Mumbai, June 13, 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 initiative seeks innovative DPI-based solutions across various sectors, ranging from energy transition and disaster resilience to sustainable agriculture and carbon markets.
Yushi Nagano, Head of JICA Dx Lab, said, “JICA is proud to co-host an initiative that brings together climate innovation and digital public infrastructure with a strong focus on real-world implementation. This challenge is about bridging vision with action.”
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.
Saibal Chakraborty, Managing Director and Senior Partner, BCG, said, “At BCG, we believe the most urgent global problems need the boldest ideas—supported by the right platforms, partners, and resources. As a pioneer of DPI thinking, we are particularly excited to see the innovations that come out of India. This challenge is about DPI-powered climate innovation and bringing the innovators and the enablers together to turn potential into action.”
The challenge welcomes entries from a range of innovators, including research institutions, startups, social enterprises, established companies, and non-profit organizations from India. Participants are encouraged to propose new concepts or enhance existing solutions using digital public infrastructure.
This challenge is unique in three ways, 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.
Top finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their solutions at COP30 in Brazil and engage directly with global leaders. They will be part of the broader people, planet and DPI community built through this challenge. Up to $100,000 in grant funding will be awarded to finalists to support the development and field testing of their solutions. They will 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. The winner will 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 27.
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