The CIVICUS Nelson Mandela-Graça Machel Innovation Awards shed a light on the importance of people power and civil society activism in creating a more just, inclusive and sustainable world. The Awards will recognize seven individuals, groups or organizations that stand out for their innovative work building people power in support of human rights and social justice for everyone. Each winning initiative will receive a US$5 thousand prize. The Awards are open to any individual, organization or group in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Pacific. Deadline to submit the online application form is 20 September 2021. Innovation Awards
biotechnology
U.S. African Development Foundation — Mandela Washington Fellows Program
The Mandela Washington Fellows Program provides up to US$25 thousand in funding to African-owned, sustainable social ventures. Venture must be based in and operate in Sub-Saharan Africa. Applicants have to demonstrate how the venture will improve and change the communities in which the grants are implemented. Applications are open until 21 September 2021. More info here
UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council — Partnerships with China
The BBSRC Partnering Awards aim to set up partnership links between UK and overseas laboratories, promote the exchange of scientists, particularly early career scientists, and to promote access to facilities. Funding of up to £30 thousand is available for a period of up to four years for partnerships with Chinese bioscience laboratories. International partnerships focusing on the net zero carbon emissions target, through a sustainable, resilient and bio-diverse agri-food system are especially welcome. Funds can only be used for travel, subsistence and other activities, such as workshops or exchanges. The application deadline is 11 November 2021. BBSRC Research Grant China
World Academy of Sciences — Online Training: Biotechnology Policy and Biosafety Regulations
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) offers eLearning opportunities in technical elements of Biotechnology Policy to regulators, governmental risk assessors, and relevant technical experts in least developed countries. The content constitutes a blend of multimedia training materials, complete with exercises and tests. The deadline for receipt of applications is 01 October 2021. Link
Unleash — Incubation Program for Entrepreneurs
UNLEASH Plus is a global 6-month incubation program for entrepreneurs working on social or environmental challenges, in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The program provides teams with the right skills, mindsets, and resources to test and launch their solutions, and design them for large-scale impact. Teams will explore real-life challenges within the SDG themes, before defining specific problems and coming up with solutions. The top teams will present their solutions to investors and experts. The program is open to all youth entrepreneurs looking to advance solutions that address the SDGs. The application deadline is 25 July 2021. UNLEASH Plus
Grinnell College — Grinnell Prize 2022
Grinnell College invites nominations for the 2022 Grinnell Prize. The Grinnell Prize of US$50 thousand will be awarded to individuals who show creativity, commitment, and extraordinary accomplishment in effecting positive social change. Past nominations have spanned a diversity of social issues related to agriculture and hunger relief, conservation and environment, and many other thematic areas. Nominees may be nationals of any country who have earned a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) between 2006 and 2022. Nominees must be nominated by a third party. The closing date for nominations is 31 October 2021. About the Grinnell Prize
ETH Zurich — Opportunity Grants
The Leading House ETH Zurich calls for proposals for opportunity grants with China, Japan, South Korea and ASEAN countries. Opportunity grants will support activities of Swiss researchers from universities or public research institutes linked to specific events, incidents, or major environmental and economic developments in the region in Asia. The call is open to all scientific disciplines and fields of research. Senior scientists may request up to CHF 50 thousand for projects of up to 12 months. The application deadline is 18 July 2021. Link
United Nations Development Programme — Pathfinder Award for Innovation in Nature Conservation
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) invites nominations for the Pathfinder Award. The Award recognizes outstanding and innovative solutions for protected and conserved areas from around the world. Nominations are invited from individuals and organizations. The overall winner will receive US$ 10 thousand. The deadline for nominations is 15 July 2021. Pathfinder Award
Village Capital — Future for Food Latin America
Village Capital launches an investment readiness program for Latin American startups that tackle the most pressing challenges in the agritech and foodtech sectors. The program will support two cohorts, each of 8 to 12 startups. The top peer-selected startup (one per cohort) will receive grant funding of $15 thousand to support operations. Eligibility extends to profit-making entities in Latin America. The application deadline is 14 May 2021. Future for Food Latam
Future Agro Challenge — Agripreneur Global Championship
The Future Agro Challenge (FAC) is a global competition for food and agribusiness startups. Ideas and ventures will be selected to compete for the title of “Agripreneur of the Year.” The challenge is open to ideas in many areas such as agroforestry, sustainability, agriculture tourism, and others. Selected agripreneurs will gain access to mentors, investors, potential clients, and new market opportunities at the FAC Global Championships, an event at the Global Agripreneurs Summit. The application deadline is 31 August 2021. Application deadline and procedure may vary across countries, please check carefully. Link