The Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards recognizes projects and contributions in advancing the sustainable development goals in Commonwealth countries. The Award has five categories: (1) Well-being (i.e. health, education, human rights etc.); (2) Prosperity (i.e. economic development, trade, etc.); (3) Peace; (4) Planet and the natural environment; and (5) Partnerships for sustainable development. 15 winners will each receive a trophy, a certificate and prize money of £3 thousand. Eligibility extends to individuals, governments, social enterprises, and businesses in Commonwealth countries. The deadline for nominations is 31 January 2021. Innovation for Sustainable Development Award 2021
energy
Climate Tracker — Workshop for Climate Change Journalists from Lebanon
Climate Tracker invites applications for a journalism workshop in the field of climate change and renewable energy. Submission is open to journalists from Lebanon. Four participants will receive grants to produce an article on the issue of climate change. Journalists have to submit examples of previous journalistic work to apply. There is no formal application deadline but the application window is expected to close soon. Hurry
Clean Cooking Alliance — Development of a Spatial Platform for Clean Cooking in Nepal
The Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA) accepts proposals for the development of a spatial platform to support the government of Nepal to achieve clean cooking for all by 2030. Throughout the platform building process, the selected consultant and CCA will co-host webinars for key stakeholders to share learnings and support the clean cooking sector. All consultants submitting proposals must showcase relevant expertise, experience, and capacity in geospatial platform development. Applications have to be submitted by 15 November 2020. Click here
African Academy of Sciences — Prize for Scientific Discovery and Technological Innovation
The Olusegun Obasanjo Prize for Scientific Discovery and/or Technological Innovation honors African scientists who have made outstanding contributions in scientific discovery or technological innovation. The bi-annual prize will be awarded in each of the following fields: (1) Biotechnology, (2) Energy, (3) Information and Communication Technologies, or (4) Material Sciences. The prize may be awarded to an individual or jointly to two or more persons who will share the cash award of US$5 thousand. The prize is open to all African scientists and technologists. Candidates have to be nominated but self-nominations will also be accepted. The last date for receipt of nominations is 22 December 2020. Details here
African Leadership Academy — South African Ideas Festival
The South African Ideas Festival (SAIF) is an entrepreneurial development festival for the young African leaders with ideas to bring meaningful change in their societies. The categories for application are based on the Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 15 (Life on Land), and Goal 13 (Climate Action), among others. Applicants must be between the ages of 14-19 years and apply in teams consisting of 3-5 people. Participants can win cash prizes and consulting services with African Leadership Consulting Group. The application deadline is 02 January 2021. Link to SAIF
United Nations Development Program — Arab States Youth Futures Fellowship
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) invites youth from the Arab States region to submit creative solutions on the future of climate change and/or civic engagement. Ideas can be submitted through poetry, an article, a story, a monologue, a piece of art, videos, objects from the future (that exist in 2030), dance, music, or any medium of the participant’s choosing. Up to 30 young people will be selected to take part in the Youth Futures Fellowship, a five-week capacity building opportunity. Participants must be between 19 and 20 years old and be from a country in the Arab States region. The deadline for submissions is 25 October 2020. Details
University of Waterloo — Online Workshop: Green Entrepreneurship
The University of Waterloo, in partnership with the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) and the EcoInnovation Network, invites students and aspiring entrepreneurs to register in a six-part series of free online workshops on green entrepreneurship. The workshop targets researchers, youth, aspiring environmental and social entrepreneurs from across North America (including Mexico). The workshop provides practical knowledge and resources for those interested in launching green startups. Sessions start on 27 October 2020 with simultaneous translation in three languages (English, French and Spanish). Link to more information
Africa-Europe Innovation Partnership — Cleantech Challenge
The Africa-Europe Innovation Partnership, funded by the European Commission, aims to connect high-quality tech hubs from both continents to explore opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships. The Cleantech Challenge seeks startups from Africa and Europe in the clean energy sector with the aim to match African and European startups to co-create complementary innovative clean energy solutions. The application deadline is 20 November 2020. Details here
European Commission — Green Transition and Energy Access in Africa
The Horizon 2020-funded European Green Deal Call seeks to support research and innovation projects that respond to the climate crisis and help protect unique ecosystems and biodiversity. The strategic call “Accelerating the green transition and energy access Partnership with Africa” invites proposals for energy solutions that consider climate adaptation and mitigation potential with the aim of providing sustainable energy access in Africa. The Commission considers proposals requesting a contribution of between €5-10 million. At least two partners from at least one African country must be part of the consortium to be eligible for funding. The application deadline is 26 January 2021. Link
King Baudouin Foundation — Subsidies in Support of Sustainable Development
The Business Partnership Facility awards subsidies to support and develop private sector involvement in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in developing countries. The project must contribute to achieving at least one clearly identified SDG. Funding of up to €200 thousand is available. Partnerships must comprise actors from the private sector, civil society, academia and/or the public sector, with at least one organization from the for-profit private sector. The application deadline is 11 February 2021. Find details here