IFRC Solferino Academy

What IFRC Solferino Academy does

The IFRC Solferino Academy is a non-profit innovation and futures 'think and do tank' that operates as an integral part of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Founded in 2019 and headquartered within the IFRC in Geneva, Switzerland, the Academy helps the IFRC's 192 National Societies become more anticipatory, agile, and innovative in alignment with the IFRC Strategy 2030 and the Agenda for Renewal. Its work spans three core areas: leadership transformation, think tank research, and innovation catalysis.

The Academy's product portfolio includes the FutureFellows leadership development program (2021 and 2022 cohorts), the Limitless Youth Innovation Academy (2022 and 2024 editions, including the Limitless Water Prize), the IFRC Global Innovation Summit (held in Nairobi in June 2023 with 97 sessions), publications such as the World Disasters Report and the Strategic Foresight Book, and interactive tools including the Climate Legacy: Echoes of Change game and the Humanitarian Innovator Styles Quiz. Distribution is enabled through digital channels (multilingual website, Solferino Voices YouTube channel, ASAP podcast), knowledge products (publications, training, Icon Cards), and in-person convenings. Underlying technology includes VR-based disaster preparedness modules developed with APDRC, ICRC, and Hansung University, computer vision-enabled drone and satellite disaster response operations in partnership with AWS, Airbus Foundation, and KUASA, and emerging generative AI pilot training delivered through a Microsoft partnership.

The Academy operates on a non-commercial model: it provides programs, publications, and services free of charge to National Societies, with operations funded through the IFRC's membership model (National Society dues) and donor contributions. Its major partner is the Italian Red Cross (Croce Rossa Italiana), and the organization reports 11-50 employees with offices tied to the IFRC's global footprint. Customer relationships are concentrated entirely within the humanitarian sector, and the Academy has no disclosed revenue or independent funding rounds, functioning as an internal capability-building function rather than a commercial enterprise.

Name

IFRC Solferino Academy

Legal name

IFRC Solferino Academy

Website

https://solferinoacademy.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The IFRC Solferino Academy is a non-profit innovation and futures think-and-do tank within the IFRC, helping the network's 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies become more anticipatory, agile, and innovative through leadership programs, research publications, and innovation challenges.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Humanitarian Capacity Building Services

NAICS

Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (54172), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus & Resilience Programming (BPADAEAK)

Keywords

• Humanitarian capacity building
• Strategic foresight consulting
• Innovation facilitation
• Leadership development
• Humanitarian research publications

Headquarters

HQ city

Rome

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. IFRC Network Funding: The Solferino Academy is part of the IFRC and receives funding through the Federation's membership model. National Society membership dues and donor contributions fund Academy operations. The Academy does not charge National Societies for its programs and services.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

IFRC Solferino Academy is the innovation and futures think-and-do tank of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), helping its network of 192 National Societies become more anticipatory, agile, and innovative. It delivers leadership development programs (FutureFellows), youth innovation challenges (Limitless Academy), strategic foresight frameworks and publications, the annual World Disasters Report, the Global Innovation Summit, interactive educational tools, podcasts, and access to data platforms — all provided free of charge to National Societies and aligned with IFRC Strategy 2030.

Product overview

IFRC Solferino Academy operates as a unified innovation and futures think-and-do tank organized around three core areas: leadership transformation, think tank research, and innovation catalysis. The portfolio includes youth innovation programs (Limitless Academy), leadership development (FutureFellows), research publications (Strategic Foresight Book, World Disasters Report), events (Global Innovation Summit), interactive learning tools (Climate Legacy game, Humanitarian Innovator Styles Quiz), media (ASAP Podcast via Solferino Voices), and data platforms (IFRC GO). These offerings work together to help National Societies become more anticipatory, agile, and innovative.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• FutureFellows: Humanitarian leadership development program for emerging leaders
• Limitless
• Limitless Youth Innovation Academy
• World Disasters Report
• Strategic Foresight Book
• ASAP (A Solferino Academy Podcast)
• Solferino Voices
• ClimateRed.tv
• IFRC Global Innovation Summit
• Humanitarian Leadership for the Future

