Bernhard Kowatsch
About Bernhard Kowatsch
Bernhard Kowatsch serves as the Head of Innovation Accelerator at the United Nations World Food Programme, where he has worked since 2015. He is recognized for his contributions to innovation and social impact, including the creation of the Nilus platform and the development of the Optimus tool.
Work at World Food Programme
Bernhard Kowatsch has served as the Head of Innovation Accelerator at the United Nations World Food Programme since 2015. In this role, he manages a diverse team of over 90 international staff, ensuring a 67% female representation and inclusion of members from 35 different nationalities. His leadership focuses on driving innovation to enhance food security and social impact. Prior to this position, he worked as Head of Business Innovation at the World Food Programme from 2010 to 2013.
Education and Expertise
Bernhard Kowatsch holds multiple Master's degrees from WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business), specializing in Business Administration and International Business. He also studied at HEC Paris, where he achieved a CEMS Master in International Management. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his expertise in innovation and social impact within the humanitarian sector.
Background
Before joining the World Food Programme, Kowatsch worked at The Boston Consulting Group as a Project Leader from 2005 to 2010 in Vienna, Austria. He co-founded ShareTheMeal, serving as Managing Director from 2014 to 2020 in Berlin, Germany. His experience spans various roles focused on innovation, social entrepreneurship, and strategic consulting.
Achievements
Kowatsch created the Nilus platform, recognized as Schwab Social Entrepreneur of the Year, which connects surplus food to underserved areas, benefiting over 600,000 paying customers. He led the development of the Optimus tool, a big data solution that optimized food supply chains, saving $50 million and benefiting 7.2 million people across 44 countries. In 2023, he secured over $30 million in annual funding for the Innovation Accelerator, with contributions from major organizations including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and UNICEF.
Media Recognition
Bernhard Kowatsch has been frequently featured in prominent media outlets such as CNN, Fast Company, Forbes, and Bloomberg TV. His work in innovation and social impact has garnered recognition, including being part of Fast Company's Best Workplace for Innovators in 2020, 2021, and 2023, and being a finalist for Innovative Leader of the Year in 2021 and 2023.