The Newton Prize recognizes the best research or innovation projects that promote economic development and social welfare. In 2020, the Prize celebrates the impacts made as a result of international collaborations in Newton partner countries (Egypt, Kenya, Jordan, Turkey, and South Africa). One Newton Prize of up to £200 thousand will be awarded to each of the 5 eligible partner countries. The award is open to applicants who currently hold a Newton award. Applicants whose award has already concluded are also eligible to apply. The deadline for application is 21 April 2020. About the Newton Prize
awards/prizes
Global LEAP Awards — Electric Pressure Cooker Competition
The Global LEAP Electric Pressure Cooker Competition recognizes manufacturers and distributors of electric pressure cookers that design energy efficient electric pressure cookers suitable for use in off-and weak-grid settings. Winners and finalists of the competition will be eligible for up to US$200 thousand prize money. The competition is open to companies in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The deadline for receipt of nominations is 27 March 2020. About the competition
United Nations Environment Programme — Young Champions of the Earth 2020
Young Champions of the Earth supports outstanding environmental initiatives of talented people worldwide between the ages of 18 and 30. The program is a global stage to showcase technological inventions and innovative business models that improve the planet’s health. The program will select seven Young Champions of the Earth every year — one from each of Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, and West Asia. Each winner will receive US$15 thousand in seed funding, plus various opportunities for high-profile networking and entrepreneurship training. The deadline for applications is 10 April 2020. Become a champion
Ashoka — Act for Biodiversity Challenge
The “Act for Biodiversity Challenge,” supported by Vittel, seeks already-implemented solutions that engage people and organizations across sectors to preserve and restore biodiversity. Solutions can be designed for agriculture, urban environments, and forests. The applicants must be a nonprofit, for-profit, hybrid organization, or have a fiscal sponsor with an already implemented project beyond the idea stage (pilot projects are eligible). Up to four winners will receive a cash prize (a total of CHF 60 thousand will be distributed among the winners). Applications have to be submitted by 03 March 2020. About the challenge
African Center of Excellence in Energy for Sustainable Development — Innovative Business Ideas
The African Center of Excellence in Energy for Sustainable Development (ACEESD), in collaboration with World Bank and SIDA, invites students and individuals, both nationals of Rwanda and non-nationals, to submit their business ideas to develop a product aimed at a practical solution reflecting the real problems faced by communities in Rwanda and Africa. Selected entrepreneurs will attend a boot camp and receive mentorship, coaching and guidance to further develop their idea into a real business. The best five ideas will receive seed funding. Proposals have to be submitted by 06 March 2020. Click for details
InterAction — Photo Contest 2020
InterAction encourages photographers from all around the world to submit powerful photos that illustrate innovative, effective, and inspiring efforts in international relief and development. Examples of empowering women, innovative technology, food security and environmental development are within the contest’s theme, though entries are not limited to those areas. The Grand Prize Winner will receive US$1,000 and the winning photo will be showcased at InterAction’s 2020 Forum in April 2020, in Washington, DC (USA). The deadline for submissions is 11 March 2020. Submit your picture
Canadian International Development Research Center — Prize for Leadership in Research for Development
The Canadian International Development Research Center (IDRC) awards the David Hopper Prizes for Leadership in Research for Development to two individuals for outstanding achievement in the field of international development. These prizes are available to researchers from low or middle-income countries who have previously received or currently receive IDRC support. The two winners will receive CA$50 thousand each. The application process is by nomination only. Institutions may nominate individuals with whom they have had or still have a significant association. The deadline for nominations is 18 March 2020. Details here
Water and Energy for Food — Asia Agriculture & Energy Prize
The Water and Energy for Food (WE4F) Prize seeks business owners and entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia with innovations in renewable energy and agriculture. The Prize includes a US$355 thousand cash prize for winners and runners-up, and sponsorship to participate in the Clean Asia Energy Forum in the Philippines (June 2020). The Prize is open to mid-stage businesses and youth innovators. To be eligible for the mid-stage prize, enterprises must have existing services or products. For the Youth Innovators Prize, applicants must be under the age of 30 with a pre-revenue or post-revenue business model. Submission deadline is 29 January 2020. Click here
World Bank — Innovate4Climate Pitch Hub Competition
Innovate4Climate seeks innovators, startups and entrepreneurs who develop climate-smart solutions with potential for transformative impact in reducing emissions and/or increasing resilience to climate change. Solutions can be goods, services (e.g. financial instruments, risk management mechanisms), technological solutions, or innovative business models. The competition aims to support climate-smart cities with innovations for energy, food/agriculture, waste/water, and two additional categories.The call for solutions will close on 01 March 2020. Find the Pitch Hub competition
World Academy of Sciences — TWAS-Lenovo Science Prize for Scientists in the Developing World
The TWAS-Lenovo Science Prize gives international recognition to individual scientists in the developing world for their outstanding scientific achievements. The prize carries a monetary award of US$100 thousand. In 2020, the prize is for agricultural sciences. Candidates must be nationals of a developing country, and must have lived and worked in a developing country for the last 10 years. The deadline for nominations is 10 March 2020. TWAS-Lenovo Science Prize