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
business/enterprise
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
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
International Development Research Centre — Climate-Smart Livestock Systems (Africa)
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) makes grants to develop new climate-smart livestock technologies and business models to improve animal productivity, promote climate adaptation and lower emission intensity for smallholder livestock farmers in climatic hotspots in Africa. IDRC intends to provide grant funding for up to six research projects of up to a maximum of CA$1.5 million each for 36 months. The lead applicant organization should be an African institution (public or private). The application deadline is 25 January 2024. Details here
U.S. African Development Foundation — Off-Grid Energy in Africa
The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) requests proposals for the USADF Off-Grid Energy Challenge. Selected African off-grid energy companies will receive funding in the form of grant capital of up to US$250 thousand. To be considered for the Challenge, applicants must be 100% African-owned and -managed. Applicants must submit the completed application before 31 January 2024. Off-Grid Energy Africa
ygap — Poverty Solutions for Kenya
The ygap accelerator provides support to Kenyan leaders with solutions to poverty. Entrepreneurs and startups with project ideas and solutions for their local community are invited to apply for the training program. The program offers a three-day accelerator followed by twelve months of tailored support including business skills development, strategy insights, mentor support, and more. Participants will gain access to professionals (designers, lawyers, coaches, etc.) and have the opportunity to apply for small grants. Eligibility extends to social entrepreneurs operating in Kenya, who are dedicated to creating a positive change in the lives of people living in poverty. Applications close 03 February 2024. ygap Kenya
U.S. Agency for International Development — Power Africa
The program Power Africa aims to expand electric energy across Sub-Saharan Africa. Power Africa has more than 100 private-sector partners, and it invites others to join. The US Government has a variety of tools and resources available to assist Power Africa partners and their projects. The partners include companies that focus on small-scale solutions for rural areas, including off-grid and mini-grid projects. Expressions of interest can be submitted at any time. Find out more
Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research — Food Systems Accelerator
The CGIAR Food Systems Accelerator aims to support agribusiness with eco-friendly agricultural practices. The four priority innovation themes are: Mechanization and irrigation; Conservation agriculture; Nutrition-sensitive climate smart agriculture; and Agricultural Risk Management. Supported innovations should be designed to benefit smallholder farmers in East and Southern Africa. The program provides technical assistance and access to investors and corporate partners. Four companies will receive US$20 thousand. Applicants must be a for-profit company operating in Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe. The application deadline is 08 January 2024. CGIAR Food Systems Accelerator
Startup Wise Guys — Climate Change Warriors Program
The Climate Change Warriors Program offers training, networking opportunities and funding to creative minds that fight climate change. The 4-months program provides intensive training and personal development opportunities. Participants can get up to €120 thousand convertible investment. The program is designed for early-stage B2B sustainability startups working in climate-smart agriculture, regenerative agriculture, circular economy, circular waste management, or sustainable land management. The deadline to apply is 18 January 2024. Climate Change Warriors Program