DIV 10th Anniversary Brochure

Since 2010, USAID’s open innovation program, Development Innovation Ventures (DIV), has invested in global innovators who are testing new ideas to address the world’s most intractable development challenges, building rigorous evidence of what works, and scaling the most impactful, cost-effective solutions. DIV combines best practices from venture capital and academia to maximize results while minimizing risks, impacting millions of people living in poverty, and at a fraction of the usual cost.

DIV helps USAID engage with the private sector and other new partners. Innovations supported by DIV support developing countries on their journeys to self-reliance.

Built on the idea that game-changing ideas can come from anyone, anywhere, at any time, DIV supports companies, social entrepreneurs, non-profits, researchers, and others to address development challenges. DIV accepts applications year-round at www.USAID.gov/DIV for innovations in every sector and country in which USAID operates. Utilizing internal and external expertise, DIV assesses applications through the lens of its core principles—rigorous evidence of impact, cost-effectiveness, and potential for scale and financial sustainability. With its co-creation approach and flexible funding model, DIV is a change-maker whose impact continues to inspire new methods and investment models to achieve key development objectives.

DIV was co-founded in 2010 by Dr. Maura O’Neill and Nobel Laureate Dr. Michael Kremer. The DIV team continues to build on the legacy of DIV’s unique approach to expand the frontiers of aid effectiveness and impact investing a decade later.