems such as digital identity, interoperable payments, open data sharing and data exchange platforms, among others. Through this challenge, innovators worldwide can leverage DPI and infrastructure thinking to create inclusive, scalable, and impactful solutions that benefit communities globally, particularly low-income and climate-vulnerable populations.

The challenge welcomes entries from a range of innovators, including research institutions, startups, social enterprises, established companies, and non-profit organizations from around the world. Participants are encouraged to propose new concepts or enhance existing solutions using digital public infrastructure.

This challenge is unique in three ways:  

  • It is the world’s first innovation challenge focused specifically on the intersection of people, planet and DPI.
  • It is not a one-off competition, but part of a broader journey aimed at launching high-impact, scalable, and deployable solutions.
  • It is anchored by global DPI leaders—including technical experts, governments, and development agencies— and the climate community and is held in partnership with the COP30 Presidency.

What is in this challenge for you?

  • Top finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their solutions at COP30 in Brazil and engage directly with global leaders.
  • Be part of the broader People, Planet and DPI community built through this challenge.
  • Receive up to $100,000 in grant funding will be awarded to finalists to support the development and field testing of their solutions.
  • Receive tailored mentorship from experts, helping deepen their understanding of DPI, Digital Public Goods (DPGs), and climate intersections, while sharpening the technical, strategic, and impact dimensions of their solutions.
  • Benefit from opportunities to scale their solutions through targeted connections with potential investors and strategic ecosystem partners. Winners can receive ongoing implementation support, strategic guidance, and valuable networking opportunities at high-profile global events.

Registrations close on June 27th, 2025. For more details, visit  dpi4pp.org

For media enquiries contact info@dpi4pp.org

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About the Hosts

JICA: Japan’s governmental agency that delivers Official Development Assistance (ODA) to support sustainable development in the Global South. Learn more: jica.go.jp/english

Co-Develop: A non-profit organization advancing open and inclusive digital public infrastructure to improve development outcomes globally. Learn more: co-develop.org

Gates Foundation: Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. Learn more: gatesfoundation.org

Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure (CDPI): A global team of DPI builders helping countries design and implement population-scale digital public infrastructure. “Learn more: cdpi.org

BCG: A leading global management consulting firm that partners with leaders in business and society to drive innovation and high impact change. Learn more: bcg.com

COP30 Presidency: The host leadership for COP30 advancing global climate action and innovation. The COP30 Presidency is in partnership with this challenge, recognizing its alignment with the objectives of COP30. Learn more: cop30.br/en