The Africa Energy Generation Prize rewards young Africans who have an innovative project or idea in the energy, health, or agribusiness sector. Winners will have the chance to enroll in a free 2-year training program at one of three Energy Generation Business Schools and receive capacity development training which will allow them to transform their innovative idea into a viable startup. Applicants must prepare and submit two videos: a presentation video of the candidate (2 minutes) and a video presenting the innovative project (5 minutes). Eligibility extends to young African innovators. The application deadline is 15 August 2020. Link to participation criteria
awards/prizes
International Fund for Agricultural Development — Indigenous Peoples Awards
The Indigenous Peoples Awards recognize the efforts and the achievements of development projects that successfully engage with indigenous peoples or ethnic minorities living in rural areas. The awarded projects will gain visibility and recognition throughout IFAD and its network of partners. The deadline is 20 August 2020. Indigenous Peoples Awards
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe — Global Photo Contest
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) invites submissions for a global contest on flora and fauna in the time of COVID-19 in support of the restoration of ecosystems. UNECE seeks submissions under the theme “Humans Locked Down, Nature Unlocked”. Photographs may show animals walking through deserted cities, ducks and dolphins reappearing in canals and nearing shores, birds settling in gardens, butterflies flying undisturbed, plants growing in the cracks of empty streets, etc. Each individual can submit a maximum of 3 photographs. The submitted photographs may appear in a web-based gallery and will be promoted by the United Nations. The best 13 photographs will be used to illustrate a 2021 calendar of the United Nations. Photos can be submitted until 15 September 2020. UNECE Photo Contest
World Tourism Organization — SDGs Global Startup Competition
The UNWTO Sustainable Development Goals Global Startup Competition seeks innovative startups that directly contribute to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The competition features 17 categories, each one representing a Sustainable Development Goal. Startups from all over the world and all economic sectors are invited to participate. The winning startups receive a pitch at a UNWTO Demo Day, capacity and business development training, access to technological support, and connection to the UNWTO Innovation Network. The deadline for candidatures is 20 September 2020. Link to the competition
Olam International — Prize for Food Security 2021
The Olam Prize for Innovation in Food Security, in partnership with Agropolis Fondation, honors and offers financial support to an outstanding research project for its potential impact on the availability, affordability, accessibility, or adequacy of food. Olam invites applications from research projects in plant science, soil science, nutritional science, agricultural sciences, and any other field of scientific research impacting food security, focused on any part of the agricultural supply chain. The winning research project will receive US$75 thousand in unrestricted funding to support further development of the research project. The deadline for applications is 11 January 2021. Link
FoodTech Accelerator — Global FoodTech Accelerator
The Global Foodtech Accelerator 2020 is open for applications. The Program seeks 10 startups with innovative solutions and international partners to improve agrifood and retail sectors. Selected projects will receive an economic contribution, office space, mentorship and networking opportunities. Eligibility extends to Italian and foreign companies and individuals. The application deadline is 30 September 2020. Link
InVivo Group — AgFood Climate Change Challenges
InVivo’s Quest Competition seeks technological and ecological innovations to answer to climate change challenges in the AgFood industry. The competition is open to start-ups which already have a commercialized product or service with technology focus. The current 4th Quest is open to businesses in Europe, divided into 7 geographical areas. The laureate of each geographical area will earn a “business connexions” pack including consulting from leading agfood companies and a two day stay in Paris, including lunch with the InVivo Executive Committee. Start-us from Eastern Europe may apply until 30 September 2020. Link
World Meteorological Organization — International Prize for Earth Science Data
The World Climate Research Programme and the Global Climate Observing System invite nominations for the WCRP/GCOS International Data Prize. The prize will be awarded to an early- to mid-career researcher for outstanding contributions to the Earth system science community. The prize honors achievements in data collection for climate change research. Candidates should be within the first ten years of their career, as measured by receipt of a PhD or equivalent highest qualification. The prize encompasses a certificate, as well as funding for the recipient to present at a major conference or meeting of her/his choice. The deadline for nominations is 30 September 2020. Nominate your candidate here
International Renewable Energy Agency — Youth Video Contest
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) announces a youth video contest focused on the theme ‘Renewable Energy in the Time of COVID-19: Youth Actions for Recovery.’ The winner will get a chance to participate at the IRENA Youth Forum (January 2021) and gain media exposure. Video submissions must address ideas on ‘Renewable Energy in times of COVID-19’ in 60 seconds or less. The competition is open to participants up 30 years old from all over the world. The submission deadline is 08 July 2020. Find all criteria here
Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association — Emerging Scientist Award
The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) invites nominations for the WIOMSA Emerging Scientist Award. The award recognizes significant achievements and outstanding contributions made by emerging scientists for research in coastal and marine sciences. Eligible candidates should be early to mid-career scientist. The prize consists of a plaque and free WIOMSA membership for 3 years. The deadline for submission of nominations is 30 June 2020. Link