Village Capital seeks small and medium-sized enterprises and startups that are scaling market-based and contextualized solutions to critical climate adaptation and resilience challenges. Participants from Africa and Asia will have access to a one-week intensive virtual training program. Eligibility extends to companies developing or offering products and/or services (ideally technology-enabled) that increase the resilience of target users to the impacts of climate change. Applications close 31 January 2022. SME Accelerator
East Asia
Bayer Crop Science — Remote Sensing for Smallholder Farms
Bayer Crop Science seeks satellite-based remote sensing technology providers to help make this technology accessible and affordable to smallholder farmers in Asia. The technology must support these farmers in making the cultivation of their fields more efficient and sustainable. The monetary value of the contract will vary depending on the project. Submissions to this challenge must be received by 07 February 2022. Link
Schneider Electric — Go Green Student Competition: Greater China
Schneider Electric seeks applications for the Go Green global student competition in East Asia & Japan. Students are invited to submit solutions to real-life case challenges within energy management or ideas for sustainable energy access. Top teams will be invited to attend the Virtual Global Finals to pitch their ideas. In addition, one all-female team from the semi-finals will win the Women in Business Award. Global winners will be awarded a €10 thousand prize. The deadline to submit energy ideas is 14 February 2022. Go Green East Asia & Japan
British Academy — Just Transitions to Decarbonisation
The British Academy accepts applications for ‘Just Transitions to Decarbonisation’ in the Asia-Pacific. The program provides UK and internationally-based researchers with the opportunity to submit proposals for in-depth studies focused on just decarbonization transitions in the Asia-Pacific as a whole, and China, India, Japan and Australia specifically. Awards of five months in duration and up to £100 thousand are available. The lead applicant must be a researcher based at an eligible UK university or research institute. The deadline for submissions is on 06 October 2021. More information
UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council — Partnerships with China
The BBSRC Partnering Awards aim to set up partnership links between UK and overseas laboratories, promote the exchange of scientists, particularly early career scientists, and to promote access to facilities. Funding of up to £30 thousand is available for a period of up to four years for partnerships with Chinese bioscience laboratories. International partnerships focusing on the net zero carbon emissions target, through a sustainable, resilient and bio-diverse agri-food system are especially welcome. Funds can only be used for travel, subsistence and other activities, such as workshops or exchanges. The application deadline is 11 November 2021. BBSRC Research Grant China
Global Biodiversity Information Facility — Infrastructure for Biodiversity Collections
The GBIF Secretariat seeks contractors to support cooperative activities with focus on further developing access and data linkage to scientific collections and ecological datasets in Asia. Applicants are expected to provide technical help-desk assistance, training and mentoring to support institutional engagement in the mobilization and use of biodiversity data. Individuals located in eligible countries and areas in South-East Asia, South Asia and North-East Asia are eligible. Applications must be submitted by 07 September 2021. Link
Earth Journalism Network — Zoonotic Diseases in the Asia-Pacific Region
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) offers story grants to journalists to support the production of in-depth stories that will call attention to zoonotic diseases and One Health in Asia and the Pacific region. Stories can be produced in any language, but the application must be submitted in English. ENJ accepts applications from journalists residing in Southeast Asia, South Asia, East Asia and the Pacific Islands (but not Australia and New Zealand). ENJ expects to award 20 grants with an average grant amount of US$1,500, depending on proposal and needs. Larger grant amounts may be considered, if justified. The application deadline is 15 August 2021. Zoonotic Diseases Reporting Grants
Impact Collective — Investments for Asian Startups
Impact Collective is a community-driven acceleration program for Asian startups. The program invites startups who seek to solve global challenges ranging from food security, sustainable livelihoods to sustainable cities, and environmental innovations. Early-stage startups who have working prototypes or products are eligible to apply. The Impact Collective Fund provides investments that typically range between US$25 thousand and US$100 thousand. The application period ends on 15 August 2021. Know more
Total S.A. and others — Energy Access Booster 2021
TotalEnergies, Enea Consulting and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) launch the Energy Access Booster 2021 – a call for projects to support entrepreneurs in the field of energy access in Africa and Asia focusing on sustainable mobility. Five selected entrepreneurs will receive up to US$50 thousand and expertise support as well as mentorship. The deadline for applications is 15 August 2021. Energy Access Booster 2021
International Development Research Centre — Gender in STEM Research Initiative
Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) announces a new funding opportunity to advance gender analysis and women’s leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This initiative will support university-led consortia to expand and deepen scholarship in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa, on the challenges and opportunities that women scientists experience in STEM fields. IDRC will provide CA$1 million to CA$1.25 million per research consortium. The call is open to public universities from low- and middle-income countries in Africa, Asia, or Latin America/Caribbean. Extended Deadline: 10 May 2021. STEM Research Initiative