Cisco invites submissions of innovative technology solutions from student entrepreneurs around the world that solve the world’s most pressing social and environmental problems. The Challenge is open to students and recent alumni from any college or university. A total of US$1 million in prize money will be awarded for the adoption and development of breakthrough technologies, products, and services that drive economic development or solve social and environmental problems. Solutions have to be submitted by 11 February 2022. Participate
awards/prizes
United Nations — Human Rights to Water and Sanitation
The OHCHR Human Rights Youth Challenge invites youth aged between 16 – 24 to produce and submit a video on: “the human rights to water and sanitation of peoples living close to nature”. Videos and digital content may focus on, but not limited to, indigenous peoples, peasants, farmers, fisherfolks, hunters and gatherers, livestock rearers, and traders. The winner will be invited to speak at a side-event of the UN Human Rights Council in September 2022. The deadline for submission is 15 February 2022. 5th Human Rights Youth Challenge
One Young World — Afri-Plastics Challenge
One Young World seeks applications for Afri-Plastics Challenge. The challenge supports the development of early-stage products, technology and/or services that encourage the reduction or elimination of plastic usage across Sub-Saharan Africa. 10 selected finalists will receive a grant of £75 thousand to support in the development and validation of their solutions. Applicants can be formally constituted and operating in Sub-Saharan Africa as either a registered business or NGO, but applications from individuals and community groups will also be accepted. The application period closes on 01 December 2021. Afri-Plastics Challenge
United Nations — World Wildlife Day Film Showcase
The United Nations World Wildlife Day organizes an international film showcase along the theme of “Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration”. Organizers seek films that explore the threats to wild fauna and flora, their central importance for their habitats and ecosystems and for the communities who live near them, and initiatives to conserve them. The films will be made available for free, on an educational online streaming mechanism throughout the world. The call for entry will close on 07 January 2022. World Wildlife Day Film Showcase
UNDP Africa — Sahel Innovate Challenge
The United Nations Development Programme in Africa (UNDP Africa) seeks youth from the Sahel Region willing to pitch their innovative solutions to a panel of judges at the YouthConnekt Sahel Forum. UNDP Africa is interested in innovative ideas from a broad range of topics, including agroforestry and climate change mitigation/adaptation, driving the region’s transformation. Participants have to be 35 or younger and be a national of Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, The Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, or Senegal. The deadline for applications is 21 November 2021. Sahel Innovate Challenge
Credit Suisse — Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 15 (Life on Land)
The Young One World Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 15 seeks ideas and innovations aimed at restoring ecosystem services and biodiversity by combating deforestation, countering desertification, and ensuring the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems. The challenge welcomes solutions from young innovators (18-30 years old). The winner will receive a US$50 thousand project startup grant and 12-months of mentorship from Credit Suisse. The application deadline is 15 December 2021. SDG 15 (Life on Land)
European Institute of Innovation and Technology — Bauhaus Climate Acceleration Program
The New European Bauhaus Climate Acceleration Program provides support to the most promising climate and sustainability ventures. The program seeks to support green transition in cities through architectural, cultural, and historic sites, for example, natural building materials and energy efficiency, sustainable alternatives for hardscapes as urban spaces, or urban farming and regenerative agriculture to reduce emissions. Four companies will each receive a € 25 thousand prize to accelerate their growth and a tailored package of supporting services. Eligibility extends to early-stage startups developing scalable solutions with high potential to make an impact on climate issues. Applications have to be submitted by 17 December 2021. EIT Community Booster
World Water Council — World Water Prize 2022
The World Water Council invites applications for the 2022 King Hassan II Great World Water Prize. The prize is intended for projects that focus on the management and development of water resources. For this edition, the theme chosen is “Water security in territories for sustainable development and food security.” The Prize will be awarded for the sixth time during the 9th World Water Forum in Dakar, Senegal. Nominations can be for a person, a group of persons, or an organization. The Prize can be awarded for either an enduring work, or the performance of an outstanding one-off achievement. The winner will receive US$500 thousand. Nominations must be submitted by 31 December 2021. World Water Prize
Asian Development Bank — Energy Efficiency Innovation Challenge
Energy Efficiency Innovation Challenge calls for the submission of business ideas or solutions that can contribute to lowering energy consumption and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Eligibility extends to companies operating or based in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan China, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The deadline for submissions of EOIs is 01 November 2021. Energy Efficiency Innovation Challenge
HIPA — Photography Award 2021-2022
The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) is an international photography award. The main theme of this year’s award is “Nature.” The grant prize is US$120 thousand, including smaller prizes of up to US$20 thousand in five different categories. Individuals from any part of the world are invited to participate. Photos have to be submitted by 30 November 2021. About HIPA