NEF invites applications for the Africa Energy Ideas Competition which aims to accelerate the development of early-stage energy firms across Africa. The competition is open to early-stage energy entrepreneurs from Africa to collaborate with local research institutions or industries. Young professionals between the ages of 18 and 35 years from Africa are invited to participate and nominate a relevant local research institution or organization. Winners will pitch their proposed prototype model at the 2024 Nigeria Energy Forum, in Lagos (Nigeria) and a cash prize of up to $10 thousand. The deadline for proposal submission is 30 September 2024. Click here
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U.S. Agency for International Development — Development Innovation Ventures
USAID sponsors Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) to identify, develop, test, and scale innovative approaches in development. DIV’s portfolio includes projects across the range of USAID’s program areas – including in agriculture, energy, climate change, water, waste management, and others related to natural resources and the environment. Applicants may apply for any of the three following stages: Proof of Concept (Up to US$200 thousand for up to 3 years), Testing and Positioning for Scale (US$200 thousand to $1.5 million for up to 3 years), and Scaling (US$1.5 million to US$15 million for up to 5 years). Proposals are accepted year-round, from any type of organization (including private businesses, faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, foundations, civic groups, regional organizations, and international organizations), in any country. Link
Halcyon — Climate Resilience & Food Security in Africa
The Climate Resilience & Food Security Fellowship brings together entrepreneurs from across Africa, empowering them to address climate resilience and food security. Participants will receive expert training, critical resources to accelerate their ventures, a one-week in-person residency in Washington, DC, and a one-week in-person residency in Nairobi, Kenya. Selected fellows will receive a $5 thousand stipend for their venture. Eligibility extends to for-profit ventures based in Africa. The deadline for the submission of applications is 11 October 2024. Know more
Environmental Research & Education Foundation — Sustainable Solid Waste Management Research Program
The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) seeks applications for the Sustainable Solid Waste Management Research Program in North America. Pre-proposals must relate to sustainable solid waste management practices in the topic areas of waste conversion to energy, biological conversion technologies, and recycling, among others. Previously awarded grants have ranged from $15 thousand to over $500 thousand with an average grant size of about $160 thousand for 2 years. There are no restrictions in regard to geographic location. EREF has two deadlines per year with pre-proposals being accepted 15 days prior to the deadline date. The next application deadlines are 01 December 2024 and 01 May 2025. Find out how to apply for a grant
Marine Stewardship Council — Ocean Stewardship Fund
The Marine Stewardship Council invites fisheries, scientists, NGOs and postgraduates to apply for grants from the Ocean Stewardship Fund. The fund supports best practices in sustainable fishing with the aim to increase the number of sustainable fisheries around the world. Grants are also available to support small-scale fisheries and fisheries in the developing world. Furthermore, the Student Research Grant awards funding to support postgraduate students who are carrying out research with fisheries engaged or working towards the MSC program. Awards of between £5 thousand to £50 thousand are available across five different strands. The application deadline is 02 December 2024. Ocean Stewardship Fund
Eco-Business and Temasek Foundation — Liveability Challenge
In 2025, the Liveability Challenge (TLC) seeks disruptive innovations that can decarbonize energy generation and industries; or establish a circular urban agriculture/aquaculture system. Finalists will get an opportunity to pitch their solutions to a team of investors and have the chance to win up to S$2 million in grant funding for project development. The competition is open to Singapore-based and international participants who have a pilot project in Southeast Asia. The application deadline is 16 February 2025. The Liveability Challenge
Munich Re Foundation — RISK Award “Children and Youths”
The RISK Award seeks operational field projects in risk reduction and disaster management. The prize will provide financial support of €100 thousand to projects dedicated to increasing people’s resilience to risks and disasters, especially in developing countries. The submitted projects may emphasize the importance of children and young people as agents of change. There are no eligibility restrictions but research institutions and NGOs are especially encouraged to submit. Projects have to be submitted by 17 October 2024. More
SEED — Workshop and Support for Eco-Enterprises
The SEED Replicator program offers incubation workshops to identify opportunities for enterprise creation and to guide aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners looking for partnerships to build an eco-inclusive business model. SEED Starter program guides participants from the early stages of ideation to the generation of a viable business plan. SEED Replicator targets entrepreneurs without a business idea as well as early-stage entrepreneurs who are trying to identify partnership opportunities and grow their impact. SEED Catalyser guides enterprises to refine their business models and optimize their impacts. SEED Accelerator develops the investment readiness and operational excellence of established eco-inclusive enterprises looking to scale up. Successful alumni can apply for a SEED Grant which pays for your immediate necessary activities, measures, or machinery required to establish the new enterprise. SEED programs are currently offered in the following countries: Ghana, India, Indonesia, Malawi, Morocco, South Africa, Thailand, Uganda, and Zambia. Click here for more information
EnAccess Foundation — Innovations for Energy Access
The EnAccess Foundation funds Innovation Pilot projects and Moonshot concepts focusing on providing energy access. EnAccess provides up to US$250 thousand for projects that are ready to be built and prototyped (e.g., hardware, software, business models) and US$50 thousand for ambitious research ideas in the conceptual stage (e.g., analysis and modeling). Eligibility extends to start-ups, companies, non-profits, individual innovators, investors, and researchers. Moonshot concepts and Innovation Pilot proposals can be submitted anytime. Energy Access
First City Monument Bank — AgriTech Hackathon
The AgriTech Hackathon and Venture Building Program seeks early-stage businesses across Africa. The program provides innovative AgriTech startups with the relevant business and product development tools required to groom their solutions to Agricultural challenges in society and attract follow-on investments. In addition to funding, the winners will receive training and mentorship. Applicants must be a legally registered company either as a business name or limited, individual teams of hackers are also encouraged to apply. (Note: An FCMB Business/Corporate Account is one of the requirements for selection for the program.) The application deadline is 05 September 2024. AgriTech Hackathon