The Rolex Awards invest in people seeking solutions to humankind’s most pressing challenges and support entrepreneurs anywhere in the world who have ground-breaking proposals or initiatives that will help improve the quality of life on the planet. Applications can be submitted in five categories: science and health, applied technology, exploration, cultural heritage, and the environment. Projects should be planned for the future, or completed only partially. Each winner will receive CHF 200 thousand in order to help her/him with project implementation. Applications are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The deadline for applications is 17 October 2022. Rolex Awards for Enterprise
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Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water — 11th Cycle
The Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW) is an award focusing on water-related scientific innovation from around the world. The 11th cycle of the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water consists of one creativity prize and four specialized prizes. The Creativity Prize of US$266 thousand is made for pioneering and innovative research in any water-related field. The four specialized prizes are worth US$133 thousand each and are made for research in surface water; groundwater; alternative water (e.g., desalinization, wastewater treatment, etc.); and water management and protection. Candidates for the Creativity Prize are identified through external nominations. Candidates for the specialized prizes can self-nominate. The deadline for nominations is 31 December 2022. International Prize for Water
University of Science and Technology of Hanoi — Masters Studies 2022-2023
The University of Science and Technology of Hanoi offers Bachelor, Master, and PhD programs in subject areas that include energy; water, environment, oceanography; and several others. Eligibility to apply extends to Vietnamese and international students graduated from relevant training fields in or before 2022, with good academic results and ability in English. For highly qualified applicants, merit-based scholarships and/or need-based fellowships cover up to 100% of tuition fees and living expenses. The next application period runs from 09 May to 20 May 2022. Link to the program
Thought for Food Foundation — Thought For Food Challenge
The Thought for Food Foundation invites innovators and entrepreneurs from all parts of the world to submit locally-relevant solutions that address a wide range of pressing challenges across the food and agriculture value chain. Participants gain access to the TFF Digital Labs, a digital collaboration platform that provides on-demand access to leading industry experts, resources, and interactive experiences. One Grand Prize winner will receive US$30 thousand to use for the purpose of their project. TFF counts on challenge partners to encourage topical solution development (note: partners offer additional awards and cash prizes). Participants join as teams of 2-5 with members between the ages of 18-40. Pitch ideas have to be submitted by 03 June 2022. TFF Challenge
United Nations World Tourism Organization — Award for Sustainable Tourism
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) seeks to find the most innovative startups that are working to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The UNWTO Awards acknowledge the contribution of institutions to competitive and sustainable tourism development. Tourism startups should contribute to one of six goals: Local community involvement; Green and blue economies; Ecological and Sustainable Capital Creation; Tourism Tech for Good; Tourism Education; Women Empowerment. There is no cash award. The winners will receive a trophy and a certificate. Applications have to be submitted by 30 June 2022. Link to UNWTO
Mitsubishi Corporation — Decarbonize
Mitsubishi Corporation and NYK Line seek startups for a startup bootcamp with focus on the clean energy transition and sustainability through decarbonization. The program aims to scout and support promising startups with disruptive technologies and business ideas to solve problems in the energy and resource sectors. During the 3-month accelerator program, selected startups receive hands-on mentorship, seed funding and access to a global network of investors with the ultimate goal of scaling their businesses. The application deadline is 10 July 2022. Decarbonize
World Ocean Initiative — Ocean Changemakers Challenge
The Ocean Changemakers Challenge seeks business solutions to ocean-related sustainability challenges. The challenge is aimed at early-career researchers and professionals, entrepreneurs and innovators with solutions to ocean challenges, e.g. marine pollution, overfishing and overexploitation of marine resources, unsustainable aquaculture, or destruction of ocean habitats. Three finalists will receive guidance from renowned ocean leaders as part of a 12-month mentorship program and present their business idea for a blue economy at the World Ocean Tech and Innovation Summit in Canada (October 2022). Entries close on 19 August 2022. Next steps
TRACE and Alfred Friendly — Investigative Reporting Fellowship
TRACE and Alfred Friendly provide fellowships to strengthen investigative journalism (including reporting on environmental crimes, climate change and others). The program provides training seminars at the Missouri School of Journalism in Columbia (USA). The fellowship covers all costs of program-related international and domestic travel, health insurance and provides a monthly stipend to cover basic living expenses. Candidates must be between 25-35 years old and have at least three years of experience as a journalist at a print, online or broadcast media outlet. The fellowship is open to early-career journalists from developing countries. Complete applications must be submitted by 31 August 2022. Details
Entrepreneurship Campus — Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition
The Entrepreneurship Campus invites innovative ideas for the Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition to create a culture for entrepreneurship and implement one or more of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Participants are invited to submit their innovative ideas and projects with a societal impact. Entries will be posted on the competition website and are subject to online commenting and public voting. Winners receive a virtual badge and a certificate. Participants from 13 to 29 years who are operating a business, a non-profit organization or an informal program are eligible to apply. Applications can be submitted until 15 September 2022. Know more
Safe Seaweed Coalition — Funding
The Safe Seaweed Coalition (SSC) calls for proposals to support the safety and sustainability of the seaweed industry. SSC will support workshops, working groups, training, staff exchanges, technology platforms, pilot demonstration, prototypes, capacity building, and educational programs. Grants of €50 thousand will help the development of food, environmental, and occupational safety in the seaweed sector. The SSC will take into consideration a suitable geographical balance in its selection of projects across all continents. The submission deadline is 29 April 2022. Safe Seaweed Coalition