The FoodTech Challenge seeks technologies that are on the cusp of transforming food and traditional agriculture practices, efficiently and sustainably. The challenge targets early-stage start-ups, ranging from international university-based research teams to individual entrepreneurs and small firms. The total prize pool is valued at US$2 million. The regular submission deadline is 24 June, however, startups that would like to receive feedback on their submissions should apply by 20 May 2022. FoodTech Challenge
Funding News
Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry
The Sustainable Fisheries Solutions and Retrieval Support Contribution Program (Ghost Gear Fund) supports actions that prevent and mitigate the risk of ghost fishing and encourage the development of sustainable fishing practices domestically (Canada) and abroad. The Ghost Gear Fund will also support fish harvesters to acquire new gear technologies to reduce the occurrence of gear loss. Typical Ghost Gear Fund contributions can be expected in the range of C$50 thousand to C$1 million. Eligible recipients include Canadian and international charitable organizations, companies, Indigenous organizations/communities, academic institutions, and Canadian individuals. Interested proponents are encouraged to submit their applications by 06 June 2022. Ghost Gear Fund
The Agropolis Fondation seeks to promote the agro-ecological transition by funding PhD research of young scientists. PhD research projects may focus on three main themes: Understanding the effects of climate change on agricultural systems; documenting and analyzing the measures and policies that support the conservation, and promote sustainable use of biodiversity in various agroecosystems, and ensuring sustainable food systems by moving towards more responsible production and consumption. Up to €900 thousand are available complemented by €120 thousand from the SEARCA. Deadline for the submission of proposals is 21 June 2022. Know more
- Tags: agriculture, all regions, early-career, individuals, june2022, research
Biodiversity, Conservation, Wildlife
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) seeks to support innovative solutions that contribute to the sound management of hazardous Chemicals and Waste in the Caribbean region. The call is aimed at startups, small and medium-sized companies, NGOs, corporations, and other organizations in the private sector that offer innovative solutions. Solutions must be scalable, sustainable, and promote the economic and social inclusion of poor and vulnerable populations. The selected proposals will be able to receive financing to implement their projects. The call for proposals closes 31 May 2022. Details here
The United States Agency for International Development seeks applications from qualified entities to implement the “Combating Wildlife Trafficking” program. USAID aims to reduce threats to biodiversity in the Caribbean region by reducing the illegal collection and poaching of wildlife for international trade related to demand for pets or collections, food, medicines, jewelry and crafts. The overall funding amount is anticipated at US$3 million. Eligibility for this award is not restricted. Applications have to be received by 03 June 2022. Details
- Tags: conservation, june2022, LAC, nonprofit orgs, training/education, wildlife
The MedFund provides sustainable funding for marine biodiversity conservation. MedFund launches a call for interest dedicated to support Mediterranean MPAs’ managers by funding day to day management costs of protected marine areas. The funding request must not exceed an average annual amount of €75 thousand. Applicants must be officially designated MPAs (or under designation process) in Lebanon, Montenegro, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, or Albania. The call for interest is open until 30 June 2022. The MedFund
Energy, Climate Change
The Modern Cooking Facility for Africa (MCFA) is a financing program supporting scale-up of clean cooking solutions in six Sub-Saharan African countries. MCFA offers results-based financing for clean cooking companies to grow and scale up their businesses in following countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The deadline for submitting pre-qualification applications is 21 June 2022. Modern Cooking Facility
- Tags: Africa, business/enterprise, climate, community projects, energy, june2022
The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) provides catalytic finance to unlock private sector investments in renewable energy. SEFA offers technical assistance and concessional finance instruments. Funding requests must be aligned with three strategic priorities: (1) Green Baseload; (2) Green Mini-Grids; (3) Energy Efficiency. Technical assistance grants are available to public and private sector entities. Applications can be submitted anytime. Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa
The ENGIE Foundation makes grants in thematic areas that include support for improved energy access by disadvantaged communities. Applicants provide summary information about their organization and its partners; objectives and context of the proposed project; details of the funding request; and how the project will be evaluated. Applications (French, English, Dutch) can be submitted at any time. Link
Water Resources
The U.S. Department of State seeks organizations to build technical and policy capacity to develop and manage built water storage in the South Asian region. The project will be implemented in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. The intended beneficiaries of this project are government officials in the targeted countries; water management, environmental and energy management, and other related professionals; faculty members and advanced students. The anticipated award amount is US$1.28 million. Proposed programs should be completed in 36 months or less. Eligibility is restricted to non-profit organizations. Applications are due no later than 05 July 2022. Built Water Storage in South Asia
The Fondation SUEZ supports access to essential services such as water, sanitation and waste for underprivileged populations in developing countries. One reward goes to an unregistered, royalty-free innovation developed by a non-profit organization. The other recognizes and encourages an initiative led by a social entrepreneur. The two winning projects receive €50 thousand each. Applications have to be submitted by 30 October 2022. More
The Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW) is an award focusing on water-related scientific innovation from around the world. The 11th cycle of the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water consists of one creativity prize and four specialized prizes. The Creativity Prize of US$266 thousand is made for pioneering and innovative research in any water-related field. The four specialized prizes are worth US$133 thousand each and are made for research in surface water; groundwater; alternative water (e.g., desalinization, wastewater treatment, etc.); and water management and protection. Candidates for the Creativity Prize are identified through external nominations. Candidates for the specialized prizes can self-nominate. The deadline for nominations is 31 December 2022. International Prize for Water
- Tags: all regions, awards/prizes, december2022, individuals, pollution, water
Cross-Cutting
One Young World supports young women working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The Technovators for Social Good Scholarship will sponsor a young leader to attend the One Young World 2022 Summit in Manchester (UK) and enable them to participate in speeches, panels, networking, and workshops. Candidates must be females aged 18 – 30 leading innovative and impactful initiatives to promote access and opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for women. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is 16 May 2022. Technovators for Social Good Scholarship
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives invites proposals that meet the needs of local communities in Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Angola. The priorities under this call include women’s economic rights, decent jobs and entrepreneurship, and investing in the poorest and most vulnerable (which may include agriculture or aquaculture projects). The average contribution is up to C$45 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. The deadline for submission is 16 May 2022. More
SDSN Youth mobilizes youth to the forefront of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by connecting young people to pathways of understanding, collaboration and action. The Global Innovation and Impact Awards aim to recognize and mobilize leading solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals. The Awards target young changemakers worldwide building solutions for the SDGs. The submissions must have a measurable positive impact on achieving at least one of the 17 SDGs. SDSN Youth will work collaboratively with the awardees to provide seed funding, mentorship and access to exclusive opportunities. Awardees receive up to US$2,500 to test, launch and scale their initiatives. The call for applications/nominations closes 25 May 2022. Link to SDSN Youth