The Social Alpha Agritech Challenge 2.0 seeks innovators and start-ups with science and technology-based solutions that have the potential to create an impact in the lives of smallholder farmers in India. The winners receive support in the areas of product development, testing, pilots, product validation, product management and market strategy. Additional funding will be decided on a case-to-case basis. The challenge is open to individuals, teams, social enterprises, nonprofits, and companies registered in India. The deadline for application is 31 December 2020. Link
South Asia
International Foundation for Science — Food Security Research Grants for Individuals
The International Foundation for Science invites research proposals on accelerating transformation through agricultural transformation in Southeast Asia. The current call focusses on initiatives that contribute to solutions or provide evidence in support of food security policy during the global pandemic, and economic and social crisis. Eligibility for funding extends to researchers from Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam, and Timor Leste. Applicants must be attached to a national research institute or a university. Grants are up to US$20 thousand. The deadline for the grant application is 15 February 2021. IFS-SEARCA Advanced Research Grant
U.S. Mission to Thailand — Annual Grant Program
The U.S. Embassy in Thailand announces an open competition for organizations and individuals to submit applications to carry out programs that promote the US-Thai partnership. The Embassy funds activities that increase awareness of Thailand’s environmental interests, including the importance of water management, among other areas of interest. The maximum grant amount is US$30 thousand per project. Nonprofit organizations, universities and individuals are eligible to apply for funding. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until 31 December 2021. Click here for details
U.S. Department of State — Public Diplomacy Programs in Vietnam
The U.S. Department of State announces funding for projects that further the U.S. Mission’s public diplomacy goals in Vietnam, including improved environmental sustainability, climate mitigation and adaptation. Grants will be below US$25 thousand. Proposals over US$25 thousand will be considered only with a cost share and on a case-by-case basis. Public diplomacy funds will only be given to non-profit organizations or individuals. Submissions are encouraged from U.S. and Vietnam entities. The application deadline is 15 February 2021. Find details
UK Research and Innovation — Research Collaborations in Southeast Asia
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), and the Department of Science and Technology of the Philippines (DOST) seek networking, partnership and research collaborations with focus on sustainable development in Southeast Asia. Proposals should include partners in South and Southeast Asia. Projects will be funded for up to 12 months, each with up to £100 thousand. Research must have been previously funded by UKRI, JST, or DOST. The closing date for applications is 03 February 2021. Click here to know more
Climate Tracker — Southeast Asia Rainforest Journalism Opportunity
Climate Tracker seeks 4 emerging storytellers from Southeast Asia to co-apply to the Rainforest Journalism Fund. Proposal should address the forest restoration and/or rehabilitation issues in the Southeast Asia region. Each fellow will be supported to write one feature story. Climate Tracker will provide individual feedback and support. The ideal candidate is 18-35 years old and has journalism experience. Applications have to be submitted by 25 November 2020. The opportunity
Asian Development Bank — Healthy Oceans
Healthy Oceans Technology Innovation Challenge (TIC) calls for the submission of pilot technology solutions that prevent plastic waste or that can help restore and/or protect coral reefs. The selected proposal can receive a grant of up to US$500 thousand, but technology providers must co-finance at least 10% of the total cost. Innovations have to be implemented in Asia. Eligibility extends to companies, non-profit organizations, CSOs, research institutions and government-owned enterprises. The deadline for submissions of EOIs is 27 November 2020. Healthy Oceans Technology Innovation Challenge
Asian Development Bank — Urban Technology Innovation Challenge
Urban Sector Technology Innovation Challenge (TIC) calls for the submission of pilot technology solutions for more effective and efficient wastewater treatment and sanitation in urban communities. The selected proposal can receive a grant of up to US$500 thousand, but technology providers must co-finance at least 10% of the total cost. Innovations have to be implemented in Asia. Eligibility extends to companies, non-profit organizations, CSOs, research institutions and government-owned enterprises. The deadline for submissions of EOIs is 04 December 2020. Urban Development TIC
Swiss National Science Foundation — Vietnamese-Swiss Joint Research Program
The Vietnamese-Swiss Joint Research Program enables researchers in Switzerland to carry out joint projects with research partners in Vietnam. The program supports ambitious research and innovative approaches in all areas of research. A maximum of CHF250 thousand per project will be available for the Swiss part for a project period of up to 3 years. Proposals have to be jointly prepared by Swiss and Vietnamese applicants. The closing date for application is 15 January 2021. Link to the call
United Nations Development Programme — Small Grants Program (Maldives)
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supports small-scale projects for activities that conserve and restore the environment while enhancing people’s wellbeing and livelihoods. Focal areas are biodiversity, seascape conservation, climate change, climate-smart agroecology, and energy access in the Maldives. The maximum grant amount per project is US$30 thousand, however, in exceptional cases, US$50 thousand may be considered. Eligibility extends to national and local NGOs, community-based organizations, and scientific communities. The application deadline is 22 November 2020. Small Grants Program