The EDF Pulse Africa Awards is open to start-ups, micro-enterprises and small businesses in Africa that develop solutions in the field of energy. The contest invites applications in three categories: (1) Off-grid electrical production; (2) Electrical uses and services; and (3) Access to water – innovative solution to improve access to water through electricity. In order to be eligible, applicants must have a prototype by 21 November 2019, allowing the demonstration of the proposed solution to the general public. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners will receive €15 thousand, €10 thousand, and €5 thousand respectively. Applications (in French or English) have to be submitted by 08 July 2019. Details
awards/prizes
Shell LiveWIRE — Innovation Competition in Circular Economy
Shell LiveWIRE, the enterprise development programme of Shell, seeks entrepreneurs with innovations in the theme of Circular Economy. The categories for this years competition are Agriculture & Food, Energy & Mobility, and Sustainable Future. The winners will receive US$20 thousand and runners-up will receive US$10 thousand. The deadline for applications is 10 July 2019. Click for details
Sense about Science — John Maddox Prize for Science Communication
The John Maddox Prize recognizes the work of individuals who promote science and evidence, advancing the public discussion around difficult topics. The winner receives £3 thousand. An additional prize is awarded to one early-career scientist. Candidates must be nominated (no self-nomination) and can be from any country and in any field of science. Nominations close 19 July 2019. Details about the nomination process
Rebranding Africa Forum — Innovation Challenge for Africa
Innovation Time, the presentation session of the Rebranding Africa Forum, seeks applications from African innovators with solutions to one or more of the Millennium Development Goals. The award is open to solutions with social impact oriented towards Africa. The winner receives €5 thousand. Applications have to be received by 31 July 2019. About Innovation Time
Nikon — International Small World Competition 2020
The Nikon Small World Competition is open to anyone with an interest in photography through the microscope. Each year, the top 20 prize-winners are exhibited at numerous museums and science centers throughout the United States and Canada. The Top 3 winners will receive up to US$3 thousand. Only photomicrographs are eligible. Entries must be received no later than 30 April 2020. Know more
The Spindle — NOW-Us! Award for Africa and Asia
The NOW-Us! (NOthing about us, Without Us) Award honors inspiring inclusive initiatives from Africa and Asia that trigger empowerment of otherwise excluded groups. This includes social enterprises led by women, indigenous groups and ethnic minorities with initiatives that improve access to productive resources (land and water), among others. The three winners (1, 2 and 3) get a grant of respectively €25 thousand, €15 thousand and €10 thousand along with coaching and networking opportunities. Initiatives have to be submitted by 30 June 2019. (Note: The Spindle makes additional awards to accelerate innovative initiatives in the field of humanitarian and development work.) About the Now-Us Award
MacArthur Foundation — $100 Million to Solve a Critical Problem
The MacArthur Foundation seeks applications for the 100&Change competition. The winner will receive US$100 million to develop and implement a project that addresses a critical problem affecting people, places, or the planet. The competition is open to organizations working in any field of endeavor anywhere in the world. Applicants must identify the problem they are trying to solve, as well as their proposed solution. Nonprofit and for-profit organizations can apply. The competition will not accept applications from individuals or government agencies. Participants in the competition must register by 16 July 2019. Link to the 100&Change competition
Singularity University — MENA Global Impact Challenge
SingularityU invites applications for the MENA Global Impact Challenge to foster innovations and startups that positively impact the lives of people living in the Middle East and North Africa. Thematic areas include sustainable energy, climate-secure agriculture, and others. The winner of this challenge will be selected at a final pitch event and receive a full scholarship to attend SU’s Global Startup Program (GSP). The challenge is open to residents and citizens of the MENA region. Application deadline is 07 June 2019. MENA Global Impact Challenge
Crenov8 Consulting — Innov8Agric Challenge 2019
Crenov8 Consulting seeks innovative ideas and enterprises with projects and methods to improve the agriculture value chain across Africa. The competition is aimed at early stage Agric entrepreneurs from all sectors of the agriculture ecosystem. Winners will receive an all-expense paid trip to Dubai to participate and exhibit in the MTFC grand finale and pitch their idea for the top prize of US$5 thousand. The deadline for applications is 30 June 2019. More
EuroScience — European Young Researchers’ Award 2020
The European Young Researchers’ Award (EYRA) aims to inspire early stage researchers in all research areas to incorporate a European dimension and perspective into their research. The 2020 call is open to early-career PhD and post-doctoral researchers from any nationality, who work in a European country. The award consists of a certificate, free participation (including travel) at the EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF), and one year free EuroScience membership. The deadline for applications is 31 August 2019. Find more info