The Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge invites industry partners and creative innovators to co-develop sustainable solutions in key areas such as sustainable materials, packaging, zero-waste, and more. Participants have the chance to collaborate with major partners and access funding to develop their solutions. Prizes include potential grant support (US$75 thousand from Hexagon Group), as well as funding and real-world testing facilitated by industry pioneers. The challenge is open to startups, small to medium enterprises, institutes of higher learning, and research institutes across the world. The application deadline is 27 January 2025. Details here
Category: Cross-Cutting Subjects
The Africa Scholarship Program (ASP) offers students from Africa the opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree at Wageningen University and to support capacity building in Africa. Students receive travel, living allowance, tuition fee coverage, visa costs, and costs for health insurance. Applicants have to be citizens of an African country and have applied for one of the master’s programs of Wageningen University & Research before the given deadline. The application deadline is 01 February 2025. Wageningen University & Research
The Global Disaster Preparedness Center (GDPC) announces a small research grants program focused on the theme of climate resilience in urban areas. The initiative aims to deepen our understanding of urban climate resilience by supporting original research in low- and middle-income countries. The GDPC provides up to US$10 thousand in funding to university researchers. Applicants must be affiliated with an accredited university at the time of submission. Applications are open to researchers who are nationals of low- and middle-income countries. The application deadline is 12 November 2024. Research Grants on Urban Climate Resilience
The Asia Climate Solutions (ACS) Design Grant awards grant funding for the design and launch of innovative blended finance solutions for climate transition and resilience in Asia. The grant will target critical climate mitigation and adaptation sectors in Asia including nature-based solutions, clean energy transition, and sustainable cities and infrastructure. Feasibility study grants range between US$50 thousand to US$200 thousand. Proof-of-concept grants range between US$200 thousand to US$400 thousand. Proposals will only be accepted from organizations or consortiums of organizations. The next application deadline is 22 November 2024. Asia Climate Solutions Design Grant
The Acumen Fellows Program supports social innovators from West Africa who are tackling issues of poverty and injustice within their community. The Fellowship consists of a fully-funded leadership program, where Fellows remain in their role while taking part in a series of immersive seminars, workshops, and group practice. Past fellows have included several in smallholder agriculture, renewable energy, waste management, fair trade, and other subject areas. Applications have to be received by 25 November 2024. Acumen West Africa Fellowship
The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University (USA) is a one-year training program for leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to finding solutions to challenges in their communities or countries. Scholars attend courses and participate in leadership development training. Participants receive a furnished studio apartment during their stay, a monthly stipend to assist with living expenses, as well as travel and tuition fees paid. The program is open to applicants from all around the world. Applications for the 2025-2026 program have to be submitted until 16 December 2024. Information
The Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme aims to support outstanding postgraduate students from developing and emerging economies for post-graduate studies at the University of Oxford, UK. Relevant areas of study include Biodiversity Conservation Management, Earth Sciences, Environment, International Wildlife Conservation Practice, Water Science, Zoology, and many others. The scholarship will cover 100% of course fees and a grant for living costs (of at least £15 thousand). The closing date for scholarship applications is 08 January 2025, for most courses. Link
The Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) offers the Iso Lomso Fellowships to early-career African researchers in any discipline. The program provides a three-year attachment to STIAS in addition to the possibility of a residency at a sister institute for advanced study in North America, Europe, or elsewhere. Other benefits include support for attending international conferences or workshops and support to the fellow’s home institution for lecturer replacement. The program is aimed at African scholars who have obtained a doctoral degree within the preceding eight years, and who hold an academic position at a university or research institution anywhere in Africa. The application deadline is 15 February 2025. About
The Mountaintop Fellowship is a paid, one-year, full-time fellowship for local leaders to stay in or return to their home communities and contribute to systems change in lower-income places around the world. Fellows receive a US$3,600 grant paid in 12 installments and have the opportunity to apply for the Catalyst Fund, which funds up to US$2,500 for fellows to implement a project in their community. The fellowship is open to individuals worldwide. The application deadline is 08 November 2024. Mountaintop Fellowship
The International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) seeks applications for its Community Solutions Program (CSP) with the aim to improve communities by addressing issues related to the environment, among others. The Community Solutions Program is a year-long professional development program with a four-month fellowship in the United States. To be eligible, applicants must be between the ages of 26 and 39 (as of 01 January 2025). Eligible countries from Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, Eastern Europe, East Asia and the Pacific, South and Central Asia, and Latin America are listed in the announcement. Applications must be submitted by 13 November 2024. About the Program