The Africa Energy Generation Prize rewards young Africans who have an innovative project or idea in the energy, health, or agribusiness sector. Winners will have the chance to enroll in a free 2-year training program at one of three Energy Generation Business Schools and receive capacity development training which will allow them to transform their innovative idea into a viable startup. Applicants must prepare and submit two videos: a presentation video of the candidate (2 minutes) and a video presenting the innovative project (5 minutes). Eligibility extends to young African innovators. The application deadline is 15 August 2020. Link to participation criteria
energy
World Tourism Organization — SDGs Global Startup Competition
The UNWTO Sustainable Development Goals Global Startup Competition seeks innovative startups that directly contribute to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The competition features 17 categories, each one representing a Sustainable Development Goal. Startups from all over the world and all economic sectors are invited to participate. The winning startups receive a pitch at a UNWTO Demo Day, capacity and business development training, access to technological support, and connection to the UNWTO Innovation Network. The deadline for candidatures is 20 September 2020. Link to the competition
British Council — PhD Scholarships for Egyptian Researchers
The Newton Mosharafa PhD Program supports Egyptian researchers to undertake PhD studies at a UK higher education institution. The program covers all fees and living/travel expenses. The program supports projects in five priority areas, including sustainable water management; renewable energy; and sustainable food production. The application deadline is 01 October 2020. Link
First Solar — Charitable Fund
First Solar manufactures solar modules with an advanced semiconductor technology. The First Solar Corporate Charitable Fund seeks to improve the quality of life in communities around the world. Priority is given to projects focusing on “green” education initiatives, access to clean energy and water in underserved areas, and furthering the development of innovative and sustainable technologies. Grant requests must be for projects or services that cost or exceed US$10 thousand. Requests under US$10 thousand should be directed to the First Solar local office nearest the grant seeker. Proposals are reviewed four times annually. The deadline dates for proposals are 01 February, 01 May, 01 August and 01 November. Link to donation guidelines
French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs — Franco-Palestinian Cooperation Partnership Projects
The French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) launches the new three-year call for projects (2019-2021) in support of decentralized cooperation partnership projects between French and Palestinian local authorities. The initiative aims at consolidating the partnerships in progress. All projects and actions located in the Palestinian Territories are eligible. Thematic areas include rural development, agriculture and food security; Water, sanitation and waste management; and renewable energy, among others. The MEAE provides at least €170 thousand per year. The call for projects is aimed at French and Palestinian local authorities (governorate, municipality, village council, local council, refugee camps). The deadline for submission of project proposals is 30 August 2020. Link to details
International Renewable Energy Agency — Youth Video Contest
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) announces a youth video contest focused on the theme ‘Renewable Energy in the Time of COVID-19: Youth Actions for Recovery.’ The winner will get a chance to participate at the IRENA Youth Forum (January 2021) and gain media exposure. Video submissions must address ideas on ‘Renewable Energy in times of COVID-19’ in 60 seconds or less. The competition is open to participants up 30 years old from all over the world. The submission deadline is 08 July 2020. Find all criteria here
UK Government — Energy Catalyst: Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia
The Energy Catalyst competition seeks innovative, market-focused energy solutions for Sub-Saharan Africa and/or South Asia. Projects must encourage the development of products and services that help countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia access low carbon energy. Early stage projects (feasibility studies) may apply for up to £300 thousand, mid stage projects (industrial research) for up to £1.5 million, and late stage projects (experimental development) for up to £5 million. Eligibility extends to UK based businesses, charities or academic institutions. International partnerships are strongly encouraged. The application deadline is 16 September 2020. Energy Catalyst
Ben Gurion University of the Negev — Postdoctoral Desert Research in Israel 2021-22
Candidates who are interested in conducting postdoctoral research at the Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research in Israel are invited to apply for fellowships. Research topics include desert ecology, solar energy, environmental physics, architecture and urban planning, rainfed and irrigated agriculture, hydrology, aquaculture, environmental microbiology, desalination and water treatment, and biotechnology. The current value of the BCSC fellowship is US$25 thousand. Candidates should first select a topic of interest and identify a prospective supervisor. Applications are open worldwide. The application deadline is 03 March 2021. Find the Postdoctoral Fellowships
Geres – Women’s Entrepreneurship
Geres is an international development NGO which works to improve the living conditions of the poorest and tackle climate change and its impacts. Geres seeks to promote women’s entrepreneurship by scaling-up entrepreneurs and value chains involved in energy access in Mali, Morocco, and Myanmar. This call for expressions of interest is aimed at identifying up to four consultants (ideally three national consultants) to develop a country-based gender strategy sensitive to the specificities of each region. The budget to create a strategy is €30 thousand. Expressions of interest have to be submitted by 01 July 2020. Find the call document
The Spindle — Digital Innovations for Africa, Asia and Latin America
The Spindle seeks the 30 most inspiring Digital Innovations from all over the world and from all types of organizations who are working towards a sustainable, just and inclusive world. The digital innovation or technology should contribute to closer cooperation between organisations working on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The 30 selected participants have the chance to record a pitch video with a professional filmmaker and will present their product during the Partos Innovation Festival (October 2020) to potential partners and investors. Applications can be submitted until 10 July 2020. Note: This opportunity is “first-come, first-served!” (the first 100 applications will be taken into account). About