UNIDO seeks innovative technology solutions that address the adverse effects of climate change and that have the potential to be scaled up, and thus ultimately contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic development. Priority will be given to applications with solutions for: decarbonizing growing urban environments, generating and distributing clean energy, recycling for more climate-cautious consumption, and innovative solutions for sustainable land management. The call is addressed to private sector entities (micro, small, medium, and large companies & startups). Twelve winners will have the opportunity to present their innovative solution to a large audience during the Global Call award ceremony and will benefit from promotional and networking support. The application deadline is 20 September 2022. Link
awards/prizes
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation — Georg Forster Research Award
The Georg Forster Research Award supports the work of accomplished researchers who are expected to continue to develop research-based solutions to specific challenges facing transition and developing countries. Nominees must be nationals of a developing or transition country, excluding the People’s Republic of China and India. The award amount is €60 thousand. Additionally, award winners are invited to conduct a research project of their own choosing in Germany in close collaboration with a specialist colleague. To support the collaboration, the Foundation may grant additional funding of up to €25 thousand. Nominations for the Award must be submitted by an established academic employed by a university or research institution in Germany. The closing date for nominations is 31 October 2022. Find out more
Clean Cooking Alliance — Clean Cooking Women Leaders Award
The Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA) invited applications for the Clean Cooking Women Leaders Award (WLA). The award recognizes women who are advancing clean cooking solutions in emerging markets. Winners will receive a sponsorship to attend the Clean Cooking Forum 2022 in Ghana (October 2022) and a financial sponsorship toward leadership coaching. Applicants may nominate themselves or nominate others who fit the qualification criteria. The deadline for nominations is 14 August 2022. Clean Cooking Women Leaders Award
Enel Grids — Safeguarding Biodiversity from Electric Distribution Assets
Enel Grids seeks collaboration partners to provide an innovative approach that will safeguard biodiversity prior to the installation of electric distribution assets (overhead electrical lines and/or substations). Participants should propose innovative strategies that minimize the effect on biodiversity and promote its protection during the installation of electric infrastructure. Submission to this challenge must be received by 28 August 2022. Link to the Challenge
PEMSEA — Youth and the Oceans Video Competition
The Youth and the Oceans video competition aims to showcase the understanding the youth have of their oceans. The videos can have any subject associated with the theme Coastal communities, life with the ocean. It should be a 3 to 5-minute video, created entirely from material filmed/created by youth. The competition is open to high school students, university students, and amateurs up to 30 years old. Entry must be an original video filmed in one of the following East Asian countries: Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, DPR Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, RO Korea, Singapore, Timor-Leste, Thailand, or Vietnam. The first prize is US$750. The deadline for this competition is 01 October 2022. Oceans Video Competition
Nikkei Inc. — Innovation from Asia
The “Innovation from Asia” award focuses on novel and innovative activities started in Asia, and led by people from and living in Asia, creating a free and prosperous society by revitalizing the region and improving lives. Activities in fields such as business, research, technological development and social/artistic activities by an individual or a group can be submitted. The prize is 5 million yen. Candidates must be nominated by others. The award is open to innovations from East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Asia-Pacific region. Nominations close on 04 July 2022. Nomination
Sankalp Global Summit — Global Awards 2022
The Sankalp Awards celebrate social entrepreneurs who are making a positive impact on society by creating innovative solutions with a global community. The Award recognizes the work of entrepreneurs who have been building an enabling ecosystem which provides the right resources and environment for entrepreneurs to thrive in. Applicants must run a high-impact business that caters to rural, low-income, or disadvantaged communities. Areas of impact include Agriculture, WASH, Clean Energy and Climate Solutions, among others. The deadline to apply is 07 July 2022. Sankalp Global Awards
L’Oréal — Beyond Plastic Challenge
L’Oréal seeks innovators who can provide plastic free biomaterial solutions that enable plastic free packaging. The Beyond Plastic Challenge is open to established companies, startups, universities and technical centers or laboratories. Finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their proposition in front of experts. Candidates will need to register themselves by 18 July 2022. Link to registration
XPRIZE Foundation — Carbon Removal
XPRIZE Carbon Removal, funded by Elon Musk and the Musk Foundation, aims to find solutions that fight climate change and rebalance Earth’s carbon cycle. This four-year global competition invites innovators and teams from anywhere on the planet to create and demonstrate solutions that can pull carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere or oceans. Any carbon negative solution is eligible: nature-based, direct air capture, oceans, mineralization, etc. The competition will last for 4 years through Earth Day 2025. After one year of competition the judges will review all submissions and award up to 15 Milestone Prizes of $1 million each. After 4 years, judges will select the winners: a single Grand Prize Winner (US$50 million) and 3 runners up (US$30 million). Registration for the prize will remain open through 01 December 2023. XPRIZE rules and guidelines
International RiverFoundation — European Riverprize
The European Riverprize invites applications from any organization or partnership who has achieved remarkable outcomes for rivers, river basins and their communities. The winner will receive the cash prize and trophy. Organizations, or groups of organizations, responsible for their river and involved in river management, restoration and/or protection can enter the competition. The application deadline is 15 July 2022. More