The Dutch Coalition for Humanitarian Innovation (DCHI) brings together humanitarian organisations, research and educational institutes, businesses of all sizes and governmental actors. The coalition enables them to jointly find, develop and scale innovative solutions. We see ourselves as pioneers, a driving force behind innovation, entrepreneurship and partnerships. We aim to transform humanitarian action through innovation, to realise more economic and societal impact at a lower cost.
The Coalition consists of more than 300 actors, click here to join. The DCHI board is supported by the DCHI team, working from home or the offices of the The Hague Humanity Hub
Our board

Marieke van Schaik
CEO, Netherlands Red Cross


Lieutenant-General Martin H. Wijnen
Ministry of Defence


Wim Jansen
Director International Affairs, The Hague


Reintje van Haeringen
CEO, CARE Nederland


Mariëlle van Miltenburg
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Coalition
As a coalition, we create connections between humanitarian organisations, governments, companies, research and educational institutions, to work together, collaborate, share knowledge and experiences to bring about a transformation in humanitarian aid.
The Dutch Coalition for Humanitarian Innovation (DCHI), launched in 2016, brings together more than 300 actors:
The coalition enables them to jointly find, develop and scale innovative solutions. We see ourselves as pioneers, a driving force behind innovation, entrepreneurship and partnerships. We aim to transform humanitarian action through innovation, to realise more economic and societal impact at a lower cost.
The need for humanitarian innovation
In the past decade the need for humanitarian aid has increased and has become more complex. Humanitarian organisations are challenged by the results of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events which seriously disturbing public order. Innovation is necessary to fulfil this changed reality and to spend the available means and funding effectively. The focus and ability to apply, organise and execute innovation in the humanitarian action is insufficient. Because of fragmented knowledge and lack of Research & Development resources innovative best practices remain isolated and not disseminated. As a result innovative development and promising scaling solutions (and making profitable impact) lags behind. DCHI aims to improve the process and practice of emergency aid through innovation with public and private partners.

Be part of the Coalition
We welcome and encourage parties to be part of the coalition. To join DCHI, a prospective member expresses support for DCHI’s narrative and objectives and guiding principles opting in ‘the join us form’. The coalition does not require a financial or legal obligation. Specific opportunities for partnerships in programmes, initiatives, courses, events or projects to become active will be discussed, selected and shared throughout the year.
As part of the coalition:
- You have access to interesting events
- You can share your knowledge and experiences with other important stakeholders
- You can innovate together and inspire each other
- And discover your new financing opportunities for cost efficiency.

“Imagination is the source of every innovation”
Debasish Mridha