We invite you to join us for the Moonshots for Development (M4D) alliance general membership meeting, cohosted by IFAD and CGIAR’S Accelerate for Impact Platform (A4IP).


Since its launch in 2020, M4D has brought together the innovation arms of leading IFIs, MDBs, and partner agencies to invest on transformative solutions for smallholder farmers, rural communities, and indigenous populations. As we enter 2026, our collective commitment to collaboration remains essential to addressing the complex challenges of global food systems.


This General Membership meeting, themed “Open Innovation, Investment, and Scientific Collaboration”, will highlight the importance of cross-agency cooperation and present an opportunity to align our efforts for greater shared impact. IFAD and CGIAR’s Accelerate for Impact Platform (A4IP) will co-host a special session featuring the key components of the IFAD-sponsored USD 2 million M4D grant, including the upcoming Global Open Innovation Challenge to be launched on 3 December 2025. The session will also feature presentations by the European Space Agency on their Global Development Assistance Programme, the World Bank’s GeoLab initiative, and key updates on the M4D grant and related financing facility.


The main objectives of this General Membership Meeting are the following:

  • Present the key components and expected outcomes of the IFAD-sponsored USD 2 million Moonshots for Development grant, outlining how it will accelerate open innovation, scientific collaboration, and investment for rural transformation.
  • Mobilize members to actively promote and engage in the Global Open Innovation Challenge to be launched on 3 December 2025, ensuring broad participation across agencies and regions.
  • Identify concrete areas for collaboration across the M4D Alliance, including opportunities to align scientific research, digital innovations, AI applications, and financing mechanisms to bridge the research-to-deployment gap.
  • Provide a space for members to exchange insights, strengthen partnerships, and plan joint priorities for 2026, fostering deeper cooperation and coordinated action across the alliance.

 

We look forward to your active participation and to continuing our joint efforts to accelerate impactful, science-driven innovation.
M4D Alliance member organizations are welcome to present alongside the above-listed presenters.

Please reach out to jflanagan@venturewell.org with a concept for a 7 minute presentation that would be of interest to the M4D Alliance.

 

Register