The Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge invites industry partners and creative innovators to co-develop sustainable solutions in key areas such as sustainable materials, packaging, zero-waste and more. Participants have the chance to collaborate with major partners and access funding to develop their solutions. The challenge is open to startups, small to medium enterprises, institutes of higher learning and research institutes across the world. The application deadline is 31 January 2023. Details here
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Bristol Myers Squibb — Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)
The Young One World Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 12 seeks to reduce waste and the release of toxins into the environment which will ultimately improve health outcomes. Projects should focus on the link between waste and health, recycling or reuse programs for individuals or companies, or preventing food waste and food loss. The challenge welcomes solutions from young innovators (18-30 years old). The winner will receive a US$50 thousand project startup grant and 12-months of mentorship from a team of Bristol Myers Squibb professionals and partners. The application deadline is 31 January 2023. Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 12
European Commission Erasmus Mundus — International Masters Degree in Environment 2023-2025
MESPOM is a two-year Erasmus Mundus masters course in environmental sciences, policy, and management operated by four European and two North American universities. MESPOM invites applications from all countries. MESPOM aims to prepare students for identifying and implementing solutions to complex environmental sustainability challenges, especially in an international context. Graduates receive MSc degrees from the Central European University, Lund University, and the University of Manchester. The program offers several forms of financial assistance, including tuition fee waivers and living stipends. Candidates applying for financial aid should submit their applications before 01 February 2023. About MESPOM
Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation — Start-up Support for Social Enterprises
The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation supports early stage, high impact social enterprises and seeks projects and innovations that dramatically improve the lives of people and the world. Eligibility extends to non profit, for profit and hybrid organizations in the early stages of their development that have scaling potential. The DRK investments are distributed twice a year over a three-year term, totaling $300 thousand. The Foundation has a rolling online application process throughout the year; there is no deadline. Click here
AirAsia Foundation — Improving Communities
The AirAsia Foundation makes grants to social enterprises with projects to empower communities, enable them to build sustainable livelihoods, tackle social problems, or protect the environment. Applicants must be registered and be based in ASEAN. NGOs looking to diversify funding sources through social enterprise are welcomed to submit an application. AirAsia’s priority is to support smaller social enterprises. Applications can be submitted anytime, but the review process may take up to 6 months. Link
UN Global Compact — Young SDG Innovators Program
The Young SDG Innovators Program is an accelerator program for future business leaders and changemakers to develop and drive innovative SDG solutions through new technologies, initiatives, and business models. Participants participate in online and in-person workshops, case studies, company visits and forum discussions. Companies based in Brazil, China, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, Ukraine, United Kingdom or the United States have the opportunity to collaborate with their Global Compact Local Networks to nominate young professionals for the program. The nomination deadline is 17 December 2022. Link to UN Global Compact
RBC Foundation — Tech for Nature
The RBC Foundation accepts applications for its 2023 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 February 2023. RBC Tech for Nature
Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Research Collaboration 2023
Within the framework of Danish development cooperation, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls for research proposals between Denmark and researchers in partner countries. In 2023, the following countries are eligible for research applications: Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Niger, Palestine, Somalia (incl. Somaliland), Tanzania, and Uganda. Eligible research themes include energy transitions; water resource management; food and agriculture. The expected duration of research projects is up to 5 years within a maximum grant of DKK 10 million for each project. Only universities or research-based institutions registered in Denmark and with a capacity to (co-)supervise Ph.D. students are eligible to submit an application. The application deadline (Phase 1) is 08 February 2023. More about this opportunity
Dalai Lama Fellows — Mentorship for Emerging Leaders
The Dalai Lama Fellowship offers emerging leaders from all around the world mentorship and coaching to design and implement their own original field project addressing a global challenge. Project areas include environmental sustainability, among others. The fellowship does not offer funding for projects, instead it offers coaching and a global community. This program is open to next-generation leaders (20-35 years old). Deadline for applications is 01 December 2022. Dalai Lama Fellows
One UN Climate Change Learning Partnership — Online Course: Gender & Environment
The One UN Climate Change Learning Partnership (UN CC:Learn) provides free resources and online courses to achieve climate change action both through general climate literacy and applied skills development. This free online course focuses on why promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment can help deliver better environmental outcomes in the fight against climate change. Participants will receive facts and figures on gender dimensions linked to biodiversity, climate change, land degradation, international waters, and chemicals and waste. The course is self-paced. Enrollment is possible at any time. Link