The Food Systems Game Changers Lab supports game-changers who have ideas, initiatives, or innovations that have the potential to bring positive change to global food systems. The Lab will offer facilitation, learning resources, expert coaching, live sessions, and tailored mentorship programs. Participants are not required to be registered as a legal entity (company, nonprofit, government) and can submit solutions as an individual or a team. Ideas have to be submitted before 14 May 2021. Link to the Lab
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U.S. International Development Finance Corporation — Distributed Renewable Energy
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) seeks to finance economically sustainable Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) projects, including but not limited to micro and mini grids, solar home systems, and distributed power generation. DFC aims to help vulnerable populations in low-income and middle-income countries to develop robust sustainable renewable energy and electricity access systems led by private investors. DFC seeks to commit up to US$100 million in approximately 3-10 projects in direct financing or other investment support for DRE-related investments. Priority will be given to those projects that provide individuals, businesses, or public institutions with the highest levels of electricity access. Applications are due 18 June 2021. Know more
Future Agro Challenge — Agripreneur Global Championship
The Future Agro Challenge (FAC) is a global competition for food and agribusiness startups. Ideas and ventures will be selected to compete for the title of “Agripreneur of the Year.” The challenge is open to ideas in many areas such as agroforestry, sustainability, agriculture tourism, and others. Selected agripreneurs will gain access to mentors, investors, potential clients, and new market opportunities at the FAC Global Championships, an event at the Global Agripreneurs Summit. The application deadline is 31 August 2021. Application deadline and procedure may vary across countries, please check carefully. Link
Deutsches Museum in Munich — Scholar-in-Residence Program
The Deutsches Museum in Munich offers scholarships to research scholars interested in working for 6-12 months on projects involving the museum’s collections. The museum for innovative research focuses on scientific processes and the changing cultures of technology including Natural Sciences, such as Astronomy, Nanotechnology and Biotechnology. Applicants have to base their projects on the collections of the Deutsches Museum and cooperate closely with museum staff when formulating their research proposals. The museum offers two types of scholar-in residence stipends: Pre-doctoral stipends of €7,500 (six months) or €15 thousand (full year); and Post-doctoral stipends of €15 thousand (six months) or €30 thousand (full year). There are no restrictions regarding nationality. The application deadline is 15 October 2021. Scholar-in-Residence Program
International RiverFoundation — Thiess International Riverprize 2021
The Thiess International Riverprize 2021 invites applications from any organization or partnership that has implemented a successful program benefiting a river, lake, wetland, or estuary in any part of the world. This year, the emphasis will be on building community and river resilience rather than recovery. The winner will receive the cash prize and a trophy. The application deadline is 31 May 2021. Find the guidelines
Agropolis Fondation — Funding Research for Agroecological Transition
The Agropolis Foundation invites applications for research projects that promote agroecological transition and explore new practices and approaches in agricultural, forestry and other land-use activities to minimize climate change and biodiversity loss. The Foundation accepts research proposals for small initiatives (funding level of €20 thousand to €30 thousand) and fundamental research (funding level of €150 thousand to €200 thousand). The lead proponent must be from one of the research units belonging to the Foundation’s scientific network. Scientists from research units or institutions outside of the Foundation’s network can participate as partners. The closing date for applications is 15 June 2021. Agropolis Foundation
Yunus&Youth — Fellowship Program for Social Entrepreneurs
The Yunus&Youth Fellowship Program is a six-month online program for young social entrepreneurs from all around the world. The program is designed for young early-stage social business leaders that have the potential to solve community-based problems with focus on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Participants will be matched with a mentor, participate in expert webinars with business professionals and receive help with business plan development. In the final stage of the program, fellows will present their social businesses to a team of real investors to shape their presentation skills and test their pitch decks. The deadline to submit applications is 20 June 2021. Learn about the Y&Y Fellowship Program
Microsoft — AI for Earth Grants
Microsoft seeks proposals from around the world that focus on the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to better monitor and manage Earth’s natural systems for a more sustainable future. Funding supports the creation and deployment of open source trained models and algorithms in the focus core areas of climate change, biodiversity, agriculture, and water. The grant provides software developers with Azure compute credits worth up to US$15 thousand. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis. The two remaining revision deadlines for project submission in 2021 are 05 July and 04 October 2021. Azure Compute Grants
Copernicus Masters — ESA Digital Twin Earth Challenge
Copernicus Masters is an international innovation competition that honors the best solutions using earth observation data and applications to solve global challenges. The ESA Digital Twin Earth (DTE) Challenge, sponsored by the European Space Agency, seeks solutions which combine Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data to provide forecasting on the impact of climate change and responding to societal challenges. The winner of the climate challenge receives €10 thousand. All participants have the chance to win an additional €10 thousand if chosen as the overall Copernicus winner. The competition is open to participants worldwide. Submissions are open until 19 July 2021. Find the ESA Challenge
Copernicus Masters — Planet Challenge
Copernicus Masters is an international innovation competition that honors the best solutions using earth observation data and applications to solve global challenges. The Planet Challenge, sponsored by Planet, seeks new ways to help solve climate and environmental challenges through the use of daily satellite imagery, tools and analytics. The winner receives free Planet data for non-commercial purposes, consulting and a trip to San Francisco to Planet’s Explore Conference. All participants have the chance to win an additional €10 thousand if chosen as the overall Copernicus winner. The competition is open to participants worldwide. Submissions are open until 19 July 2021. Find the Planet Challenge