The Milken-Motsepe Prize in AgriTech is a global competition for innovative solutions that address problems faced by farmers on small to medium-sized farms in Africa. to increase economic value to farmers. Teams submit a design and business model. An independent panel of expert judges will then select up to 25 teams to receive US$10 thousand each and advance in the competition. Registration is open to anyone (anywhere in the world), with a US$1 million grand prize available for the winning team, and US$1 million in additional prizes. The application deadline for designs is 08 December 2021. AgriTech Competition
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French Development Agency — Digital Project for Climate Protection and Biodiversity in Africa
The AFD Digital Challenge supports the development of innovative solutions that help solve challenges of the digital transition with those of climate protection and biodiversity, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG). Solutions should focus on reducing the digital footprint (e.g., reduced energy consumption or eco-construction), building a sustainable economy (e.g., environmental and climate practices or agro-ecology), or preserving natural resources (e.g., preventing natural disasters or preservation of ecosystems). The call is open to startups, associations, and research centers in Africa. The winner will receive €20 thousand. The deadline for application is 26 May 2021. More about the AFD Digital Challenge
Climate Investment Platform — Clean Energy Investments
The Climate Investment Platform (CIP) launches a call for proposals to invest in projects that advance climate action and energy security in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). CIP will award Technical Assistance for US$30 thousand to US$80 thousand to support development of a project concept. Projects must be assisting clean energy transition and/or energy access, including waste and water management and be deployed in Small Island Developing States. The closing date for applications is 27 May 2021. Details here
African ChangeMakers — Initiative Awards for Africa
The African ChangeMakers Initiative Awards (ACiAwards) celebrates entrepreneurial ingenuity of social entrepreneurs, businesses, and social innovators across Africa and the world. African ChangeMakers seeks to identify people or organizations turning problems into solutions on a large scale, defender of humanity, peace & freedom, and planet protection. Awardees will be honored during African ChangeMakers Leadership Summit. Entries for applications close 31 May 2021. African ChangeMakers
European Union — Agri-based Digital Innovation in West Africa
The European Union invites proposals on innovative digital solutions that promote adoption of digital technologies for improved agricultural productivity for farmers and agro processors in West Africa. “Accelerating inclusive green growth through agri-based digital innovation in West Africa” AGriDI will provide competitive grants to enhance the capacities of key stakeholders in diverse areas of digital technologies and agro-ecological systems. Funding ranges from €150 thousand to €300 thousand per project. Eligible countries are Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Applications from universities, research institutes, legally registered small and medium enterprises, farmer cooperatives, start-ups, community based organizations, and government ministries are welcome. The application deadline is 30 June 2021. Details here
Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park — Online Accelerator Program
The Sharjah Advanced Industry Accelerator seeks innovative startups with a market-proven solution to the challenges of Industry 4.0 interested in entering the UAE and MENA market. Focus areas of the 2021 accelerator include Sustainable Design (optimizing natural resources to reduce environmental damage) and Green Building, among others. The finalists will have investment access in order to scale their project, and the chance to win the US$100 thousand grand prize. The accelerator program is open to entrepreneurs from around the world. The application deadline is 07 August 2021. Link to the accelerator
UN-Habitat — Innovate4Cities Conference
UN-Habitat seeks regional curator teams comprised of local governments, research institutions and innovation partners to support the delivery of program segments that feature tangible on-the-ground outcomes on the nexus between science and practice for ambitious delivery of climate goals. The Innovate4Cities Conference Regional Curatorial teams will be recognized as supporters of the event and gain significant organizational and brand visibility. The submission period ends 10 May 2021. Call for Regional Curators
Village Capital — Future for Food Latin America
Village Capital launches an investment readiness program for Latin American startups that tackle the most pressing challenges in the agritech and foodtech sectors. The program will support two cohorts, each of 8 to 12 startups. The top peer-selected startup (one per cohort) will receive grant funding of $15 thousand to support operations. Eligibility extends to profit-making entities in Latin America. The application deadline is 14 May 2021. Future for Food Latam
Thought For Food — Food Systems Game Changers Lab
The Food Systems Game Changers Lab supports game-changers who have ideas, initiatives, or innovations that have the potential to bring positive change to global food systems. The Lab will offer facilitation, learning resources, expert coaching, live sessions, and tailored mentorship programs. Participants are not required to be registered as a legal entity (company, nonprofit, government) and can submit solutions as an individual or a team. Ideas have to be submitted before 14 May 2021. Link to the Lab
United States Agency for International Development — Biodiversity Conservation in Liberia
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) seeks applications for a cooperative agreement from qualified entities in Liberia to implement the Conservation Works activity. The goal of the activity is to conserve biodiversity and threatened species, especially western chimpanzees, by strengthening Protected Areas (PA) and helping communities be less reliant on protected resources for their livelihoods. USAID intends to provide US$19.5 million in total USAID funding over a five-year period. Eligibility for this call is not restricted. The closing date for applications is 25 May 2021. Click here for details