IBM launches a request for proposals to help accelerate global water management solutions for vulnerable populations. IBM will support projects that can help improve access to safe drinking water for all, improve water quality by reducing pollution, increase water-use efficiency, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, increase sanitation management, and reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity. Nonprofit and governmental organizations are eligible to apply. IBM provides organizations with credits for IBM Cloud and IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite Data APIs as well as technical mentorship to advance the initiative. Proposals must be submitted by 31 May 2023. Details here
awards/prizes
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
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
Commission for Environmental Cooperation — Youth Innovation Challenge 2023
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) invites youth to propose innovative solutions that address and respond to critical issues related to water. Residents of Canada, Mexico and the United States (and its territories) aged 18-30 are eligible to submit science, technology and business innovations. The winner will receive up to C$15 thousand in seed funding and mentoring from the Commission for Environmental Cooperation. Submissions are due by 03 April 2023. Youth Innovation Challenge
CMCC Foundation — Climate Change Communication Award
The CMCC Climate Change Communication Award aims to showcase and promote the most creative and impactful initiatives that increase public awareness and disseminate science-based information and data related to climate change. Eligible submissions must present projects, initiatives and tools that communicate climate change through various forms such as arts, theater, video, podcasts, music, photography, journalism, gaming, education, or the use of digital channels and tools. The winning project will receive a cash prize of €5,000. The Award is open to individuals, teams or organizations, regardless of nationality. Eligible submissions must be sent by 15 June 2023. Climate Change Communication Award
African Plant Nutrition Institute — Photo Contest
The African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI) seeks photographs that shine a light on plant nutrition research and development across Africa. Photos must show either nutrient deficiency symptoms in a crop or the implementation and development of improved plant nutrition practices. Nutrient deficiency images should be supported by a short description of the symptoms. Photos can be submitted until 01 July 2023. APNI Photo Contest
Water Science Policy — Photo Competition
Water Science Policy seeks photo stories on water, partnerships and cooperation for the UN 2023 Water Conference. Submissions should tell stories of how people come together to improve water resources, celebrate life and value nature. Three winners will receive a cash prize. Photo stories can be submitted until 14 February 2023. More information
Credit Suisse — Lead 2030 Challenge for SDG 14 (Life Below Water)
The Young One World Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 14 seeks solutions that could protect and/or restore existing ocean based resources. The challenge welcomes solutions from entrepreneurs with for-profit enterprises. The winner will receive a US$50 thousand project startup grant and 12-months of mentorship from Credit Suisse. The application deadline is 01 March 2023. Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 14
European Institute of Innovation and Technology — Reconnecting with Nature
New European Bauhaus supports European startups or scaleups developing innovative solutions aligned with “reconnecting people with nature.” Companies accepted into the program will benefit from a €10 thousand grant and active support in the form of workshops and events. The submission deadline is 13 March 2023. Link to New European Bauhaus
UNESCO — Award for Biosphere Reserve Management
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) sponsors the Michel Batisse Award for outstanding achievements in biosphere reserve management. The award is US$12 thousand and international travel and allowances in Paris to present the winning case study to the MAB-ICC session. The deadline for applications (English, French) is 15 March 2023. Award for Biosphere Reserve Management