The Energy Catalyst competition seeks innovative, market-focused energy solutions for Sub-Saharan Africa and/or South Asia. Projects must encourage the development of products and services that help countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia access low carbon energy. Early stage projects (feasibility studies) may apply for up to £300 thousand, mid stage projects (industrial research) for up to £1.5 million, and late stage projects (experimental development) for up to £5 million. Eligibility extends to UK based businesses, charities or academic institutions. International partnerships are strongly encouraged. The application deadline is 16 September 2020. Energy Catalyst
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The Spindle — Digital Innovations for Africa, Asia and Latin America
The Spindle seeks the 30 most inspiring Digital Innovations from all over the world and from all types of organizations who are working towards a sustainable, just and inclusive world. The digital innovation or technology should contribute to closer cooperation between organisations working on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The 30 selected participants have the chance to record a pitch video with a professional filmmaker and will present their product during the Partos Innovation Festival (October 2020) to potential partners and investors. Applications can be submitted until 10 July 2020. Note: This opportunity is “first-come, first-served!” (the first 100 applications will be taken into account). About
U.S. Mission to South Africa — Empowering Girls in STEM
The U.S. Mission to South Africa announces an open competition for non-profit organizations and academic institutions to submit applications to develop and implement a program that will encourage young women in South Africa to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). The project should focus on girls between the ages of 8 to 13 and recruit female scientists who can talk about their own careers and experiences as professionals while serving as mentors and presenters. The total program funding is US$12 thousand. Applications have to be submitted by 15 July 2020. Link
European Commission — Food from the Oceans
The European Commission funds projects that explore new and sustainable aquatic and marine sources for human food with focus in under-used species and/or side streams from: (i) marine and aquatic sources; or (ii) the fisheries industry. Proposals for the cultivation of aquatic and/or marine biomass must include innovative and sustainable production and harvesting systems. The Commission will provide funding of up to a maximum of €16 million to address this specific challenge. The application has to be submitted as joint project proposal from at least three legal entities, each of which must be established in a different EU Member State or Horizon 2020 associated country. The application deadline is 03 September 2020. Link to details
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation — Partnerships for Global Sustainable Development
The “Swiss Programme for Research on Global lssues for Development” (r4d programme) promotes applied, need-based scientific research in developing countries. Projects that analyse, develop and test innovative solutions to sustainable development challenges in developing countries in any thematic area or field of research are eligible. The program will support consortia that consist of at least a Swiss research institution, a research partner in the Global South/East and a non-research implementation partner (government, civil society, private sector). SDC’s contribution will be CHF 100 thousand to be used over a period of max. 12 months. The deadline for submitting pre-proposals is 12 October 2020. Link
French Global Environment Facility — Sustainable Cooling and Air Conditioning
The French Global Environment Facility (FFEM) launches a new call for projects to support innovations for “Sustainable Cold Production and Air Conditioning” in developing countries. Proposed projects should focus the development of sustainable cooling or air conditioning technologies and approaches, for example, “natural” refrigerants, which are more energy efficient. Projects may be proposed in connection with the transfer of skills and technologies through capacity building programs. Eligibility extends to developing countries, with priority given to applicants from the African continent. Funding ranges from €500 thousand to €3 million per project. The deadline for the submission of project proposals is 16 October 2020. More information here
International Development Research Centre — Sustainable Food Systems
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) provides funding to innovative research projects that contribute to healthier and more sustainable food systems. Grants range from CA$300 thousand to CA$1 million per project. The call is open to research organizations, think tanks, and other organizations based in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, as well as other low and middle-income countries, as long as the research focuses on food security in the five priority regions. The application deadline is 26 June 2020. Details here
Copernicus Masters — Blue Economy Challenge
Copernicus Masters is an international innovation competition that honors the best solutions using earth observation data and applications to solve global challenges. The Space data for “Blue Economy” Challenge, sponsored by the European Commission, seeks solutions that have the potential to stimulate new markets related to the Blue Economy and to contribute to environmental protection of marine resources. The winner of the Blue Economy challenge receives €10 thousand. All participants have the chance to win an additional €10 thousand if chosen as the overall Copernicus winner. The competition is open to participants worldwide. Submissions are open until 30 June 2020. Find the Blue Economy Challenge
Copernicus Masters — Multi-Data Challenge
Copernicus Masters is an international innovation competition that honors the best solutions using earth observation data and applications to solve global challenges. The Multi-Data Challenge, sponsored by Airbus Defense and Space and sobloo, seeks new services and/or applications that provide insight and have impact on areas like Natural Resources Consumption, Agriculture, Forestry, Maritime, Defense & Security and Smart Cities. The winner receives business development support, an Airbus Satellite data voucher for the OneAtlas Platform, and the opportunity to present their solution to potential business partners. All participants have the chance to win an additional €10 thousand if chosen as the overall Copernicus winner. The competition is open to participants worldwide. Submissions are open until 30 June 2020. Find the Multi-Data Challenge
U.S. Department of Agriculture — Regional Food Safety in Africa
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeks to support the efforts of economic communities in West African in establishing a food safety network. Through this call, USDA seeks partners with whom to collaborate in the implementation of concrete capacity building projects and programs. The initial award is US$500 thousand, but additional funding of up to US$500 thousand may be added at a later stage. Eligibility is limited to U.S. State Cooperative Institutions or other colleges and universities in the United States. The closing date for applications is 01 July 2020. Details here