Products and services

• FutureFellows Leadership Programme A leadership development program supporting emerging future leaders within the IFRC network with 2021 and 2022 cohorts, designed to build leadership capabilities aligned with Strategy 2030.
• Limitless Youth Innovation Academy A youth innovation academy that funds and supports youth-led climate innovations, with annual programs in 2022 and 2024 including the Limitless Water Prize competition.
• The Strategic Foresight Book A practical guide on strategic foresight exploring emerging issues and uncovering new options for action, with practical activities and exercises for leadership, creativity, and decision-making.
• World Disasters Report An annual flagship publication providing authoritative research and analysis on humanitarian topics for the global Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
• IFRC Global Innovation Summit An annual global summit bringing together changemakers, thought leaders, and experts from around the world to explore innovation, leadership, change, and the future of humanitarian action.
• AI Pioneer Programme A program showcasing finalists working on AI solutions for humanitarian challenges within the IFRC network, supporting generative AI pilots for PMER and humanitarian use cases.
• Climate Legacy: Echoes of Change Game An interactive educational game created to engage new audiences with the IFRC GO Platform features while teaching climate change concepts and disaster preparedness.
• ASAP Podcast (via Solferino Voices YouTube) A podcast series featuring stories of change, innovation, and the future from the Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies and conversations with pioneer leaders across sectors.
• Humanitarian Innovator Styles Quiz An assessment tool that helps individuals discover their preferred innovation and humanitarian innovator styles based on six archetypes.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduced cyclone mortality in Bangladesh from hundreds of thousands in 1970s to single digits today through early warning systems supported by the network
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability8 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Croce Rossa Italiana (Italian Red Cross)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Italian Red Cross is identified as the Major Partner of the IFRC Solferino Academy. This is a flagship partnership supporting the Academy's operations and programs.
• Kenya Red Cross SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host of the IFRC Global Innovation Summit 2023 in Nairobi. Kenya Red Cross also hosts the International Centre for Humanitarian Affairs (ICHA) which partners on innovation initiatives including drone deployment for disaster response.
• International Center for Humanitarian Affairs (ICHA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerICHA is the think tank of Kenya Red Cross Society. They partner with Solferino Academy on innovation stories, drone deployment for disaster response, and knowledge sharing about innovation in humanitarian work.
• MicrosoftcoreTechnology or IntegrationIFRC has an agreement with Microsoft to support its AI journey. Microsoft provides technology support for AI implementation across IFRC network programs.
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)supportingTechnology or IntegrationAWS provided data processing infrastructure support for Kenya Red Cross drone operations during 2024 flood response, enabling concurrent operations across eight counties.
• Airbus FoundationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership between Kenya Red Cross and Airbus Foundation provides satellite imagery (Pleiades satellite) for disaster response and flood assessment operations.
• Kenya Unmanned Air Systems Association (KUASA)supportingTechnology or IntegrationNetwork of volunteer drone pilots that supported Kenya Red Cross flood response operations, providing personnel and equipment for drone deployment across eight counties.
• Help. NGOsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvided drone equipment and data processing infrastructure support. Also supported ICHA data unit with Web ODM implementation and rapid mapping training.
• 510 (Netherlands Red Cross/IFRC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner510 is the data and analytics capability of Netherlands Red Cross and IFRC. Presented at Global Innovation Summit 2023 on personalization and dignified engagement in digital services.
• Humanitech Lab (Australian Red Cross)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustralian Red Cross innovation lab presenting at Global Innovation Summit 2023 on transforming humanitarian response through technology, collaborating with start-ups and communities.
• Climate Centre (Netherlands Red Cross)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerClimate Centre supports the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement on climate issues. Co-presented the Youth Innovation Games at Global Innovation Summit 2023.
• Asia Pacific Disaster Resilience Centre (APDRC)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAPDRC develops VR-based disaster preparedness education and has partnered with ICRC and Hansung University on VR content. Presented at Global Innovation Summit 2023.
