The SDG Challenge seeks to support teams to develop transformative, sustainable solutions that will contribute to addressing development challenges under the UN SDGs in countries where Irish Aid works. Solutions address SDG 2: Zero Hunger, “End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture”. Applicants to the program can request up to €300 thousand over 18- months. One or more teams may be provided with follow-on funding from the prize fund of up to €1 million. Eligibility extends to collaborative and equitable partnerships between researchers in Ireland and a partner country. The application deadline is 08 October 2024. SDG Challenge
partnerships/collaboration
UK Government — Darwin Capability & Capacity Grants
The Darwin Initiative invites applications for proposals that deliver effective and successful biodiversity conservation as well as poverty reduction projects. Darwin Initiative Capability & Capacity projects may request between £50 thousand to £200 thousand for projects that focus on developing the capability and capacity of national and local organizations. Projects led by in-territory partners/organizations are encouraged. The deadline to apply is 21 October 2024. Capability & Capacity Grants
Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative — Water Pollution Challenge
The Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative aims to find innovative solutions to conserve and restore freshwater ecosystems. Aquapreneur seeks high-potential solutions to prevent water pollution and reduce the environmental impacts of contaminated water. Solutions could include advanced filtration, the elimination of wastewater discharges, decision support systems to provide accurate and accessible data for measuring options for both the public and industries, as well as household water testing and filtration. Up to 10 innovators will each be eligible to receive CHF 175 thousand in co-financing. The challenge is open for submissions until 12 August 2024. Tackling Water Pollution Challenge
Ministry of Economy and Planning, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — Regenerative Blue Economy Challenge
The Regenerative Blue Economy Challenge calls for solutions to reduce marine pollution and promote ecosystem protection, restoration, and rewilding. Winners will benefit from exclusive networking opportunities, targeted support, visibility, and the chance to share part of the CHF 300 thousand prize. The application deadline is 08 June 2024. Details
ETH Zurich — Consolidation Grants
ETH Consolidation Grants provide grants up to CHF50 thousand to strengthen existing research collaborations. Consolidation Grants aim to encourage more advanced, solid projects between Switzerland and East Asia or the Southeast Asia region. The main applicant has to be a postdoctoral researcher, senior scientist, or professor of a Swiss federal and cantonal university. Applications are open until 15 June 2024. ETH Consolidation Grants
UNESCO — Designated Sites in Europe and North America
The UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe launches a call for applications for UNESCO-designated sites in Europe and North America. Eligible UNESCO sites are Biosphere Reserves, Global Geoparks, and Natural and Mixed World Heritage sites. Each selected site will receive funding to implement activities for a total amount of up to US$ 25 thousand per site. The application deadline is 09 May 2024. UNESCO
African Development Bank — Innovators Program
The AfriCircular Innovators Program supports young entrepreneurs by providing extensive support tailored to startups in the circular economy sector. Selected entrepreneurs receive grant funding for market exploration and product development. The program is designed for entrepreneurs who are at the early stage of their entrepreneurial journey. The program will support solutions with operations in Ghana, Ivory Coast, or Rwanda. Applications are open until 26 May 2024. AfriCircular Innovators Program
Inter-American Development Bank — Boosting Water Sector Innovation
The Inter-American Development Bank launches the Aquacerta Challenge. The challenge supports innovative solutions from the private sector that can be adopted by service providers in Latin America and the Caribbean to ensure safely managed drinking water and the resilience of water systems. Applicants can apply for contingent recovery financing from US$300 thousand to a maximum of US$500 thousand each. However, applicants should be able to contribute at least 50% in counterpart funds. Eligibility extends to legally established entities from the private sector such as startups, small and medium enterprises, and social businesses. The application deadline is 31 May 2024. Aquacerta Challenge
Earth Observation — Sustainable Blue Economy
The Earth Observation Sustainable Blue Economy project aims to develop new products, indicators, and tools to support local Blue Economic activities and monitor their impact on the marine environment. Four contracts will be implemented, each targeting one among four possible themes: Aquaculture, Fisheries, Marine Renewable Energy, Leisure, and Tourism. The activity shall be implemented in close collaboration with Early Adopters such as permitting and regulating authorities, financial investors, and the Blue Economy sector operators. The closing date is 05 June 2024. Details
U.S. African Development Foundation — Financing for Agriculture
The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) invites applications from registered African agricultural cooperatives and enterprises for grant financing. Grants will support solutions that increase revenues, create jobs, improve farmer incomes, and achieve sustainable market-based growth. USADF accepts applications in Burundi, Cote d’Ivoire, DRC, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. Applicants can request no more than US$250 thousand. The application deadline is 30 June 2024. More