The Women’s Market Access Open Innovation Challenge invites women-led or gender-inclusive agribusinesses operating in Somalia to submit solutions that enhance market access, competitiveness, financial inclusion, and scalability for women agro-entrepreneurs. Funding and support will be provided to a select group of participants. The deadline for submissions is 31 August 2025. Details
business/enterprise
African Centre for Technology Studies — Innovation Challenge
The AI4D Innovation Scaling Challenge offers up to US$100 thousand in seed funding to scale AI solutions already deployed in real-world settings across Sub-Saharan Africa. The initiative supports innovations addressing climate action, agriculture, education, gender/disability inclusion, and inequality, and provides not only funding but also mentorship. Eligible applicants include individual researchers, startups, universities, and consortia based in countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa, Ethiopia, Ghana, and others in the region. The deadline to apply is 04 September 2025. AI4D
JPI Climate — Climate Services for Risk Reduction in West Africa
The Climate Services for Risk Reduction in West Africa (CS4RRA) aims to support interdisciplinary projects that enhance climate resilience across 16 West African countries. With funding of up to €2 million per project for durations of up to 36 months, the call targets initiatives that improve early warning systems, assess climate security risks, and integrate climate services into policy and financing mechanisms. Eligible consortia must include at least two institutions from different West African countries and one European partner, with the coordinator based in West Africa. The application process is two-stage, with pre-proposals due by 11 September 2025. More information
Climate and Clean Air Coalition — Food & Nutrition Challenge
The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) invites innovative, cross‑sector projects to reduce food loss and waste linked to methane and black carbon emissions while tackling malnutrition. Participants may include governments, NGOs, private sector entities, research institutions, and community organizations worldwide. Selected initiatives can receive funding, alongside technical support and alliance-building opportunities. The application deadline is 06 August 2025. CCAC Food & Nutrition Challenge
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — World Soil Day Award
The World Soil Day Award (WSDA) recognizes individuals and/or institutions that have made an effort to organize successful celebrations in the framework of the World Soil Day campaign of the previous year. The award consists of US$15 thousand and a trip to Thailand. The award is open to individuals, non-profit organizations, universities, and private companies. Applications have to be submitted by 01 September 2025. World Soil Day Award
German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety — Marine Litter Innovation Challenge
The PROTEGO Marine Litter Innovation Challenge empowers organizations in Ghana and Nigeria to develop and scale innovative solutions addressing marine plastic pollution in identified hot spots along the Gulf of Guinea. Participants can receive up to €40,000 in project funding. Eligible applicants include NGOs, companies, research institutions, or community organizations. The application deadline is 21 July 2025. Know more
International Federation of Inventors’ Associations — Regenerative Innovation Competition
The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) accepts applications for the prestigious Regenerative Innovation Competition. The initiative aims to unite visionaries from Latin America and the Caribbean, in an effort to generate breakthrough solutions in fields such as Renewable Energy and Urban Sustainability, among others. Participation is open to individuals aged 16 and above, including representatives of academic institutions, third-sector organizations, startups, and traditional businesses. The winners will be awarded medals and official certificates. The application deadline is 30 July 2025. InnovaCities 2025
Enterprise Singapore — Foodtech Frontier Challenge
The Foodtech Frontier Challenge invites food tech startups and small businesses to share solutions that push the boundaries of taste, texture, nutrition, and sustainability. Enterprise Singapore offers a S$30 thousand development grant to support co-innovation with winning solution providers. The Foodtech Frontier Challenge is open to eligible companies all over the world. Applications close on 30 June 2025. Foodtech Frontier Challenge
New Energy Nexus — Women-led Climate Startups
She Wins Climate aims at accelerating women-led climate startups and increasing their access to climate investment. The 12-month program is designed to help women climate entrepreneurs in the region to lead the transformation of climate action. Eligible startups must be legally registered, operating for at least one year, and based in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, or Vietnam. Founders must identify as women, be 21 or older, hold leadership positions, and be proficient in English. The application deadline is 13 June 2025. She Wins Climate Accelerator
Orange Telecom — Tech Entrepreneurship Program
The Orange Summer Challenge 2025 (OSC25) is a tech entrepreneurship program designed to support innovative startups that combine hardware and software solutions with strong social or environmental impact. OSC25 offers participants technical and human support to develop their technological solutions. Winners of the international competition will receive financial support for incubation and other costs related to the development of their solution. Applications are open until 15 June 2025. Know more