• Hansung UniversitysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with APDRC to create interactive VR experience focused on heatwaves as part of climate resilience education content.
• American Red CrosssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresented at Global Innovation Summit 2023 on digital transformation at scale, including apps and machine learning implementations.
• British Red CrosssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresented at Global Innovation Summit 2023 on innovator styles and technology empowerment for volunteers.
• Collaborative Cash Delivery (CCD) NetworksupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerDIGID team is working jointly with CCD Network on the interoperability roadmap for data sharing in cash and voucher assistance.
• Danish Red Cross (Humanitarian Innovative Finance Hub)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted the Humanitarian Innovative Finance Hub and presented at Global Innovation Summit 2023 on innovative financing mechanisms.
• Norwegian Red CrosssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresented at Global Innovation Summit 2023 on Robotica Prototype (AI & community health worker) in partnership with IFRC.
• Spanish Red CrosssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner at Global Innovation Summit 2023 representing European National Society perspectives.
• Global Disaster Preparedness CentersupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization contributing to early warning systems content and disaster preparedness resources featured at Global Innovation Summit 2023.
• ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerICRC partnered with APDRC and Hansung University on VR content development for disaster preparedness education.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• UNHCR Innovation: Innovation arm of the UN Refugee Agency, operating a similar think-and-do model to develop, test, and scale innovative approaches for humanitarian response. Directly comparable as a UN-affiliated innovation function serving displaced populations globally.
• WFP Innovation Accelerator: Innovation accelerator within the World Food Programme supporting startups and testing new ideas to address hunger and food systems challenges. Comparable as an in-house UN innovation function running cohort programs (similar to Limitless) and supporting field-driven innovation.
• UNICEF Office of Innovation: Innovation office within the UN children's fund focused on frontier technology, youth engagement, and digital public goods. Comparable in mission to source innovative solutions from youth and partners into a large global humanitarian/development network.
• UNDP Accelerator Labs Network: Global network of 91 Accelerator Labs supporting UNDP's sustainable development work through local experimentation, futures thinking, and innovation. Closely comparable as a network-based innovation platform embedded in a large multilateral institution with distributed local presence.
• ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross): Sister organization to IFRC within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, with whom the Academy co-develops VR-based disaster preparedness content. Comparable as a parallel humanitarian institution focused on protection, innovation, and capacity building.
• Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre: Climate-focused reference center for the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, co-presenting programs (Youth Innovation Games) at the Academy's Global Innovation Summit. Comparable as a Movement-affiliated center of expertise providing thought leadership and convening within the same network.
• Elrha (Humanitarian Innovation Fund): Charity supporting humanitarian innovation through funding, research, and convening across the sector. Comparable as a dedicated innovation-supporting entity within the humanitarian ecosystem that funds pilots and shares learning across humanitarian responders.

Emerging players

• NetHope: Consortium of humanitarian and development organizations collaborating on technology, data, and digital transformation. Comparable as an enabling network organization that supports member NGOs (including Red Cross societies) with technology capacity and innovation.

Broad incumbents

• Concern Worldwide: Major international humanitarian organization operating emergency response, development, and innovation programs across multiple continents. Comparable as a large established humanitarian incumbent that operates innovation initiatives and engages in cross-sector learning.
• Mercy Corps: Large global humanitarian and development organization with innovation programming (Mercy Corps Ventures) focused on frontier technology for crisis-affected communities. Comparable as a broad incumbent that combines humanitarian operations with venture-style innovation investing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@SolferinoVoices
• Facebookfacebook.com/people/IFRC-Solferino-Academy/61572985566986
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ifrc-solferino-academy
• Instagraminstagram.com/ifrcsolferinoacademy
• Xx.com/IFRCInnovation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about IFRC Solferino Academy