The Equator Prize 2023 recognizes innovative initiatives from Indigenous peoples and local communities that demonstrate exceptional achievements in nature-based solutions for local sustainable development. Nominated projects may focus on solutions for sustainable food systems, restoration of ecosystems that help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change, or protection of terrestrial or marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and wildlife. Special consideration will be given to nominees working on water security and disaster risk reduction. The nominated initiative must have been in existence for at least three years. Each winner will receive US$10 thousand. Nominations must be submitted by 12 April 2023. Equator Prize
awards/prizes
United Nations Environment Program — Champions of the Earth 2023
The Champions of the Earth is the UN’s highest award to honor people and organizations worldwide for leadership and action on sustainable development, climate change, and a life of dignity. This year, UNEP seeks nominations of individuals, organizations, and governments working on sustainable solutions to eliminate plastic pollution. Persons may nominate themselves, their own organizations, or a third party whom they believe should receive recognition. Nominations must be supported by three endorsers. The closing date for nominations is 14 April 2023. UN Champions of the Earth
Arizona State University — Competition for Women Social Entrepreneurs
The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge is a global competition for women social entrepreneurs who are advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The challenge honors innovative women entrepreneurs, invests in the most inspiring and transformational ideas and ignites awareness. Awardees will participate in a dynamic pitch competition to present their business for the opportunity to receive a US$20 thousand grant. The competition is open to female entrepreneurs and business leaders from all around the world. The application deadline is 16 April 2023. WE Empower
Reckitt — Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)
The Young One World Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 6 seeks to support solutions which work to achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all, paying special attention to the needs of rural communities in developing economies. The challenge welcomes solutions from young innovators (18-30 years old). The winner will receive a US$50 thousand project startup grant and 12-months of mentorship from Reckitt professionals. The application deadline is 17 April 2023. Lead2030 Challenge Clean Water and Sanitation
Village Capital — Greentech Europe
Village Capital launches an investment readiness program to support gender diverse ventures creating sustainable economic, environmental, and social solutions across Europe. The program currently accepts 50 additional startups to participate in an online, self-paced investment-readiness curriculum. The program will run for twelve weeks. Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, through 20 March 2023. Greentech Europe
Inter-American Development Bank — Women in STEM Competition
WeXchange seeks to identify the most innovative women entrepreneurs in STEM from Latin America and the Caribbean and connect them with potential financing opportunities. The competition supports female entrepreneurs in tech (e.g., agritech, biotech, sustainable energy etc.). 15 women-led startups will pitch their business to investors and participate in a micro-acceleration program with workshops, keynotes and one-on-one mentoring sessions. Eligibility extends to startups with a high technological component or where Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are key pieces. The application deadline is 31 March 2023. Details here
EIT Climate-KIC — Green Business Idea Competition
ClimateLaunchpad is the world’s largest green business ideas competition. The competition invites business ideas that address climate change with the goal to support new clean-tech startups. Selected participants will take part in an idea bootcamp and receive intensive coaching. The winner will receive €10 thousand, the runner up €5 thousand. The submission deadlines from March to May vary by country (please check carefully). ClimateLaunchpad
Ashoka and HSBC — Green Changemakers Challenge
The Green Changemakers Challenge is a global innovation competition for social entrepreneurs in selected markets with ventures that equip individuals and communities with the skills needed to thrive in the transition to a green economy. The challenge seeks social entrepreneurs with ventures that solve the climate crisis along with social problems. The Green Skills Innovation Challenge will award social entrepreneurs with up to US$25 thousand of grant funding. Applications have to be submitted before 26 April 2023. Green Changemakers Challenge
African Business Heroes — Business Heroes Competition 2023
African Business Heroes aims to support the next generation of African entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their local communities by working to solve the most pressing problems. Applications are open in English and French to entrepreneurs from all African countries, all sectors, and all ages. Ten finalists will compete for a share of US$1.5 million in grant money. All Finalists win grant funds from US$100-300 thousand. The applicant must be the Founder or a Co-Founder of the company. Applications close on 12 May 2023. African Business Heroes
Orange Telecom — Orange Social Venture Prize 2023
The Orange Social Venture Prize recognizes entrepreneurs and start-up organizations that make innovative use of technology in agriculture, energy, and other fields of development. The geographical focus is Africa and the Middle East. Prizes range from €10 thousand to €25 thousand, plus professional support for a period of six months. In addition, Orange will reward more start-ups with the International Women’s Prize worth €20 thousand. The registration deadline is 21 May 2023. Orange Social Venture Prize