BESTMEDGRAPE aims to support the creation of new start-ups and small businesses by exploiting the by-products of winemaking as a source of bioactive compounds that can be transformed into innovative commercial health products. Aspiring Mediterranean entrepreneurs with innovative ideas for the exploitation of grape waste from winemaking are invited to submit applications. Selected entrepreneurs receive vouchers to cover the costs related to services aimed at developing their business idea. The deadline for applications varies by country (Tunisia: 15 December, Italy: 24 November, Lebanon: 06 December, Jordan: 15 December). BESTMEDGRAPE
business/enterprise
Foundation Future of the Carbon Market — Climate Protection Projects
The Foundation Future of the Carbon Market launches a call for proposals to fund the development of design documents for programmatic mitigation activities with the aim to prepare market based climate protection projects. The Foundation will provide funding for up to 5 selected proposals in different implementing countries. Eligible proponents are private and public entities with proven expertise in topics related to climate change mitigation, carbon markets, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Proponents can request funding of up to €100 thousand for the thematic approaches detailed in the announcement. The submission of proposals is open until 31 December 2020. Details here
Habitat for Humanity — Increasing Resilience to Earthquakes and Typhoons
Habitat for Humanity seeks innovative and cost-effective solutions to make homes at extreme risk in the event of natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes or typhoons) stronger and more resilient. This challenge is designed specifically for methods that offer solutions to low-income homeowners living in high-risk areas, for example, inexpensive ideas for adding foundations to low-income housing. Habitat for Humanity offers an award of US$25 thousand to make awarded solutions freely available to other non-profit organizations to help improve the state of low-income housing worldwide. Submissions must be received by 04 January 2021. Information
Solution Search — Water Pollution & Behavior Change Contest
Rare’s Center for Behavior & the Environment and partners seek existing solutions that are changing behaviors to help solve the world’s most challenging environmental problems. For this year’s contest, Solutions Search looks for promising approaches that are shifting people’s behavior toward cleaner, healthier water ecosystems. Contest entrants get access to capacity building, workshops, and networking opportunities to further refine and scale their solution. The overall winner will receive US$25 thousand, among numerous other prizes, including a US$5 thousand prize awarded to the best early entrant (for submissions prior to 30 November). Any organization or institution worldwide is eligible (e.g., city government, business, non-profit, university, etc.). Individuals are not eligible to enter. The regular submission deadline is 10 January 2021. Access Solution Search
World Vision — Sanitation Solutions
World Vision seeks affordable sanitation solutions for rural single families living in the poorest areas of the world. Applicants are invited to submit new ideas, concepts, and approaches to attack the lack of adequate toilets and latrines. The participants with the best solutions will receive financial support of up to US$15 thousand to further develop their ideas. Eligibility to the challenge is not restricted. Submissions must be received by 12 January 2021. More
IMMANA — Competitive Research Grants
The Innovative Methods and Metrics for Agriculture and Nutrition Actions (IMMANA) Competitive Research Grants support the development of innovative methods to advance the scientific understanding of the linkages between agriculture and food systems in order to improve nutrition outcomes in low and middle-income countries. IMMANA grants to conduct research projects are a maximum of £250 thousand. Researchers and institutions from both developed countries and LMICs are eligible. The deadline for submission of concept notes is 21 January 2021. IMMANA Grants
European Commission — Restoring Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
The European Commission invites proposals for the restoration of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Projects are expected to focus on degraded terrestrial, freshwater, coastal or marine ecosystems, responding to relevant restoration goals enhancing biodiversity. The project results are expected to contribute to maintained and enhanced natural carbon sinks and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The Commission considers proposals requesting a contribution between €16-25 million. Research organizations in some 130 developing countries are automatically eligible for funding. The full list of these countries is provided in the call. The submission deadline is 26 January 2021. More information here
AI for Development — Technology to Achieve SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)
The AI for Development (AI4Dev) Challenge seeks ideas in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to achieve 4 Sustainable Development Goals (including Goal 2: Zero Hunger) in Arab & African countries. Teams of at least two members that research and develop AI innovations are invited to submit their idea. Selected participants will receive mentorship and training from experts, and guidance to develop prototypes. The challenge offers monetary prizes of up to US$5 thousand. The deadline to submit ideas is 17 November 2020. AI4Dev Challenge
Socialab — 4Revs Innovation Challenge
4Revs Innovation Challenge is a global call for solutions in food, water, resources, climate change and energy that will help humanity solve survival challenges in one generation (2020-2050). Innovators are invited to submit solutions that are already in the market and contribute to at least one of the 4 Revolutions: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Supply; Water Conservation and Management; Ecosystem Restoration; Climate Change and Sustainable Energy. Six solutions will be selected as potential case studies and compete for additional financial rewards of up to US$1,500. The Challenge closes 19 November 2020. Link to Socialab
BiodivERsA — Conservation and Restoration of Degraded Ecosystems
BiodivERsA announces a call for proposals for the “Conservation and restoration of degraded ecosystems and their biodiversity, including a focus on aquatic systems.” The call aims to support transnational research projects jointly studying the biological processes of conservation/restoration and the benefits of restoring ecosystems. The participating countries in this call are Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, and Tunisia. The total amount for this call is €23 million. Scientific research projects must be transnational research consortia with eligible partners from minimum 3 countries performed by eligible research organizations (profit and non-profit). Pre-proposals have to be submitted by 07 December 2020. More