Copernicus Masters is an international innovation competition that honors the best solutions using earth observation data and applications to solve global challenges. The Planet Challenge, sponsored by Planet, seeks new ways to help solve climate and environmental challenges through the use of daily satellite imagery, tools and analytics. The winner receives free Planet data for non-commercial purposes, consulting and a trip to San Francisco to Planet’s Explore Conference. 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 19 July 2021. Find the Planet Challenge
awards/prizes
United Nations — Human Rights to Water and Sanitation
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation invites submissions to the 4th Human Rights Youth Challenge. Youth aged between 16 -24 are asked to produce a video (2-5 minutes) on climate change and human rights to water and sanitation. Videos can be submitted in any language with subtitles in English, French, or Spanish. The winner will be invited to join the UN Special Rapporteur to speak at a side-event to the Human Rights Council in September 2021. The submission period ends on 31 May 2021. Link to more details
Because International — Social Innovation Competition
Because International seeks applications for its Pursuit Incubator Program. The Pursuit Incubator was created for early to middle stage entrepreneurs that have ideas for a socially innovative product. Entrepreneurs from all around the world are invited to apply. Participants will receive 10-weeks of online training, coaching, networking opportunities and the opportunity to compete in a pitch event for a cash prize. The application deadline is 18 July 2021. Pursuit Incubator Program
Humanitarian Water Air Food Awards — Youth Climate Awards
The Humanitarian Water Air Food Awards (WAFA) acknowledge and promote individuals and organizations that implement sustainable projects to secure water, clean air, and food — and that empower local communities. WAFA provides expert certification, global recognition, and a cash prize. The deadline for applications and nominations is 31 July 2021. Youth Climate Awards
Celebrate Islands — Video Contest for Project Funding
Celebrate Islands invites video submissions for a contest “My project in 120 seconds” giving winners the opportunity to implement a small project on their island. Projects need to be achievable within one month and may focus on biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, waste and plastic, sustainable economic activities (such as fisheries, agriculture, etc.), water efficiency or energy supply. Celebrate Islands intends to award 3 projects with €3 thousand each. Island projects can be submitted from all around the world but need to focus on an island of less than 150km². Video applications have to be submitted by 30 April 2021. Contest Celebrate Islands 2021
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Photo Contest 2021
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites current and former grantees to enter the 2021 Digital Photo Contest. CEPF is looking for images that show how their support enables people to protect hotspot species and critical ecosystems, and participate in sustainable livelihoods. The winning images will be featured on the homepage of CEPF’s website and other media within the CEPF network. Deadline for submitting entries is 03 May 2021. Link
IFOAM – Organics International — Organic Farming Innovation Award
IFOAM – Organics International and partners accept applications for the Organic Farming Innovation Award (OFIA). OFIA highlights exceptional innovations and incentivizes activities among researchers, extension agents, practitioners that contribute to solving problems in organic farming. The prize is awarded in two categories: the Grand Prize and the Science Prize. Each winner will receive a monetary award (Grand Prize: US$10 thousand and Science Prize: US$5 thousand), and be invited to the 20th edition of the Organic World Congress. Applications can be submitted in English, French, Spanish, German, Mandarin and Korean. The deadline for OFIA 2021 applications is 01 April 2021. Link to OFIA
Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Elevate Prize
MIT Solve seeks nominations for the 2021 Elevate Prize. The Prize annually awards $5 million in prize funding and services to a group of 10 leaders who are tackling the most urgent issues of our time around the world. Challenges include, but are not limited to, mitigating and adapting to the impact of climate change, creating safe environments, ensuring access to quality education and healthcare. The Elevate Prize is open only to applicants from registered nonprofit organizations. Applications must be submitted by an individual on behalf of themselves and their organization. The application deadline is 05 May 2021. Elevate Prize
International Fund for Agricultural Development — Rural Youth Innovation Award in Latin America and the Caribbean
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) launches an award to promote youth initiatives for innovation in rural areas. The award will promote the initiatives of young people who are taking action to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in rural areas. IFAD seeks solutions that constitute examples of good practices and technologies applied and implemented to overcome the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic in the region. The initiative should contribute to solving problems related to rural areas, especially with small local producers. Participants must be young nationals (18-35 years) of Latin America and the Caribbean. Participants will compete for financial resources, products and services, and loans. Interested initiatives have to register by 04 April 2021. Link to the award
Dutch Postcode Lottery — Green Challenge 2021
The Dutch Postcode Lottery offers the Green Challenge to encourage the development of products and services that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The competition is open to entrepreneurs with an innovative, green and scalable business from Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. The winner will receive €500 thousand to help bring his or her plan to market. The deadline for submitting entry forms is 15 April 2021. Green Challenge info