The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) seeks to support innovative bio-businesses in the Amazon Basin capable of supporting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the resilience of targeted value chains and ecosystems in the Amazon region. Applicants can apply for technical assistance in the order of US$ 250 thousand to a maximum of US$ 500 thousand. Eligibility extends to startups, cooperatives, innovation agencies, producer associations, and knowledge institutions. Proposals will be received on a rolling basis until 15 May 2025. Bioeconomy Entrepreneurship
partnerships/collaboration
Repsol Foundation — Energy Transition
The Repsol Foundation supports entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs that provide technological solutions to meet the challenges of the Energy Transition. The Foundation invites startups that have passed the pre-commercial phase and reached the testing phase with real customers to apply to the Entrepreneurs Fund. The Fund provides financial aid of up to €120 thousand and mentorship from former Repsol employees for one year. Repsol invites startups from the European Economic Area, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom. The program supports industrial technology solutions in low-carbon energy technologies, biotechnology, renewable energies, and natural solutions for reducing the carbon footprint. The application deadline is 31 March 2024. Entrepreneurs Fund
Rockstart — AgriFood Program 2024
Rockstart funds and empowers purpose-driven founders scaling impactful solutions by leveraging emerging technologies and new business models that improve the food supply. Rockstart invests in early-stage startups with a focus on agri-tech and food-tech. It seeks solutions that restore soils and oceans to become powerhouses for CO2 capture, innovations that create value from wasted food and reduce food loss, and tools that provide consumers with better access to trustworthy, nutritious food. Rockstart provides co-investments, mentorship, and market introductions. Applications close 01 April 2024. Rockstart AgriFood Program
RespectOcean — Ocean Pitch Challenge
The Ocean Pitch Challenge seeks economically viable solutions for the protection of the oceans and its marine and coastal ecosystems. 10 finalists will get a chance to pitch their ideas and have their solutions funded by investors. The call for applications closes on 29 February 2024. Ocean Pitch Challenge
African Impact Initiative — Business Challenge
The African Impact Challenge supports early-stage African entrepreneurs. In 2024, the challenge focuses on Botswana. Top-performing teams will receive up to US$25 thousand in either grant funding or a simple agreement for future equity investment. Projects and business ideas can focus on any sector as long as they are impact-focused entrepreneurship as a means of livelihood. The idea should address an identified problem/challenge and provide a comprehensive solution using a technology component. Registration for the 2024 challenge closes on 15 April 2024. African Impact Challenge
EnDev — Clean Cooking Solutions Ethiopia
The Innovation Challenge Fund supports entrepreneurs and businesses that focus on higher tier clean cooking solutions such as advanced biomass cookstoves or other innovative technologies that can significantly reduce emissions and fuel consumption compared to traditional cooking methods. The call targets Ethiopian organizations that promote clean cooking technologies, research, and businesses. Enterprises can apply until 27 January 2024. Know more
Young Americas Business Trust — InnovAction Challenge
The InnovAction Challenge 2.0 drives sustainable growth by accelerating current and new initiatives or businesses to increase the socio-economic participation of vulnerable groups. The program awards solutions that contribute to energy efficiency and natural resource management. The winning team will receive US$10 thousand in cash and 6 months of follow-up business training. The program is focused on the participation of young social and economic entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean. The registration deadline is 05 April 2024. InnovAction Challenge
EnDev — Solar Home System Liberia
The objective is to provide access to quality, clean, affordable, and better energy services in existing and underserved markets across Liberia through stand-alone solar home systems and close the affordability gap faced by the most vulnerable parts of the population. Companies will receive a financial incentive for achieving sales and installation of Solar Home System to customers. Private firms, NGOs, or cooperatives that follow commercial business models are eligible to apply for the program. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until 31 May 2024. Know more
University of Reading — Research Grant
IMAGINE if… is a research grant for the provision of research and business support by the University of Reading and Henley Business School. The research grant is worth up to the value of £100 thousand. Shortlisted finalists will be paired with counselors and researchers before preparing a business proposal to solve a global development challenge. Candidates aged 18 and over from around the world are eligible to apply. The closing date for entries is 07 January 2024. Details here
AgFunder — Foodtech and Agtech Accelerator
The GROW Impact Accelerator Program is a five-month accelerator for startups operating in new frontiers of foodtech and agtech. The program is designed for international startups looking to expand into Asia, and for regional startups to launch on the global stage. Companies receive US$100 thousand worth of cash and in-kind investments. Applications are open until 02 February 2024. GROW Impact Accelerator