UNDP Philippines Accelerator Lab

We ignite progress toward the SDGs through exploration, solutions mapping of grassroots innovations and human-centered experimentation.

The Accelerator Lab supports UNDP Philippines through application of the Lab functions on the frontier challenges of circular economy, cities, and local convergences for poverty reduction. We apply systems thinking, collective intelligence, behavioral insights, foresight and prototyping in our work as well as capacity building with our partners.

In support of the pandemic response, we looked at how digital solutions can promote the inclusion of marginalized groups amid the lockdowns by deploying chatbots and machine learning to understand the impact of COVID-19 on households and enterprises. We also contributed to the development of COVID-smart data warehouse and a Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) supply chain platform for Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), in addition to a digital cash transfer pilot. The Lab also facilitated an innovation challenge to support local service delivery and sessions for human-centered digital service delivery. These provide the foundation in consolidating our work towards digital inclusion, informality and inclusive value chains.

The Accelerator Lab also promotes inclusive innovation in the Philippines through policy research and grassroots innovation through the institutionalization of the solutions mapping adventure known as the SalikLakbay Series.

The UNDP Philippines Accelerator Lab was selected as a participant in the Japan SDGs Innovation Challenge. Through the Innovation Challenge, seven UNDP Accelerator Labs are collaborating with Japanese companies to co-develop and design models to test potential solutions to address specific development challenges problems identified by the Labs.

The Philippines UNDP Accelerator Lab is also working with JAMSS in a remote sensing model for marine litter in the river systems of Metro Manila.

• Learn more about this initiative here
• or watch it here