United Nations, in collaboration with Global Innovation Exchange, seeks applications for the 2021 Call for Innovations for a chance to be featured at the UN’s virtual STI Forum (May 2021). Innovations should address COVID-19-associated disruptions that will remain relevant beyond the pandemic to help accelerate progress towards one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The call is open to innovators, scientists, and entrepreneurs worldwide. Applications will be accepted until 26 March 2021. Click here
awards/prizes
Net Zero Challenge — Open Data to Advance Climate Action
The Net Zero Challenge is a global competition to answer the question “How can we advance climate action using open data?” Individuals, groups and organizations are invited to submit projects in progress or concepts/ideas. The first stage of the Net Zero Challenge is a ‘Virtual Pitch Contest’. The winner receives US$1,000 to support further development of their idea. All applications must be received by 12 March 2021. Net Zero Challenge
Agropolis Foundation — Award for Transformative Agroecological Research
The Biovision Foundation, in partnership with the Agropolis Foundation, awards the SHIFT Prize to recognize collaborative and transdisciplinary research for development projects and initiatives that have made exemplary contributions to the agroecological transformation of food systems. The winning project will receive €20 thousand unrestricted funding to support its further development and strengthen its impacts. Eligibility extends to projects and initiatives contributing to an evidence-based food system transformation anywhere in the world. The application deadline is 15 March 2021. SHIFT Prize
What Design Can Do — No Waste Challenge
The No Waste Challenge is a global competition by What Design Can Do (WDCD) in partnership with the IKEA Foundation. WDCD invites creative thinkers to submit innovative solutions to reduce waste and to rethink the entire production and consumption cycle. The winner receives €10 thousand in funding and a tailor-made development program to turn their project into a reality. The deadline for submissions is 01 April 2021. No Waste Challenge
French Agency for Ecological Transition — Mediterranean Climate Change Adaptation Awards
Mediterranean Climate Change Adaptation Awards reward exemplary and concrete actions to adapt to climate change in the Mediterranean. The competition is aimed at local authorities, universities, companies and NGOs (in partnership with a local public stakeholder) which take action and develop solutions to adapt the Mediterranean regions to the changing climate. Selected partners receive tailored support (study tour, meetings with technical and financial partners), invitations to an international workshop (ECCA 2021), and international promotion. Applications close 15 April 2021. More about the competition
Global Federation of Higher Education Associations for Agricultural and Life Sciences — World Agricultural Prize 2021
The Global Confederation of Higher Education Associations for the Agricultural and Life Sciences (GCHERA) supports innovation and leadership in education, research, and outreach in the agricultural and life sciences. This year, two World Agriculture Prizes will be awarded, each to a faculty member from a higher education institution for lifetime achievements in agriculture and life sciences. At least one prize will be awarded to a person from a developing country. The amount of the prize is US$100 thousand. The closing date for nominations is 31 May 2021. GCHERA World Agriculture Prize
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — International Innovation Award for Sustainable Food and Agriculture
FAO and the Federal Government of Switzerland invite applications for the International Innovation Award for Sustainable Agriculture on the theme ‘Innovation to transform food systems’. Individuals, private companies and institutions worldwide may submit agricultural innovations (digital innovation, products, or practices) that contribute to the environmental, economic and social dimensions of sustainable development. The innovation award is divided in two categories: Category A (US$ 30 thousand) for excellence in digitization and innovation for sustainable food systems; Category B (US$ 30 thousand) recognizes an innovation that specifically empowers youth (under 35) in sustainable food systems. The call closes on 19 March 2021. Innovation Awards
SEED — Low Carbon Award 2021
SEED supports small-scale eco-enterprises in the developing world which integrate social and environmental benefits into their business models. Applicants should be able to explain how the enterprise will be financially viable in the long term and be in the set-up phase and in the early stages of implementation. The eligible countries are Indonesia, India, Ghana, Thailand, Uganda, and South Africa. Each award recipient is granted capacity building and networking opportunities. The call for applications is open until 22 March 2021. More
UNESCO — International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences
The UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences rewards projects and activities of individuals, institutions, and NGOs for scientific research in the life sciences leading to improving the quality of human life. Projects in life sciences contribute to poverty eradication, improved health, food and water security. Nominations are submitted by governments of UNESCO’s member states, and by NGOs maintaining official relations with UNESCO that are active in the fields covered by the Prize. The Prize amount of US$350 thousand may be equally divided among a maximum of three laureates. The closing date for submissions (English, French) is 31 March 2021. Link
World Academy of Sciences — Research Grants in Basic Sciences (Individuals)
The TWAS Research Grants Program in Basic Sciences supports researchers in developing countries, particularly those that lack access to appropriate research facilities. Grants are awarded for research projects in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics either to individual young researchers or to research units. Individual scientists can apply for up to US$15 thousand. Individual applicants must be nationals of developing countries. The application deadline is 14 April 2021. TWAS Research Grants Individuals