Ashden supports projects in sustainable energy in the UK and the developing world. The awards are made to pioneers in sustainable energy, saving energy, generating renewable energy, or promoting behavior change. The competition for the International Awards is open to businesses, NGOs, government organizations, and social enterprises whose activities take place in low- and middle-income countries worldwide. Winners are supported with prize money up to £25 thousand, plus assistance with mentoring and networking. The closing date for applications (Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish) is 25 January 2024. Ashden Awards
business/enterprise
EnDev — Clean Cooking Solutions Ethiopia
The Innovation Challenge Fund supports entrepreneurs and businesses that focus on higher tier clean cooking solutions such as advanced biomass cookstoves or other innovative technologies that can significantly reduce emissions and fuel consumption compared to traditional cooking methods. The call targets Ethiopian organizations that promote clean cooking technologies, research, and businesses. Enterprises can apply until 27 January 2024. Know more
IWW Zentrum Wasser — Mülheim Water Award
The Mülheim Water Award honors practice-oriented research and development projects as well as the implementation of innovative concepts for a secure drinking water supply and water analysis. People or institutions from Europe (geographically defined, not politically) can apply with innovative procedures, products, concepts and new findings with a strong focus on practical use and application within water management. The prize is €10 thousand. Applications can be submitted until 29 February 2024. Mülheim Water Award
Tony Elumelu Foundation — Entrepreneurship Program for Africans 2024
The Tony Elumelu Foundation fosters and supports start-up enterprises in Africa. The TEF Entrepreneurship Program provides mentoring, training, forums, seed capital, and alumni support to individuals in Africa proposing new business ideas or early-stage companies in sectors that include agriculture, among others. Participants receive up to US$5 thousand in seed capital. The program is open to citizens and legal residents ages 18 and older in any African country. The next application deadline (English, French, Portuguese) is 01 March 2024. TEF Entrepreneurship Program
Young Americas Business Trust — InnovAction Challenge
The InnovAction Challenge 2.0 drives sustainable growth by accelerating current and new initiatives or businesses to increase the socio-economic participation of vulnerable groups. The program awards solutions that contribute to energy efficiency and natural resource management. The winning team will receive US$10 thousand in cash and 6 months of follow-up business training. The program is focused on the participation of young social and economic entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean. The registration deadline is 05 April 2024. InnovAction Challenge
EnDev — Solar Home System Liberia
The objective is to provide access to quality, clean, affordable, and better energy services in existing and underserved markets across Liberia through stand-alone solar home systems and close the affordability gap faced by the most vulnerable parts of the population. Companies will receive a financial incentive for achieving sales and installation of Solar Home System to customers. Private firms, NGOs, or cooperatives that follow commercial business models are eligible to apply for the program. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until 31 May 2024. Know more
Global Innovation Fund — Social Innovations for the Developing World
The Global Innovation Fund (GIF) welcomes proposals of innovative and cost-effective solutions that address any major development challenge (including energy, water access, agriculture and fisheries) in any country or in multiple countries of the developing world. The program is open to teams and coalitions from social enterprises, for-profit companies, NGOs, government agencies, international organizations, and researchers anywhere in the world. GIF offers grants, loans, and equity investments ranging from US$230 thousand to US$15 million. Applicants should propose the level and type of funding that is appropriate for their innovation, based on the stage of development. GIF accepts applications on a continuous basis. Information
University of Reading — Research Grant
IMAGINE if… is a research grant for the provision of research and business support by the University of Reading and Henley Business School. The research grant is worth up to the value of £100 thousand. Shortlisted finalists will be paired with counselors and researchers before preparing a business proposal to solve a global development challenge. Candidates aged 18 and over from around the world are eligible to apply. The closing date for entries is 07 January 2024. Details here
AgFunder — Foodtech and Agtech Accelerator
The GROW Impact Accelerator Program is a five-month accelerator for startups operating in new frontiers of foodtech and agtech. The program is designed for international startups looking to expand into Asia, and for regional startups to launch on the global stage. Companies receive US$100 thousand worth of cash and in-kind investments. Applications are open until 02 February 2024. GROW Impact Accelerator
Sigma Awards — Prize for Data Journalism
The Sigma Awards invite entries of published work in all areas of data journalism, including the topic environment. The winners will split a cash prize of US$5 thousand. Entries must be for work published in 2023, but can be submitted by large or small newsrooms as well as individuals from all over the world. The application deadline is 17 January 2024. Sigma Awards