Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What sorts of innovations/solutions are you seeking?
We are open to a wide range of solutions in our areas of focus – health, resilience, and sustainable cooling. Priority goes to proven products installed in at least one commercial setting, but innovations at the product development stage will also be considered. These can be new technologies or innovative services and business models.
How can I stay up to date on TechEmerge opportunities?
Our newsletter provides information on new programs, open calls, interactive webinars, success stories and lessons learned, awards for innovation, and more. Sign up here. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Are you only seeking startups? My company has more than 50 employees. Are we eligible to participate?
In regard to innovators, TechEmerge primarily supports growing, small to mid-size tech companies. There is no strict limit on the number of employees, but our innovators would not be multinational corporations, for example. In contrast, our local adopters/partners are large to mid-size companies.
Is there a fee or charge to apply to TechEmerge?
No, there are no fees or charges to apply to any TechEmerge program.
Who covers the costs of pilot projects?
TechEmerge offers grant funding for pilot projects. Funding can cover services, such as translation costs, for example, but not goods or equipment. The innovator and adopter need to agree on the specific items funded by their grant, and to conform with standard IFC grant agreement procedures and legal agreements.
With COVID-19 travel restrictions in place, how can we participate in pilots and matchmaking?
We conduct online sessions and stage virtual matchmaking summits for innovators to showcase their solutions and meet potential partners. Furthermore, if you cannot travel to pilots or field testing, you can team up with a local delivery partner.
Will language be an issue for matchmaking and pilots?
TechEmerge provides translation support during matchmaking activities. During pilots, translation costs can be covered by TechEmerge grant funding.
How does a local delivery partner differ from an adopter?
An adopter pilots and uses the innovator’s solution, while local delivery partners help to implement the pilot and ensure it meets local regulations. There are four categories of local partners: turnkey engineering firms, manufacturers, distributors, and co-innovators. IFC provides a list of vetted local delivery partners, but you can also recruit your own local delivery partner.
What sorts of agreements do innovators, adopters, and local delivery partners sign?
Innovators, adopters, and local delivery partners negotiate their own agreements on how their pilot should be conducted, technical parameters, and goals, as well as any IP rights. In regard to grant funding, a separate agreement lays out the obligations for the innovator, adopter, local delivery partner, and IFC/TechEmerge.
If our pilot is successful, will IFC provide support to scale up adoption of our innovation?
IFC may provide additional advisory and financial services for successful pilots. This includes investment to enable the innovator and/or adopter to scale up the solution. Any investment is discussed separately with each relevant party. Participation in TechEmerge does not imply or guarantee any investment from IFC. Innovators and adopters also have no obligation to apply for further investment.
I still have questions. How can I find out more?
Use the form below to send us a message. You can also email us at techemerge@ifc.org