The Ocean Changemakers Challenge seeks business solutions to ocean-related sustainability challenges. The challenge is aimed at early-career researchers and professionals, entrepreneurs and innovators with solutions to ocean challenges, e.g. marine pollution, overfishing and overexploitation of marine resources, unsustainable aquaculture, or destruction of ocean habitats. Three finalists will receive guidance from renowned ocean leaders as part of a 12-month mentorship program and present their business idea for a blue economy at the World Ocean Tech and Innovation Summit in Canada (October 2022). Entries close on 19 August 2022. Next steps
business/enterprise
United States Agency for International Development — Environmental and Economic Reactivation Partnerships
The Ecuador New Environmental and Economic Reactivation Partnerships Initiative is designed to increase seascape conservation, combat illegal fishing, reduce ocean plastic pollution, achieve sustainable forests management, and support forest carbon sequestration and economic reactivation. USAID/Ecuador seeks implementing partners from the private sector and civil society. This includes private businesses, foundations, non-profit NGOs, and private educational institutions. USAID/Ecuador is prepared to make 4-6 individual awards of up to US$10 million each. The closing date for applications is 20 October 2022. Details here
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit — Climate Innovation Contest 2022
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) launches the Climate Innovation Fund to award innovative ideas that will help improve the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources in Ethiopia. Projects should increase the sustainable use of natural resources, create job opportunities through the use of biodiversity, and help restore degraded landscapes. GIZ will contribute up to €50 thousand worth of investments. GIZ invites start-ups and small businesses in the sectors of technology (app developers), food production, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and timber to apply. Project ideas have to be submitted by 25 April 2022. Climate Innovation Contest
Safe Seaweed Coalition — Funding
The Safe Seaweed Coalition (SSC) calls for proposals to support the safety and sustainability of the seaweed industry. SSC will support workshops, working groups, training, staff exchanges, technology platforms, pilot demonstration, prototypes, capacity building, and educational programs. Grants of €50 thousand will help the development of food, environmental, and occupational safety in the seaweed sector. The SSC will take into consideration a suitable geographical balance in its selection of projects across all continents. The submission deadline is 29 April 2022. Safe Seaweed Coalition
U.S. Department of State — Accelerating Clean Energy Transitions
The U.S. Department of State announces a funding opportunity for “Accelerating Clean Energy Transitions Technology Needs Assessment” under the Clean Technology and Trade Partnership Initiative. The purpose of this project is to accelerate affordable clean energy transitions in select developing and emerging countries in support of national decarbonization needs in these critical markets. A total of US$684 thousand of funding will be made available under this call. Eligibility is limited to U.S. and foreign non-profit organizations; for-profit organizations, and educational institutions. The application deadline is 20 May 2022. Find details
U.S. Department of State — Indigenous People’s Finance Access Facility
The U.S. Department of State announces a funding opportunity for the Indigenous People’s Finance Access Facility (IPFAF). The purpose of this project is to support Indigenous Peoples’ increased access to results-based finance for the conservation, restoration, and improved management of forests. The project will support Indigenous Peoples’ in the Amazon basin, Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia with up to US$1,9 million. Eligibility is limited to U.S. and foreign non-profit organizations; for-profit organizations, and educational institutions. The application deadline is 30 May 2022. Know more
U.S. Department of State — Enabling Forest Investment
The U.S. Department of State announces a funding opportunity for “Enabling Forest Investment Development Facility (ForInvest).” The overall goal is to facilitate investment in natural climate solutions in developing countries, especially in high-deforestation areas, by developing investment pipelines and connecting those opportunities with potential investors. The project should encompass all three of the key geographies to Conserve Global Forests: the Amazon basin, Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia. A total of US$5.1 million will be made available. Eligibility is limited to U.S. and foreign non-profit organizations; for-profit organizations, and educational institutions. The application deadline is 30 May 2022. Link
Copernicus Masters — Smart Farming Challenge
Copernicus Masters is an international innovation competition that honors the best solutions using earth observation data and applications to solve global challenges. The Smart Farming Challenge, sponsored by BayWa, seeks innovative solutions that use new technologies, ideas and products to support sustainable agriculture and horticulture. BayWa is interested in digital solutions that combine satellite data and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning to support pasture management, early crop disease identification, and/or yield prediction in horticulture. The winner of the smart farming challenge receives €5 thousand, mentoring, access to field trials and access to BayWa agribusiness and agri-organization networks. All participants have the chance to win an additional €10 thousand if chosen as the overall Copernicus winner. The competition is open to participants worldwide. Submissions are open until 11 July 2022. Find the Smart Farming Challenge
Aqua for All — Access to Water & Sanitation
Aqua for All aims to facilitate sustainable access to water & sanitation and therefore requests concept notes on solutions to water challenges in Africa or South Asia. Aqua for All provides grant money to scale and implement solutions that address drinking water, sanitation and/or water management. The application is open to companies, government agencies, knowledge institutes, and non-profit organizations. There is no application deadline. Know more
Climate Investment Platform — EmPower Her
EmPower Her seeks to close the financing gap for early-stage clean energy projects in least developed markets by supporting women-led organizations or organizations whose main focus is women’s empowerment. Private sector developers, NGOs, universities and research centers from least developed countries are eligible to apply. Successful project proponents receive up to US$40 thousand to accelerate the preparation of investment readiness. The pre-screening application deadline is 08 April 2022. EmPower Her