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
awards/prizes
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
The Commonwealth — Innovation for Sustainable Development
The Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards recognizes projects and contributions in advancing the sustainable development goals in Commonwealth countries. The Award has five categories: (1) Well-being (i.e. health, education, human rights etc.); (2) Prosperity (i.e. economic development, trade, etc.); (3) Peace; (4) Planet and the natural environment; and (5) Partnerships for sustainable development. 15 winners will each receive a trophy, a certificate and prize money of £3 thousand. Eligibility extends to individuals, governments, social enterprises, and businesses in Commonwealth countries. The deadline for nominations is 31 January 2021. Innovation for Sustainable Development Award 2021
RECOFTC — Video Competition 2020
RECOFTC seeks submissions to a video competition. This year’s video competition focuses on how our health and well-being depend on how we protect the forests and the environment around us. The video should highlight how protecting forests can prevent future pandemics. The contest is open to high school students, university students younger than 35 and students residing in the Asia-Pacific region. The winners of the competition will be recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and RECOFTC, and receive a GoPro camera. The submission deadline for videos is 08 November 2020. Forests Pandemics Video Competition
International Development Research Centre — Research Ideas Competition
Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) announces a new Research Ideas Competition to promote health, sustainability and equity in low- and middle-income countries through food system change. The goal is to inspire novel research ideas that aim to strengthen policy interventions, population health, environmental sustainability and/or health, gender and social equity. IDRC will select 10 applications who will receive C$10 thousand each. The call is open to students who are enrolled at a doctoral or post-doctoral program at a recognized university in Canada or a low- and middle-income country. The deadline for applications is 11 December 2020. Research Ideas Competition