The World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization. Its long-term goal: to make itself obsolete. By 2030, there should be no more global hunger. For Kowatsch, it's clear: this isn't naive idealism, but a realistic vision. Globally, there is enough food for everyone. The real problems lie in poverty, conflict, climate change, and inefficient systems, he explains. Bernhard Kowatsch, Head of the UN World Food Program Innovation Accelerator, in the Pitch & People Videocast:
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PITCH & PEOPLE Episode 14: Bernhard Kowatsch
"In principle, global hunger is a solvable problem. There is still enough food in the world for everyone to live a healthy life."
This is precisely where the Innovation Accelerator Since its inception, the accelerator has supported over 500 startups, NGOs, and internal ventures. Last year alone, these solutions improved the lives of 61 million people or increased their income. The accelerator currently operates 18 different impact programs, also for external partners.
Efficiency can free up millions
Concrete examples demonstrate that innovation in the humanitarian context generates measurable impact. An internal blockchain solution at the WFP prevents duplicate aid payments across organizational boundaries. In Ukraine, this resulted in savings of US$270 million within three years – money that was then used to benefit people who had previously received no support.
An AI-powered system is optimizing the global procurement, storage, and transport of food. This alone recently saved the WFP over five million US dollars. Every efficiency gain means more aid and less waste. Kowatsch in addition:
"Wherever we can achieve a one percent efficiency gain, that translates to millions of euros that we can save – and which in turn can go to hungry people."
In addition to providing immediate emergency aid, the focus is on long-term solutions. The Farm to Market Alliance connects smallholder farmers with markets, loans, seeds, and fertilizers. Through so-called Farmer Service Centers, approximately 800,000 farmers have already been reached, resulting in a direct increase in income for about 3.5 million people.
Another key issue: post-harvest losses. In many countries of the Global South, up to 50 percent of the harvest spoils due to a lack of storage facilities. The solution is often surprisingly simple: drying, special bags, or silos. These methods allow grain to be stored for up to a year without losses.
Innovation originates in Munich – impact worldwide
Why is a global UN accelerator located in Munich of all places? For Kowatsch, the answer is clear: a strong innovation ecosystem, excellent research, committed companies, and a central location. The accelerator works closely with partners such as Google, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and digital consultancies.
An example from the collaboration with the DLR: semi-autonomous amphibious vehicles that can deliver food in minefields or flood zones without endangering human lives.
Startups wanted – also from Munich
The Innovation Accelerator follows the principle of open innovation. Startups, NGOs, and teams from around the world can apply. From approximately 1,000 applications, about eight to ten teams are selected. They receive up to US$100,000 in funding – equity-free – as well as access to markets, country offices, and decision-makers.
What matters is not the startup's location, but the feasibility of implementing the solution in the Global South. A Munich-based startup can be just as successful as a team from Nigeria or Kenya. Kowatsch adds in the interview:
"Our primary goal is not for startups to make as much money as possible, but to help people – to lift people out of hunger and increase their income."
80 cents against hunger
Besides technology, individual commitment also plays a role. With the app ShareTheMeal, which Kowatsch co-founded, users can donate a meal for 80 cents. So far, 285 million meals have been shared in this way by around 1.9 million people worldwide.
For Kowatsch, this sends a clear message: everyone can do something. Hunger is not a law of nature. It is a matter of decisions, systems, and innovation.
