The Hello Tomorrow Challenge gives deep-tech and science-based entrepreneurs a platform for their projects, providing opportunities and connections with key players. Hello Tomorrow seeks early-stage startups in Asia Pacific that use advanced technology to answer societal or industrial challenges. The challenge includes one category for startups that focus on energy, food, agriculture & environment, among 10 others. The grand prize is S$30 thousand for the best early-stage startup. The application process closes on 24 July 2023. Asia Pacific Challenge
business/enterprise
Rainforest Journalism Fund — Global Audience Rainforest Journalism Fund
The Global Audience Rainforest Journalism Fund makes grants to journalists reporting for wide-reaching major news media outlets on tropical rainforests in any part of the world. The projects could focus on tropical forests’ role in the overall climate equation and weather patterns, and the consequences for human life and living conditions caused by deforestation. Most awards fall in the range of US$5 thousand to US$15 thousand, but depending on project specifics may be higher. Proposals are welcome on a rolling basis. Global Audience Rainforest Journalism Fund
Google — Environmental Journalism and Science Communication
The Sustainability Laboratory supports journalism and local content creators who work in the coverage of environmental issues and science communication. The program offers training to organizations and communication professionals in Brazil specialized in the coverage of environmental topics. The program will select 20 organizations from all regions of the country to participate in training and workshops. Eligibility extends to professional news organizations located in Brazil. The subscription deadline for the program is 17 April 2023. Know more
AFR100 Initiative — Restoring African Landscapes
The AFR100 Initiative seeks to show that restoration can create a prosperous, net-zero-emissions future for Africa. Therefore, the initiative will finance 100 non-profit community organizations and for-profit businesses that are restoring land by planting and growing trees in rural and urban landscapes. Early-stage for-profit businesses or non-profit organizations can apply for US$50 thousand to US$150 thousand. Growth stage organizations can apply for US$250 thousand to US$500 thousand. Deadline to submit Expressions of Interest is 05 May 2023. Plant a tree
United Nations World Food Programme — Food Systems Challenge: Rwanda
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) seeks solutions in Rwanda that address food insecurity through strengthening food systems. The IGNITE Food Systems Challenge supports the scaling of innovative start-ups, small businesses, and cooperatives with commercially viable solutions to address gaps in the food system. Each selected venture will receive up to US$30 thousand in grant funding and 4 months technical support. Applications close 31 March 2023. IGNITE Food Systems Challenge
Friends of Ocean Action — Ocean Data Challenge
The Ocean Data Challenge calls for startups and social enterprises that use ocean data to boost ocean conservation and promote the sustainable blue economy. Solutions need to contribute to the sustainability and resilience of the Western Indian Ocean, aligning with the Great Blue Wall Initiative and delivering benefits to people and nature. Priority is given to companies or social enterprises with a sustainable funding model. Non-profit organizations with a revenue generating project may also be considered. Submissions have to be received by 24 April 2023. Ocean Data Challenge
AB InBev — Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 5 (Gender Equality)
The Young One World Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 5 seeks female leaders playing a critical role driving economic growth and providing livelihoods for their communities. The challenge welcomes solutions from innovative female founded companies that provide affordable access to renewable energy, eliminate or reduce plastic pollution, and/or improve water quality in high stressed watersheds. The winner will receive a US$100 thousand project startup grant and mentorship. The application deadline is 30 April 2023. More details
GrowthAfrica — Accelerator for African Entrepreneurs
GrowthAfrica supports African businesses and entrepreneurs through an annual accelerator program. Participants of the program receive individualized and tailored in-company support, access to potential investors, leadership training and mentorship. Entrepreneurs in the fields of Agribusiness, Renewable Energy, and Water & Sanitation are especially welcome. The program is open to entrepreneurs from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Ghana. The application process is open and ongoing. GrowthAfrica
EnDev — Stove Production Enterprises
The EnDev Program facilitates access to modern energy services for households, social institutions, and small and medium enterprises through market development for improved cook stoves. EnDev Uganda offers business development services support through targeted mentoring, training, and coaching. The call targets small and medium enterprises operating in the off-grid solar or clean cooking sectors in Uganda. The deadline for submission of applications is 24 March 2023. Know more
Biomimicry Institute — Nature-Inspired Solutions for a Healthy Planet
The Biomimicry Institute seeks applications for the Ray of Hope Prize which celebrates nature-inspired solutions addressing the world’s biggest environmental and sustainability challenges. The challenge is open to innovative ideas from a variety of topics, such as agriculture, water, clean energy, biotechnology, and many more. Up to 10 startups will be selected as finalists to pitch their business idea for US$100 thousand in prize money which can be used to develop their ideas into market-ready products. The competition is open to entrepreneurs and inventors worldwide. The application deadline for the 2023 prize is 28 April 2023. Ray of Hope Prize