The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Ocean Innovation Challenge (OIC) seek innovative solutions that address sustainable fisheries and aquaculture focusing on SDG. Governmental agencies, NGOs, private sector (including start-ups), academia, UN, and intergovernmental organizations are eligible to apply. Innovators can request from US$50 thousand to US$250 thousand for up to two years. Preliminary proposals must be submitted before 09 May 2021. Sustainable Fisheries Challenge
fisheries
Islamic Development Bank — Science, Technology and Innovation Transform Fund
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) seeks applications for the Transform Fund. The Transform Fund Call for Innovation 2021 will focus on building resilience through innovation in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in relation to 6 Sustainable Development Goals: Zero Hunger; Good Health and Well-Being; Quality Education; Clean Water and Sanitation; Affordable and Clean Energy; and Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. Funding support is organized in four categories, ranging from US$50 thousand to US$1 million. Applications are accepted until 31 May 2021. Visit the website to apply
RACI — Innovation Fund for Organizations from Latin America and the Caribbean
The Innovation for Change (I4C) Hub supports organizations from Latin America and Caribbean that work to strengthen civil society through innovation. RACI provides seed funding to local, national and regional organizations for innovative movements and initiatives that creatively tackle community challenges related to one or more of the following areas: Sustainability; Transparency and accountability; Promoting an enabling environment. Projects should last up to 4 months. The Fund will provide up to US$10 thousand per project. Only non-for-profit civil society organizations can apply. The deadline to apply is 26 March 2021. Link to the Innovation Fund
International Fund for Agricultural Development — Rural Youth Innovation Award in Latin America and the Caribbean
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) launches an award to promote youth initiatives for innovation in rural areas. The award will promote the initiatives of young people who are taking action to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in rural areas. IFAD seeks solutions that constitute examples of good practices and technologies applied and implemented to overcome the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic in the region. The initiative should contribute to solving problems related to rural areas, especially with small local producers. Participants must be young nationals (18-35 years) of Latin America and the Caribbean. Participants will compete for financial resources, products and services, and loans. Interested initiatives have to register by 04 April 2021. Link to the award
Investors Hub — Global Investors Hub Challenge 2021
The Investors Hub accepts applications for the Global Investors Hub Challenge 2021. Startups, entrepreneurs and companies can join the competition to get financial help, mentorship and networking opportunities for their business sector or social impact projects. The projects should have the capacity to create employment in alignment with 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This challenge is open for everyone around the world in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Oceania, South America and North America. Winners will be given an opportunity of a bankroll from a Venture Capital Fund with the investment size of US$ 5 thousand to US$500 thousand, depending on the nature of their project. Application must be submitted by 31 May 2021. Follow the link to the website
United Nations — Innovations to Advance the SDGs
United Nations, in collaboration with Global Innovation Exchange, seeks applications for the 2021 Call for Innovations for a chance to be featured at the UN’s virtual STI Forum (May 2021). Innovations should address COVID-19-associated disruptions that will remain relevant beyond the pandemic to help accelerate progress towards one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The call is open to innovators, scientists, and entrepreneurs worldwide. Applications will be accepted until 26 March 2021. Click here
University of Essex — Africa Scholarship Programme 2021-2022
The University of Essex invites applications from African students who self fund their postgraduate studies. The university offers a scholarship of £4 thousand to African students that will be paid as a discount on the tuition fee. Available courses include biological sciences, marine biology, and biochemistry, among many others. Applicants that meet all the eligibility criteria and firmly accept the offer of their place by 18 September 2021 will automatically be awarded this scholarship (please read the instructions carefully). Find out how it works
Agropolis Foundation — Award for Transformative Agroecological Research
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
European Commission — Improving Food Security of Vulnerable Populations in the Indian Ocean Region
The European Commission (EC) seeks to help reduce malnutrition and food insecurity in the Indian Ocean region (Mauritius, Comoros, Madagascar, Seychelles). EC intends to grant a total of €5 million for the increase and diversification of agricultural production, €400 thousand to improve the nutritional situation of vulnerable populations in Mauritius and Seychelles, and €1.6 million to improve the nutritional situation of vulnerable populations in Madagascar and the Comoros. Eligibility extends to non-governmental organizations, producer organizations, farmers’ organizations, cooperatives, social enterprises, and international organizations. The deadline for submission of concept notes is 26 March 2021. Link
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