BioInnovate Africa seeks applications for the 2021 Bioscience Innovation Bootcamp. The bootcamp is a regional science program for entrepreneurial scientists to develop innovative and commercially viable bio-based ideas. Participants are asked to develop innovative bioscience research ideas, technologies and inventions for practical use in their communities, thus fostering the development of a sustainable bioeconomy in their region. Ideas include, but are not limited to, agroecology, food and feed, wastewater treatment, bioenergy, among others. All proposed innovative bio-based ideas must have potential for commercial application. Participants have access to a 3 months acceleration program, funding, and technical assistance. The deadline for receiving applications is 16 August 2021. 2021 Bioscience Innovation Bootcamp
agriculture
International Fund for Agricultural Development — Remittances in Times of Crisis
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) announces the third round of National Calls for Proposals (MOROCCO) 2021: supporting remittances in times of crisis in Africa. IFAD seeks to reduce poverty and promote development by leveraging both international and domestic remittances and migrant capital in rural areas of developing countries. Regional proposals can request grants from €150 thousand up to €500 thousand. The following types of institutions can apply: private sector entities, for-profit entities, or non-profit organizations. The deadline for submission of proposals is 13 September 2021. National Calls for Proposal (Morocco)
United States Agency for International Development — Soybean Value Chain Research Program
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) seeks applications for a five year cooperative agreement from qualified entities to implement the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Soybean Value Chain Research program. The purpose of the Soybean Innovation Lab is to develop evidence-based technologies and practices across the soy market systems in Africa. USAID intends to provide $10 million in total USAID core funding over a five year period. Eligibility extends to institutions of higher education. Applications close 17 September 2021. Link
Grinnell College — Grinnell Prize 2022
Grinnell College invites nominations for the 2022 Grinnell Prize. The Grinnell Prize of US$50 thousand will be awarded to individuals who show creativity, commitment, and extraordinary accomplishment in effecting positive social change. Past nominations have spanned a diversity of social issues related to agriculture and hunger relief, conservation and environment, and many other thematic areas. Nominees may be nationals of any country who have earned a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) between 2006 and 2022. Nominees must be nominated by a third party. The closing date for nominations is 31 October 2021. About the Grinnell Prize
United States Agency for International Development — Digital Storytelling Contest
The Global Leadership and Education Advancing Development (Global LEAD) Initiative invites submissions to the digital storytelling contest to show how youth are using the power of change to make the world a better place. Young changemakers between the ages of 18 and 35 can submit an original, three-minute video or slideshow in Arabic, English, French, or Spanish that tells the story of their youth-led actions to advance their community. Stories must be linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including the key issues: Climate Action and Food Security/Resilience. Voting will open on the platform on July 1 and close on 23 July 2021. Be aware that early submissions have more chances to get more votes. Global LEAD Digital Storytelling Contest
Youth in Agroecology and Business Learning Track Africa — Business Accelerator
The YALTA Business Accelerator calls upon SMEs in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda to submit their agroecological ideas for a sustainable, healthy and diverse food system. 10 selected participants will benefit from skills training, innovation jams and coaching to improve their ideas and turn them into a plan. Three winners will receive a matching grant of up to US$5 thousand to start implementing their ideas. Eligibility extends to young entrepreneurs in agriculture, food and nutrition who manage a local business. Applications have to be submitted by 30 June 2021. YALTA Business Accelerator
Startup Africa — Next Generation Africa
Next Generation Africa is an accelerator program for African startups, innovators, makers, and young innovators who intend to develop products or services for the local economy. The accelerator will select 20 startups to participate in a boot camp week in Kampala, Uganda (August 2021). The project should fit in one of 6 social-impact topics, including Agribusiness & Agritech (farming systems, alternative feed supplies, agri-data business for monitoring and/or planning, new tools for farming and breeding etc.), among others. The startup can be based anywhere in the African continent but its product/service must have potential application in the East African region. The application deadline is 08 July 2021. Know more
ETH Zurich — Opportunity Grants
The Leading House ETH Zurich calls for proposals for opportunity grants with China, Japan, South Korea and ASEAN countries. Opportunity grants will support activities of Swiss researchers from universities or public research institutes linked to specific events, incidents, or major environmental and economic developments in the region in Asia. The call is open to all scientific disciplines and fields of research. Senior scientists may request up to CHF 50 thousand for projects of up to 12 months. The application deadline is 18 July 2021. Link
European Commission — Sustainable Water and Natural Resources
The European Commission supports inclusive growth and resilience to extreme climate conditions in rural communities in Tajikistan, based on improved agriculture and sustainable use of water and natural resources. The EU invites projects that improve the added value of agricultural production and the management of natural resources, or promote the sustainable and efficient use of water. Grant seekers my request between €5 million and €15 million in funding. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations. The application deadline is 30 July 2021. Find out more
European Joint Programme — Sustainable Agricultural Soils
The Agence Nationale De La Recherche (ANR) and European Joint Programme (EJP) launch “Towards Healthy, Resilient and Sustainable Agricultural Soils”, an integrated framework for agricultural soil research in Europe. The objective is to foster holistic agricultural soil management practices which will assist in making a shift to diversify farming. The maximum project budget is €200 thousand. The countries participating in this call are: Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Norway, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Russia, and the United Kingdom. Universities, public research institutions, private non-profit organizations, and private companies can apply. The submission deadline for pre-proposals is 25 June 2021. SOIL