Copernicus Masters is an international innovation competition that honors the best solutions using earth observation data and applications to solve global challenges. The Smart Farming Challenge, sponsored by BayWa, seeks innovative solutions that use new technologies, ideas and products to support sustainable agriculture and horticulture. BayWa is interested in digital solutions that combine satellite data and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning to support pasture management, early crop disease identification, and/or yield prediction in horticulture. The winner of the smart farming challenge receives €5 thousand, mentoring, access to field trials and access to BayWa agribusiness and agri-organization networks. All participants have the chance to win an additional €10 thousand if chosen as the overall Copernicus winner. The competition is open to participants worldwide. Submissions are open until 11 July 2022. Find the Smart Farming Challenge
business/enterprise
Climate Investment Platform — EmPower Her
EmPower Her seeks to close the financing gap for early-stage clean energy projects in least developed markets by supporting women-led organizations or organizations whose main focus is women’s empowerment. Private sector developers, NGOs, universities and research centers from least developed countries are eligible to apply. Successful project proponents receive up to US$40 thousand to accelerate the preparation of investment readiness. The pre-screening application deadline is 08 April 2022. EmPower Her
Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund — Biodiversity Conservation Indonesia (Large Grants)
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) makes large grants in support of biodiversity conservation in Indonesia with focus on the “Wallacea Biodiversity Hotspot.” Grants are in support of community-based sustainable small-scale fisheries, protection and conservation of endangered marine species, marine protected areas management, and activities that promote improved marine and coastal ecosystems. This call is for large grants of up to US$75 thousand. Eligibility for grants extends to NGOs, community groups, private enterprises, universities, and other civil society applicants. Call details are available in Indonesian. The closing date for letters of inquiry is 11 April 2022. Wallacea Biodiversity Hotspot
Feed the Future Market Systems and Partnerships — Southern Africa Agricultural Trade & Investment Activity
Market Systems and Partnerships (MSP) invites for-profit businesses in Southern Africa to submit applications. Partnerships will leverage South Africa’s advanced economy and financial system to support mutually beneficial agricultural trade and investment in the southern African region, or increase exports to the United States. MSP will issue grants ranging between US$250 thousand to US$1 million to establish partnerships with firms and/or investors. Businesses legally registered to operate in Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, or Zambia are eligible to apply. The closing date for applications is 25 March 2022. Know more
International Fund for Agricultural Development — Rural Youth Employment
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) invites applications for grants to implement rural youth employment opportunities. The grant program will be implemented in nine countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, for a total amount of up to US$1.2 million. The applicant must ensure a minimum cash contribution of eight per cent of the total proposal cost and an in-kind contribution. The recipient can be a governmental organization, a business development institution, a civil society organization, an academic/research institution or a private sector entity. The deadline to receive proposals is 14 March 2022. Rural Youth Employment
U.S. Agency for International Development — Off-Grid Energy Challenge Nigeria
The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) and All On invite proposals for the Off-Grid Energy Challenge from Nigerian off-grid energy companies. Selected enterprises will receive funding in the form of convertible debt and grant capital in the amount of max. US$100 thousand. Applicants must be 100% African-owned and must be operating in Nigeria. Applications have to be submitted by 18 March 2022. Off-Grid Energy Challenge
U.S. African Development Foundation — Agriculture Value Chains and Off-Grid Energy in Benin
USADF, in collaboration with the Government of Benin, invites small and medium-sized enterprises to submit requests for funding and support for the development of their local Beninese businesses. Projects focusing on value chains of corn, cassava, cashew, shea, pineapple, palm oil, rice, peanut and soybean and off-grid energy and craft industries are eligible. Startups can request a total of US$50 thousand for projects in processing, crafts and off-grid energy sectors. Grants range from US$10 thousand to a maximum of US$ 250 thousand. Businesses must provide a minimum contribution of 30% of the total cost of the project. The application deadline is 28 March 2022. USADF Benin
U.S. Department of State — Supporting Environmental Defenders in Latin Americ
The U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for a project to strengthen support for environmental defenders in Latin America. DRL prioritizes countries and communities in Latin America where violence against environmental defenders is most acute. The total funding available under this call is US$2 million. DRL welcomes applications from U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education; and businesses. The closing date for applications is 23 April 2022. Details here
Ocean Innovation Challenge — Area-Based Management and the Blue Economy
The Ocean Innovation Challenge (OIC) seeks innovative solutions for ecosystem-based management of marine ecosystems. Solutions must indicate effective strategies for the management of Marine Protected Areas (MPA) while enabling coastal communities and nations to realize enhanced social and economic benefits from the sustainable utilization of their ocean and coastal resources. Governmental agencies, NGOs, private sector (including start-ups), academia, UN, and intergovernmental organizations are eligible to apply. Innovators can request from US$50 thousand to US$250 thousand for up to two years. Preliminary proposals must be submitted before 09 April 2022. Ocean Innovation Challenge
German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development — Solutions to Prevent E-Waste
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) seeks innovative projects that promote the reuse, refurbishment and repair (RRR) of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) to prevent e-waste. Eligible applicants are companies and NGOs registered in low- and middle-income countries. The organization can request up to €20 thousand in funding. The application deadline is 21 February 2022. RRR Accelerator