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
awards/prizes
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
UAE Water Aid — Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award
UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia) invites nominations for the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award. The award supports research and development of new and innovative technologies that produce, distribute, and purify water using renewable energy to support poverty- and disaster-stricken communities worldwide. Prizes vary according to category from US$20 thousand to US$150 thousand. Suqia invites corporations, research centers, institutions, innovators and youth from around the world, whose novel technologies provide solutions to the challenges of water scarcity, to participate in the awards. The deadline for nominations is 30 April 2021. Visit Suqia
Newable — Global Young Innovators Program
Newable accepts applications to join the Global Young Innovators Program. Entrepreneurs and young inventors from South Africa and the United Kingdom are invited to generate innovative ideas to help address five challenges in South Africa. The challenges include the categories low-carbon economy and sustainable solutions for urban and rural communities, related to water, sustainable agriculture and fisheries. Participants take part in a training program, receive mentorship, and have the chance to pitch a R200 thousand funding grant. Participants from South Africa have to be between 18 and 30 years old. Applications close 17 January 2021. Link
Regional Studies Association — Awards in Regional Studies
The Regional Studies Association (RSA) covers issues in the fields of climate change, energy, migration, and economic development. RSA makes awards to recent Masters graduates, PhD students, and early-career researchers who made an original and outstanding contribution to the field of regional studies. Award winners receive £500. Grants have no geographical limitation, past award holders come from Egypt, Argentina, China, etc. The deadline for nominations (both self-nominations and third-party nominations) is 30 April 2021. Link to awards
Tata Trusts — Social Alpha Agritech Challenge
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
Solution Search — Water Pollution & Behavior Change Contest
Rare’s Center for Behavior & the Environment and partners seek existing solutions that are changing behaviors to help solve the world’s most challenging environmental problems. For this year’s contest, Solutions Search looks for promising approaches that are shifting people’s behavior toward cleaner, healthier water ecosystems. Contest entrants get access to capacity building, workshops, and networking opportunities to further refine and scale their solution. The overall winner will receive US$25 thousand, among numerous other prizes, including a US$5 thousand prize awarded to the best early entrant (for submissions prior to 30 November). Any organization or institution worldwide is eligible (e.g., city government, business, non-profit, university, etc.). Individuals are not eligible to enter. The regular submission deadline is 10 January 2021. Access Solution Search
Climate Corporation — Georeferenced Soil Databases
The Climate Corporation seeks information about available georeferenced soil databases and elevation models that can be used as drivers of crop yield variability in parts of Europe and South Africa. The goal is to help farmers optimize soil management and increase economic productivity. The Climate Corporation offers US$10 thousand for the identification of models with more accurate vertical resolution for the countries of interest listed in the call. Submissions must be received by 12 January 2021. Link to details
AI for Development — Technology to Achieve SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)
The AI for Development (AI4Dev) Challenge seeks ideas in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to achieve 4 Sustainable Development Goals (including Goal 2: Zero Hunger) in Arab & African countries. Teams of at least two members that research and develop AI innovations are invited to submit their idea. Selected participants will receive mentorship and training from experts, and guidance to develop prototypes. The challenge offers monetary prizes of up to US$5 thousand. The deadline to submit ideas is 17 November 2020. AI4Dev Challenge
Socialab — 4Revs Innovation Challenge
4Revs Innovation Challenge is a global call for solutions in food, water, resources, climate change and energy that will help humanity solve survival challenges in one generation (2020-2050). Innovators are invited to submit solutions that are already in the market and contribute to at least one of the 4 Revolutions: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Supply; Water Conservation and Management; Ecosystem Restoration; Climate Change and Sustainable Energy. Six solutions will be selected as potential case studies and compete for additional financial rewards of up to US$1,500. The Challenge closes 19 November 2020. Link to Socialab