The Global Freshwater Innovation Challenge seeks innovative solutions to conserve and restore freshwater ecosystems. HCL has committed $15 million over five years to support water focused entrepreneurs. The first year’s challenge will focus on water quality restoration and ecosystem resilience. Eligibility extends to impact-oriented start-ups with pilot projects, social enterprises with sustainable business models, and businesses ready to scale. The last date to apply is 08 November 2022. Find information about the challenge
business/enterprise
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit — Support to Micro and Small Enterprises
WIDU.africa supports job creation in Africa by redirecting remittances from the African diaspora in Europe into micro and small businesses of relatives or friends in participating African countries. The WIDU Grant supports new and existing businesses with up to €2,500. Currently, WIDU offers local calls targeting green businesses in Kenya and Ethiopia to support enterprises interested in building a sustainable green future in their communities. Target sectors include renewable energy, agriculture, and reduction of waste. Applicants need to either have an existing small business or a concrete business idea. Applications can be submitted until 30 November 2022. WIDU.africa
International Fund for Agricultural Development — Remittance Innovation Champions
The Remittance Innovation Champions 2022 South Africa finances private sector initiatives that develop innovative and cost-effective international remittance services for marginalized populations, particularly women and the rural poor. Grants range from €150 thousand to €300 thousand. IFAD welcomes strategic partnerships linking for-profit entities with non-profit organizations. Deadline for submissions is 07 October 2022. Remittance Innovation Champions
SEED — Starter Workshop for Eco-Enterprises in Thailand
The SEED Starter Program offers workshops to guide young entrepreneurs from early stages of ideation to the generation of a viable business plan. SEED Starter invites applications from teams who develop green and inclusive business solutions to key social and environmental challenges in Thailand. Participation in the workshops is free, although participants need to cover their transportation costs and accommodation. All SEED Starter participants consist of a team of 2-5 members. Participants will be eligible to apply for a SEED Grant (of up to €1,000) after successfully completing the workshop. The application deadline is 24 October 2022. SEED Starter Program Thailand
SVG Ventures – Climate-Smart Agriculture Challenge
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Challenge seeks to identify and support innovators who are driving the global transformation to climate-smart agriculture practices. Winners will receive up to US$100 thousand in funding to develop a proof of concept and will be considered for investment from Shell Ventures. The challenge is open to start-up and scale-up businesses located around the world. Applications close on 11 December 2022. Link to the challenge
European Commission — Floating Wind Energy Deployment
The European Commission (EC) offers grants for innovation on floating wind energy deployment optimized for deep waters and different sea basins (Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, Baltic Sea, North-east Atlantic Ocean). The proposal is expected to deploy in one of the sea basins in Europe. Applicants must be established in a Member State of the European Union, countries associated with Horizon Europe or low- and middle-income countries. The application deadline is 23 February 2023. Link
SEED and Go4SDGs — Webinar: LAC Future Lab
SEED and Go4SDGs organize the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Future Lab for Innovation and Policy. The LAC Future Lab offers a platform to develop future-proof solutions for challenges in the agri-food sector. The Lab will discuss practical solutions and exemplary cases for the industry’s challenges. The Future Lab targets green SMEs and organizations, who work at the interface of business, civil society and politics supporting green SMEs or circular economy solutions. Participants have to register by 12 October 2022. LAC Future Lab
GreenTech — Latin America Event
Greentech Business is a platform of technological solution research with a high potential of positive impact on environmental problems. The fourth edition of GreenTech América Latina seeks innovative sustainable technologies start-ups who seek to advance towards decarbonization. By registering solutions on the platform, inventors gain global reach and visibility, and will automatically be participating in the selection process to present their company at the GreenTech América Latina 2022 event. The registration deadline is 24 October 2022. Click here
U.S. African Development Foundation — Africa Entrepreneurship Challenge
The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) requests proposals for the USADF Accelerate Africa Entrepreneurship Challenge. Selected African youth and women-led enterprises will receive funding in the form of grant capital of up to US$250 thousand. Projects must be innovative scalable enterprises that address local needs and have an impact on communities and livelihoods. To be considered for the Challenge, applicants must be 100% African-owned and -managed. Applicants must submit the completed application before 30 September 2022. USADF Africa Entrepreneurship Challenge
Government of Egypt — ClimaTech Run
ClimaTech is the global competition for tech-entrepreneurs and artists addressing the most pressing climate challenges. ClimaTech focuses on the use of information and communications technology in developing innovative solutions and new applications for climate action in the areas of energy, agriculture, and water management. The grand prize is US$100 thousand. A special prize will be given to the top two African startups. Participants must be a registered startup operating for over 2 years. We could not find a clear deadline. Please apply by the end of September. Click here