ABOUT THE PEARS CHALLENGE
Innovation for Global Impact
The Pears Challenge enables experienced Israeli entrepreneurs to create successful impact tech ventures that meet critical needs in developing countries.
Graduating ventures have developed technologies that are impacting thousands of people worldwide and have raised over 24 million dollars in seed financing and contracts since the program launched in 2014.
The Pears Challenge is generously supported by the Pears Foundation.
The Program
1. Selection
During the selection process, we identify exceptional early-stage ventures and startup ideas looking to validate their concept in Low and middle-income countries.
APPLICANT CRITERIA:
Ideal candidates have an existing venture idea (ranging from concept to MVP) that targets emerging markets and has a strong impact mission. We are looking for venture ideas backed by personal expertise, professional background or deep research.
We look for open-minded, impact-oriented, and experienced professionals who are ready to validate their idea and take it to the next level.
We seek out equal gender representation and diversity in our cohorts and encourage applications from people of all ages, ethnicities, and religious backgrounds.
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Past Challenges
Pears Challenge: Validate 2024
Digital Financial Inclusion in East Africa
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Pears Challenge V 2022
Resilient & Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems in Ghana
Pears Challenge IV 2019
Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Humanitarian Settings
Pears Challenge III 2017
Affordable Healthcare in India
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Pears Challenge II 2015
Smallholder Farmer Value Chains in Kenya
Pears Challenge I 2014
Accelerating Development Technology Startups
Pears Challenge Alumi Ventures
The last six cohorts of the Pears Challenge have created nearly 20 new venutres and raised over $24M in grants, seed financing and contracts and piloted technologies in markets across five continents, affecting the lives of individuals and communities in Angola, Nigeria, South Africa Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Senegal, Ghana, Israel, India, Mexico, Taiwan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Japan, Brazil, Ecuador, USA, Canada, Netherlands, Poland, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Lithuania and Romania.
Our ventures have secured funding from
Our ventures have partnered with
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Better Data for Greater Impact
Rural Senses has developed a solution using AI and empowering local data collectors to help development and humanitarian practitioners take data-driven decisions based on what communities really care about.
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Formerly - Pears Program for Global Innovation
Connecting between Israeli Innovation & Global Development Challenges
A Public Benefit Company ( Non- Profit Organization) Registred in Israel (registration number- 517005658)
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Tel Aviv
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