The African Impact Challenge supports early-stage African entrepreneurs. In 2024, the challenge focuses on Botswana. Top-performing teams will receive up to US$25 thousand in either grant funding or a simple agreement for future equity investment. Projects and business ideas can focus on any sector as long as they are impact-focused entrepreneurship as a means of livelihood. The idea should address an identified problem/challenge and provide a comprehensive solution using a technology component. Registration for the 2024 challenge closes on 15 April 2024. African Impact Challenge
awards/prizes
Blue Marine Foundation — Ocean Awards
The Ocean Awards recognize individuals, community groups, organizations, and businesses that have made significant contributions to the health of the marine environment, to the sustainable management of marine resources, or to public engagement with the oceans and seas. Winners will receive media coverage and have a professional film about their achievements. Initiatives from all around the world can be nominated for the award. Nominations can be submitted on a rolling basis. Ocean Awards
Collaborative Partnership on Forests — Forest Champion Award
The Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF) gives the Wangari Maathai Award to one extraordinary individual for having improved their forests and the lives of people who depend on them. Eligible projects include conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of forests and raising awareness in support of local communities, rural livelihoods, and the environment. The winner of the award will be granted a cash prize of US$20 thousand. Applicants should be nominated by a third party. The deadline for the receipt of nominations is 10 February 2024. Nominate a Forest Champion
Deloitte — Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 13 (Climate Action)
The Young One World Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 13 seeks to support scalable youth-led solutions that address climate change. 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 Deloitte professionals. The challenge is open to young people from social enterprises, non-profits, or community organizations. The application deadline is 01 March 2024. About SDG Challenge 13
Photographers Without Borders — Revolutionary Storyteller Grant
The Revolutionary Storyteller Grant supports revolutionary storytellers across all fields. Five recipients will be awarded US$5,000 to support the creation of an impactful photography project, a video, and a community exhibition. Projects should have a strong call to action on land and/or water protection. Applications are due 07 March 2024. Link to Photographers Without Borders
Reckitt — Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)
The Young One World Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 6 seeks to support solutions that 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 10 March 2024. 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 18 March 2024. Greentech Europe
Energy Globe Award for Sustainability — Awards 2024
The Energy Globe Award recognizes outstanding projects worldwide that conserve and protect natural resources, and that employ renewable energy. Energy Globe seeks innovative projects and smart technologies in five categories: Earth, Fire, Water, Air, and Youth. The international winners in each of the five categories receive €2000 in prize money. Applicants can be individuals as well as organizations (i.e., private companies and corporations, development NGOs, community associations, government agencies, universities, and others) that contribute to climate change and other environmental issues. The deadline for applications is 31 Januar 2024. About participation
Federal Chancellery of Austria — Award for Innovation in Africa
The Kofi Annan Award for Innovation in Africa (KAAIA) is open for applications. The award supports innovative solutions that enhance food security and food systems resilience throughout Africa. It welcomes applications from social entrepreneurs with digital or technology-powered solutions. The deadline for submission is 08 February 2024. Kofi Annan Award
Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Water Innovation Prize 2024
The MIT Water Innovation Prize is a startup competition focused on water innovation. Submitted projects must involve a technology, product, service, or process aimed at solving a problem related to the world’s water challenges. Entering teams must include at least one student who is fully enrolled at any college or university. There are no restrictions regarding nationality. Winners will be awarded innovation grants of up to US$50 thousand. The application deadline for the statement of intent is 09 February 2024. Water Innovation Prize