SNV invites the private sector to develop products, services, and business models that contribute to the fight against poverty and climate change. The program is designed for companies which are operational or plan to enter the market (with a local partner in case of international companies) in any of energy; water and sanitation; agriculture and food; and cross-sectoral. The call is designed for companies that are operational in Cambodia, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Zambia. The program provides advisory support and non-reimbursable funding for up to 49% of total investment ranging from €50 thousand to €200 thousand. The application deadline for concept notes is 15 May 2020. Find details and guidelines
business/enterprise
Bio-based Industries Consortium — Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking 2020
The Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC), under the program Horizon 2020, invites applications for the Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU) call for proposals. The objective of this call is to contribute to develop a more resource efficient and sustainable low carbon economy, particularly in rural areas, by using renewable biological resources for the production of bio-based products and biofuels. The call is open worldwide, however, only participants from EU, associated and developing countries are automatically eligible for funding. The call is open to academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and private enterprises. Projects last typically up to 5 years, and may receive funds to cover the total eligible costs of the project. The deadline for applications is 03 September 2020. Find out more
Swiss Innovation Agency — EUREKA Globalstars Cooperation with India
EUREKA Globalstars invites proposals for collaborative industry-led R&D projects within the scope “Key Enabling Technologies for Healthcare, Agriculture and Water.” Collaborative research projects should apply key enabling technologies to tackle challenges in healthcare, agriculture or water, resulting in accessible and marketable solutions. Research teams must include at least one Indian organization, one Swiss company and one Swiss research organization. In Switzerland, a total of CHF 1 million is available for grants. The applications deadline for joint research proposals is 30 June 2020. More information here
European Commission — LIFE Environmental and Climate Action
The LIFE program is the EU’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action. The Environment sub-program makes grants for nature conservation projects in the areas of biodiversity, habitats, and species. The Climate action sub-program provides funding in the areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency, farming, land use, and peatland management. The EU co-financing contribution for LIFE projects normally ranges from €275 thousand to €2.75 million. EU registered private entities, public bodies and NGOs are eligible to apply, including EU candidate countries and potential candidates. Note that each call under the sub-programs has its own deadline starting from 14 July 2020 to 06 October 2020. Please check carefully. About LIFE
German Government — International Climate Initiative Southeast Asia
Germany’s International Climate Initiative (IKI) supports projects on climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable energy, and biodiversity projects with climate relevance in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. The programs should have a funding volume between €8 million and €20 million (depending on thematic focus area and country of implementation). Non-governmental organisations, business enterprises, universities and research institutions from Germany and abroad are eligible to apply. Program outlines can be submitted until 14 May 2020. Find funding information
Polish Aid — Polish Challenge Fund
The Polish Challenge Fund (PCF) aims to facilitate the transfer of Polish know-how, technology, and innovative solutions in the area of green technologies to priority partner countries (Ukraine and Belarus). Funds of US$ 40 thousand will be allocated to Polish entities (companies as well as science and research institutes). Grant recipients are expected to ensure financial or in-kind contribution at 20% of the project value. Applications have to be submitted by 16 April 2020. More information here
United Nations Capital Development Fund — Renewable Energy Fund Burkina Faso
The UNCDF “Fond des Energies Renouvelables pour la Résilience du Burkina Faso” (FERR-BF) supports projects that accelerate the growth of income-generating activities by adopting renewable energy solutions. Grants will range from US$50 thousand to US$200 thousand. Eligibility extends to companies registered in Burkina Faso. The deadline for expressions of interest is 17 April 2020. Find out more
One Young World — Entrepreneur of the Year Award
The One Young World Summit seeks startups and entrepreneurs with solutions to the world’s most pressing issues, including climate change and the challenges of globalization. Applicants can be of any nationality but must be between 18-35 years old. Five winners will receive a fully funded trip to participate in the One Young World Summit in Munich (Germany) in October 2020. The application deadline for nominations and applications is 23 April 2020. More about the award
UK Research Councils — Commercial Products for Sustainable Development
The Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) will invest up to £9.3 million in demonstration-stage projects of commercial products and solutions that have the potential to transform lives in developing countries. The project must be relevant to one of 10 Sustainable Development Goals listed in the announcement, including SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 13: Climate Action; SDG 14: Life below Water; SDG 15: Life on Land. The maximum grant award per project is £60 thousand. The lead applicant must be a UK business and will distribute any funding to international (non-UK) partners. The deadline for applications is 07 May 2020. Find GCRF
Co-Creation Hub — Business Ideas for a better Africa
The Diaspora Challenge seeks scalable business solutions to social challenges in Africa. The challenge invites proposals in three thematic areas, including one on clean and affordable energy. The winning ideas will receive prototype funding of US$ 15 thousand, seed investment and mentorship to put their idea into action. Only Africans in diaspora are eligible. Ideas have to be submitted by 30 June 2020. About the Diaspora Challenge