USAID sponsors Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) to identify, develop, test, and scale innovative approaches in development. DIV’s portfolio includes projects across the range of USAID’s program areas – including in agriculture, energy, climate change, water, waste management, and others related to natural resources and the environment. Applicants may apply for any of the three following stages: Proof of Concept (Up to US$200 thousand for up to 3 years), Testing and Positioning for Scale (US$200 thousand to $1.5 million for up to 3 years), and Scaling (US$1.5 million to US$15 million for up to 5 years). Proposals are accepted year-round, from any type of organization (including private businesses, faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, foundations, civic groups, regional organizations, and international organizations), in any country. Link
agriculture
Halcyon — Climate Resilience & Food Security in Africa
The Climate Resilience & Food Security Fellowship brings together entrepreneurs from across Africa, empowering them to address climate resilience and food security. Participants will receive expert training, critical resources to accelerate their ventures, a one-week in-person residency in Washington, DC, and a one-week in-person residency in Nairobi, Kenya. Selected fellows will receive a $5 thousand stipend for their venture. Eligibility extends to for-profit ventures based in Africa. The deadline for the submission of applications is 11 October 2024. Know more
Australian Government — Australia Awards Scholarships
The Australian government contributes to the education of talented individuals in developing countries through scholarship programs. Subject areas for study correspond to priorities of Australia’s aid programs by regions and countries — and include agriculture, energy, natural resources, and environment. Australian organizations can request funding of up to A$34,500 per Fellow. The call lists countries that are eligible for Australia Awards Scholarships, and country-specific eligibility criteria. Applications will close on 13 October 2024. Australia Awards Scholarships
iF International Forum Design GmbH — Student Design Award
The iF Student Design Award recognizes students and their future-oriented concepts that aim to solve a global development challenge. The best concepts earn a share of €50 thousand. All winners will be honored with a two-day event in Istanbul. Students and recent graduates of all design-related courses and programs are welcome to register their concepts. The registration deadline for participation is 05 February 2025. iF Student Design Award
Eco-Business and Temasek Foundation — Liveability Challenge
In 2025, the Liveability Challenge (TLC) seeks disruptive innovations that can decarbonize energy generation and industries; or establish a circular urban agriculture/aquaculture system. Finalists will get an opportunity to pitch their solutions to a team of investors and have the chance to win up to S$2 million in grant funding for project development. The competition is open to Singapore-based and international participants who have a pilot project in Southeast Asia. The application deadline is 16 February 2025. The Liveability Challenge
Embassy of the Czech Republic in Bangkok — Small-Scale Local Projects in Thailand and Laos
The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Bangkok invites applications for small-scale development projects from organizations in Thailand or Laos. Projects and development activities in the areas of environment, agriculture, health, education, and social services are welcome. The Czech Republic will provide between US$ 8,500 and US$ 22 thousand per project. Non-profit organizations, educational institutions, or community groups are welcome to apply. Interested entities should submit their proposals to the Embassy of the Czech Republic no later than 09 October 2024. Link
Commonwealth Secretariat — Commonwealth Youth Awards 2024
The Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work recognize individuals ages 15 to 29 who lead innovative development projects in themes that include agriculture, small enterprise, skills training, climate change, environmental protection, sustainable livelihoods, and poverty reduction. The program selects regional winners from each of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Winners are awarded grants of up to a total of £5 thousand in total to advance their projects. The application deadline is 18 October 2024. Commonwealth Youth Awards
Composting Council Research and Education Foundation — Poster Contest
The International Compost Awareness Week Committee invites submissions for its annual poster contest. This year’s theme is “Composting in My Community”. The winning poster will serve as the promotional piece of the 2025 International Compost Awareness Week and the winner will receive US$500. The contest is open to anyone from 9th grade (age 14) or older from anywhere in the world. The contest runs until 01 November 2024. About the poster contest
SEED — Workshop and Support for Eco-Enterprises
The SEED Replicator program offers incubation workshops to identify opportunities for enterprise creation and to guide aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners looking for partnerships to build an eco-inclusive business model. SEED Starter program guides participants from the early stages of ideation to the generation of a viable business plan. SEED Replicator targets entrepreneurs without a business idea as well as early-stage entrepreneurs who are trying to identify partnership opportunities and grow their impact. SEED Catalyser guides enterprises to refine their business models and optimize their impacts. SEED Accelerator develops the investment readiness and operational excellence of established eco-inclusive enterprises looking to scale up. Successful alumni can apply for a SEED Grant which pays for your immediate necessary activities, measures, or machinery required to establish the new enterprise. SEED programs are currently offered in the following countries: Ghana, India, Indonesia, Malawi, Morocco, South Africa, Thailand, Uganda, and Zambia. Click here for more information
First City Monument Bank — AgriTech Hackathon
The AgriTech Hackathon and Venture Building Program seeks early-stage businesses across Africa. The program provides innovative AgriTech startups with the relevant business and product development tools required to groom their solutions to Agricultural challenges in society and attract follow-on investments. In addition to funding, the winners will receive training and mentorship. Applicants must be a legally registered company either as a business name or limited, individual teams of hackers are also encouraged to apply. (Note: An FCMB Business/Corporate Account is one of the requirements for selection for the program.) The application deadline is 05 September 2024. AgriTech Hackathon