QBE AcceliCITY Humanitarian Challenge

Disasters are getting more intense, more frequent and more complex – but communities are adapting in real time, often without the tools they need.

The QBE AcceliCITY Humanitarian Challenge backs real-world solutions that help people prepare for, respond to and recover from climate-driven disasters.

This is a global challenge designed to meet local needs – and it’s grounded in community insight, not just innovation hype.

The 2026 Challenge

Thirty teams from around the world were selected to take part in the 2026 QBE AcceliCITY Humanitarian Challenge, working through the AcceliCITY program and Humanitech Innovation Curriculum to refine their solutions alongside peers, experts and community partners.

Bridgefy and Atma Connect were announced as the 2026 Challenge winners, and will pilot their solutions in Australia and Indonesia respectively.

Learn more about the 2026 Challenge winners

The QBE AcceliCITY Humanitarian Challenge returns for 2027. Applications open on 1 October 2027.   

A different kind of innovation challenge

This is not your standard startup competition. It’s a partnership between:

Australian Red Cross and the Global Disaster Preparedness Center
Humanitarian insight and deep community ties

QBE Foundation
Global networks and risk expertise

Leading Cities
International reach and experience scaling civic innovation

Together, we’re creating a pathway to help early-stage solutions move fast, stay grounded and scale with impact.

Backed by results

Since 2018, the QBE AcceliCITY partnership has helped startups from over 70 countries raise more than $2.2B in capital and generate $1.5B in revenue.

In 2024, the Humanitarian Challenge attracted 90 global applicants. Winning startup WEO piloted its mapping technology in Dargo, Victoria – a town repeatedly hit by fires and floods – and is now exploring opportunities to scale across other high-risk communities.

This model – co-designed, locally piloted, globally supported – is already turning bold ideas into systems-shifting solutions.

Be part of the story as it unfolds — subscribe for updates or follow us on LinkedIn to see how bold ideas grow into community-ready solutions.