Ideas for Action is a knowledge platform of the World Bank Group and the Zicklin Center for Business Ethics Research at the Wharton School. The annual Ideas for Action competition seeks innovative ideas and actionable projects to support the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Past winners include water solutions for better fish farm yields, women-led business models to improve sustainable access to energy, web based solutions for agriculture processes, and many more. Teams must consist of two to six members and may be formed across different schools, institutions, companies, or countries. Students and young professionals between the ages of 18-35 years from around the world are invited to participate. The winners of the competition present their ideas at the annual meeting of the World Bank Group, receive support from a project incubator and coaching. The deadline for submissions is 29 February 2020. Ideas for Action
energy
Government of India — Indo-EU Integrated Local Energy Systems
The EU-India Clean Energy and Climate Partnership seeks to strengthen scientific and technological cooperation in energy research and innovation. Proposals should propose to develop solutions and tools for the optimization of the local energy network with high replication potential across Europe and India. DST will fund the Indian consortium members for a maximum project duration of 42 months. There are no minimum or maximum grant amounts. In total, funding of €18 million will be available. In addition to the six mandatory participants (three from India and three from Europe), there is no restriction on the additional number of participating entities/organizations. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations, universities, and companies. The deadline for this call is 29 January 2020. More here
Asian Institute of Technology — Masters Scholarships in Energy and Environment
The Asian Institute of Technology invites applications for the Loom Nam Khong Pijai Scholarships for masters degree programs in infrastructure development; energy technology; oil, gas, and natural resources development; and environmental engineering and management. Eligibility extends to nationals of Thailand, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Vietnam and China (Yunnan and Guangxi Provinces). Each scholarship covers tuition and registration fees, accommodation, and a bursary for living expenses at AIT‘s residential campus in Thailand for the 22 months of the masters program. The application deadline is 29 February 2020. Find out more
AIC Sangam — Clean-Tech Incubator
AIC Sangam seeks innovative clean-tech startups working in Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. The Incubator is interested in a proof of concept or a working prototype regarding Climate Change. The Incubator program provides access to labs, professional advisors, mentors, and collaboration, with leading organizations from clean tech and allied industries. Applications are being accepted until 30 June 2020. Link
ENEA Consulting — Support for Energy Initiatives in Africa and Asia
ENEA Access offers 50 to 60 days of professional consulting services on a pro-bono basis. The Energy Access Booster is open to entrepreneurs based in Sub-Saharan Africa or Asia. Activities that can be considered for ENEA’s support include feasibility studies, market and business models, implementation of pilot projects, and others. Selected entrepreneurs receive a financial contribution of up to US$ 50 thousand. Projects must clearly contribute to the reduction of poverty and/or climate change as a result of improved access to energy. There are no restrictions regarding the home country of the applying organization. The closing date is 13 December 2019. Click here
Global LEAP Awards — Solar E-Waste Challenge
The Global LEAP Solar E-Waste Challenge seeks innovative approaches to e-waste management in the off-grid solar sector in Africa. Funding is available for recycling and e-waste management companies who work with solar lanterns, solar home systems (SHSs), and solar-powered appliances. Awards will range from US$50 thousand to US$300 thousand. The competition is open to solar companies, suppliers or technology service providers in Sub-Saharan Africa. The deadline for receipt of proposals is 15 December 2019. Link to the Solar E-Waste Challenge
Global LEAP Awards — Solar Water Pump Competition
The Global LEAP Solar Water Pump Competition will recognize energy efficient and affordable solar water pumps intended for smallholder farmers or individual household use that are appropriate for use with off-grid energy systems. No financial incentives are available for this round. However, winners and finalists will be featured in the 2019 Global LEAP Solar Water Pump Buyer’s Guide and be considered for investment by the Efficiency for Access Coalition Investor Network. The competition is open to companies in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The deadline for receipt of nominations is 18 January 2020. Link to the Solar Water Pump Competition
United States Agency for International Development — Power Africa: Young Leaders in the Energy Sector
Power Africa accepts applications from young leaders in the energy sector to participate in a four-week career development training workshop (February/March 2020). Successful applicants will be provided round-trip transportation, lodging, meals, and course materials. Young leaders (between 18-35 years) from Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Lesotho, Malawi, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Eswatini, Zambia, and Zimbabwe with experience in the energy sector are eligible to apply. The closing date for applications is 15 November 2019. Find details
United States Agency for International Development — Household Solar Workforce Development Africa
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the ResilientAfrica Network (RAN) invite applications for the Household Solar Workforce Development Challenge. Projects should focus on the development of off-grid solar home systems for households and businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa. The call is open to for-profit, nonprofit organizations, social enterprises, and academic institutions with demonstrated capabilities and programs in energy workforce development. The selected organizations will receive awards ranging from US$100 thousand to US$350 thousand for project implementation over the course of one year. The closing date for applications is 15 December 2019. Find the challenge
French Government — Access to Energy in Africa
The French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME) and the French Development Agency (AFD) seek French companies or NGOs with innovations for access to energy for people not connected to energy networks. The involvement of local African actors (local companies, NGOs, local authorities) is desirable. Environmental criteria of each project (use of renewable energies, environmental management of water; impact on biodiversity, climate change, etc.) are an important evaluation factor. Funding of €250 thousand per project is available for up to 12 projects. The application deadline is 16 December 2019. Link