The Innovation Challenge Fund supports entrepreneurs and businesses that focus on higher tier clean cooking solutions such as advanced biomass cookstoves or other innovative technologies that can significantly reduce emissions and fuel consumption compared to traditional cooking methods. The call targets Ethiopian organizations that promote clean cooking technologies, research, and businesses. Enterprises can apply until 27 January 2024. Know more
energy
Young Americas Business Trust — InnovAction Challenge
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
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
Sustainable Energy for All — Women in STEM Traineeship
Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) helps women and youth in energy transition by supporting their entry into and career progression within the sector. The SEforALL Traineeship provides a training opportunity complemented by on-the-job learning, including site visits, workshops, and supplementary training programs. Applicants must be 18-35 years of age and be nationals or have the right to work in Sierra Leone. The closing date is 11 January 2024. SEforALL Traineeship
Kubota Fund — Academic Training Program
The Kubota Fund announces a grant program for research analysts, trainees and students from developing countries who join academic or training programs provided by research/educational institutes or private enterprises located in Japan. The Fund provides financial aid (from ¥80 thousand to ¥100 thousand per month) to students, trainees, and researchers for pursuing academic degrees or research at educational or research institutes and business enterprises. Training or research on technologies for developing countries (especially civil engineering, electricity, machinery, agriculture, environment, energy, development economy) at companies or organizations in Japan is supported. Applicants must be nationals of a developing country. The application deadline is 17 January 2024. Kubota Fund
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
RBC Foundation — Tech for Nature
The RBC Foundation accepts applications for its 2024 grant program. RBC Tech for Nature supports new ideas, technologies, and partnerships to solve pressing environmental challenges. Applicants can submit new technologies to solve issues related to climate change, food security, air quality, energy needs, and access to clean water. Eligible applicants are charities and nonprofit organizations in communities where the Royal Bank of Canada has a business presence. Applications are being accepted until 06 May 2024. RBC Tech for Nature
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
University of Oxford — Urban Studies Program
The Urban Studies program at Oxford University (UK) offers part-time master’s and doctoral courses for practitioners and researchers engaged in cities and urban issues. The MSc in Sustainable Urban Development is a part-time course (taken over two years) and is designed to suit those working in a range of urban contexts worldwide. Supervision is available from a range of specialists across the University of Oxford. MSc scholarships worth over £41 thousand are available. The latest for most Oxford scholarships is 19 January 2024. Link to Urban Studies Program