The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation seeks smart farming solutions that leverage digital technology innovations that have the potential to drive positive impact for small-scale producer entrepreneurs. There are two grant types – Seed Grants (up to US$250 thousand) and Scale-Up Grants (up to US$1.5 million) – each with its own requirements detailed in the announcement. The Foundation will prioritize applicants who partner with organizations interested in smart farming in low- and middle-income countries. Applicants should be part of a consortium consisting of several types of organizations, such as enterprise technology platforms, enterprise agriculture, ag-tech startups, research organizations, national and international NGOs and farmer-based organizations, government and international organizations. The application deadline is 25 February 2021. Details here
business/enterprise
SVG Ventures — THRIVE Africa Challenge
Silicon Valley Global Ventures is an investment, technology and advisory firm that invests in companies that go through their accelerator program. The THRIVE Africa Challenge seeks innovative solutions specifically designed for the African agrifood industry. SVG Ventures will select the best startups and scale-ups for investment. The winner will participate in the Silicon Valley Startup Bootcamp (Summer 2021) and have the opportunity to pitch their idea in front of global investors. The challenge is open to agrifood companies in Africa. The application deadline is 20 November 2020. Link to THRIVE Africa
Africa-Europe Innovation Partnership — Cleantech Challenge
The Africa-Europe Innovation Partnership, funded by the European Commission, aims to connect high-quality tech hubs from both continents to explore opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships. The Cleantech Challenge seeks startups from Africa and Europe in the clean energy sector with the aim to match African and European startups to co-create complementary innovative clean energy solutions. The application deadline is 20 November 2020. Details here
European Union — European Researchers’ Night
The European Researchers’ Night is a Europe-wide public and media event for the promotion of research careers. Established researchers have the opportunity to showcase the diversity of science and to stimulate interest in research careers among young people. Legal entities, such as research organizations, companies, public authorities, schools, science museums, foundations or the media from an EU Member State or Associated Country can apply to host an event for researchers’ night. Events and actions that target climate and environmental-related challenges are especially welcome. The European Commission offers funding that covers any expenses linked to the organization of the research outreach event. The deadline for submission of applications is 12 January 2021. Details here
King Baudouin Foundation — Subsidies in Support of Sustainable Development
The Business Partnership Facility awards subsidies to support and develop private sector involvement in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in developing countries. The project must contribute to achieving at least one clearly identified SDG. Funding of up to €200 thousand is available. Partnerships must comprise actors from the private sector, civil society, academia and/or the public sector, with at least one organization from the for-profit private sector. The application deadline is 11 February 2021. Find details here
Nestlé — Creating Shared Value Prize for a Waste-Free Future
Nestlé and Ashoka welcome applications to the Nestlé “Creating Shared Value” Prize. The 2020 Prize seeks innovative solutions to address global pollution challenges and supports initiatives that work towards a waste-free future. Social enterprises, for-profit businesses and NGOs worldwide are eligible to apply. Applications from local grassroots organizations are preferred over applications from international large-scale organizations. Up to five winners will share a cash prize of CHF250 thousand. The deadline for applications is 06 December 2020. Guidelines
African Development Bank — Youth Agripreneur AgriPitch Competition
The African Development Bank connects youth-led African businesses with global investors. The goal of the AgriPitch Competition is to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture among youth in Africa and improve livelihoods through inclusive growth. African companies are invited to submit their project proposals for consideration. The African Development Bank will award shortlisted businesses between up to US$40 thousand in the form of grant capital. The application deadline is 15 October 2020. Details here
U.S. African Development Foundation — Supporting African Farmers in Uganda
The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) invites proposals for grant financing and local support from African companies with innovative solutions to improve farmer incomes. Proposals will only be accepted from registered African-owned and led entities in Uganda that have experience working with farmer organizations, cooperatives and associations. The maximum funding award is US$250 thousand per project. The application deadline is 15 October 2020. More information
EnAccess Foundation — Open Source Innovations for Energy Access
The EnAccess Foundation invites proposals for open source innovations focusing on providing energy access with livelihood focus in Tanzania. The idea is to provide households, businesses, and institutions with access to electricity and reduce energy poverty. Each project may request a grant of up to US$ 150 thousand. Eligibility extends to start-ups, companies, non-profits, individual innovators, investors, and researchers. Organizations should have a minimum of 1-2 years of business operations. The final submission deadline is 30 October 2020. Projects are selected for funding on a rolling basis, therefore, earlier submissions are highly recommended. Energy Access
Izele — Small Grants for Biodiversity Conservation
Izele is a conservation network website designed for people and organizations working in biodiversity conservation in Africa. The 2020 Izele Small Grant scheme offers three grants of US$1,500, one each for an Eswatini-, Mozambique- and South Africa-based organization contributing to the conservation of biodiversity. The scheme is open to all conservation areas, organizations, groups, or businesses. Individuals are not eligible to apply. The deadline to enter is 15 November 2020. Find details