The Biovision Foundation, in partnership with the Agropolis Foundation, awards the SHIFT Prize to recognize collaborative and transdisciplinary research for development projects and initiatives that have made exemplary contributions to the agroecological transformation of food systems. The winning project will receive €20 thousand unrestricted funding to support its further development and strengthen its impacts. Eligibility extends to projects and initiatives contributing to an evidence-based food system transformation anywhere in the world. The application deadline is 15 March 2021. SHIFT Prize
business/enterprise
What Design Can Do — No Waste Challenge
The No Waste Challenge is a global competition by What Design Can Do (WDCD) in partnership with the IKEA Foundation. WDCD invites creative thinkers to submit innovative solutions to reduce waste and to rethink the entire production and consumption cycle. The winner receives €10 thousand in funding and a tailor-made development program to turn their project into a reality. The deadline for submissions is 01 April 2021. No Waste Challenge
French Agency for Ecological Transition — Mediterranean Climate Change Adaptation Awards
Mediterranean Climate Change Adaptation Awards reward exemplary and concrete actions to adapt to climate change in the Mediterranean. The competition is aimed at local authorities, universities, companies and NGOs (in partnership with a local public stakeholder) which take action and develop solutions to adapt the Mediterranean regions to the changing climate. Selected partners receive tailored support (study tour, meetings with technical and financial partners), invitations to an international workshop (ECCA 2021), and international promotion. Applications close 15 April 2021. More about the competition
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Biodiversity Conservation in the Mediterranean Basin (Balkans)
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) for small grants (up to US$30 thousand) in support of biodiversity conservation in the Mediterranean Basin. Funding will be provided in support of sustainable management of water catchments/freshwater biodiversity and cultural landscapes in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. Eligibility extends to non-governmental organizations, community groups, universities and private enterprises. The ecosystem profile technical summary is available in English and French. LOIs must be submitted by 26 February 2021. Find details
ygap — Poverty Solutions for Bangladesh
The ygap accelerator provides support to entrepreneurs from Bangladesh. Entrepreneurs and startups with project ideas and poverty solutions for their local community are invited to apply for the one week training program. The five-day workshop (April 2021) will provide social entrepreneurs with access to training designed to focus on business growth. Participants will gain access to professionals (designers, lawyers, coaches, etc.) and have the opportunity to apply for small grants. Interested entrepreneurs have to apply by 31 March 2021. About ygap Bangladesh
Techstars — Global Accelerator Program for Entrepreneurs
Techstars provides funding and mentorship programs for entrepreneurs. Techstars Impact Accelerator is for for-profit founders building tech to solve social & environmental problems. Programs include Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator focusing on the tech/digital side of food and agriculture, and Techstars Sustainability Accelerator for entrepreneurs with commercially viable technologies that can rapidly scale to help sustainably provide food and water and address global issues like climate change, among many others. Applications open six times a year, and stay open typically for 12 weeks (please check application deadlines carefully). Explore
Pan African Women Empowerment Network — Aspiring Entrepreneurs Program
The Pan African Women Empowerment Network (PAWEN) invites applications for the Aspiring Entrepreneurs Program. The program consists of training and networking opportunities for African women entrepreneurs with the aim to give practical knowledge and guidance on how to move from idea to long-term sustainable business startup. 50 participants will have an opportunity to pitch for start-off grants and other funding. African women who are career professionals or students and who want to become self-sustainable entrepreneurs may apply to this program. The application deadline is 12 February 2021. Aspiring Entrepreneurs Program
UNCDF ASEAN Programme — Women Enterprise Recovery Fund
The Women Enterprise Recovery Fund looks to partner with private sector innovators to design and launch digital solutions that support women enterprises economically impacted by COVID-19. Eligible institutions include companies and service providers from the agriculture/agritech industry. Successful applicants will receive US$ 50 thousand in co-funding, technical assistance, mentorship, and connections with potential investors. Solutions must focus on women entrepreneurs in one or several of the following countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Vietnam. Applicants must submit their application on 15 February 2021. Find the call
U.S. Agency for International Development — Reducing Pollution in Vietnam
The U. S. Agency for International Development in Vietnam (USAID) seeks applications from qualified entities to implement the “USAID Reducing Pollution” activity. The overall objective of this activity is to reduce environmental pollution in targeted areas through a collective impact approach. USAID intends to provide up to US$11.3 million in total funding (please note that USAID has established a minimum required cost share of 10%). Eligibility for this call is not restricted. Applications must be submitted by 01 March 2021. Click here to know more
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — International Innovation Award for Sustainable Food and Agriculture
FAO and the Federal Government of Switzerland invite applications for the International Innovation Award for Sustainable Agriculture on the theme ‘Innovation to transform food systems’. Individuals, private companies and institutions worldwide may submit agricultural innovations (digital innovation, products, or practices) that contribute to the environmental, economic and social dimensions of sustainable development. The innovation award is divided in two categories: Category A (US$ 30 thousand) for excellence in digitization and innovation for sustainable food systems; Category B (US$ 30 thousand) recognizes an innovation that specifically empowers youth (under 35) in sustainable food systems. The call closes on 19 March 2021. Innovation Awards