Copernicus Masters is an international innovation competition that honors the best solutions using earth observation data and applications to solve global challenges. The Multi-Data Challenge, sponsored by Airbus Defense and Space and sobloo, seeks new services and/or applications that provide insight and have impact on areas like Natural Resources Consumption, Agriculture, Forestry, Maritime, Defense & Security and Smart Cities. The winner receives business development support, an Airbus Satellite data voucher for the OneAtlas Platform, and the opportunity to present their solution to potential business partners. All participants have the chance to win an additional €10 thousand if chosen as the overall Copernicus winner. The competition is open to participants worldwide. Submissions are open until 30 June 2020. Find the Multi-Data Challenge
social enterprise
Proposals for NGOs — #Togetherwecan Photo Contest
The Photo Contest is open to professional and non-professional photographers worldwide. Participants are invited to submit real pictures showing their development project and progress in local communities around the world. The two images that get the most “likes” and “shares” by 15 August will win US$100 each. Photos have to be submitted by 15 July 2020. Link to the #Togetherwecan photo challenge
Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards — Edition 2021
Cartier supports women entrepreneurs who lead social enterprises in their early phases that have potential to grow significantly. Cartier reviews applications from Latin America, North America, Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East & North Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region. Previous laureates have included several whose work links to environment and related issues, e.g., product recycling, low-cost energy, water treatment, fair trade, and others. Each of the selected women entrepreneurs receives a cash prize of US$100 thousand, networking and visibility opportunities, and business coaching. The closing date for applications is 31 July 2020. About the awards
Young Water Solutions — Young Water Fellowship West Africa
The Young Water Fellowship targets young entrepreneurs. Selected Fellows will be invited to participate in a 10-days training workshop in Ivory Coast. The workshop aims to empower its participants to implement projects addressing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), water pollution, and water scarcity. All training costs (flights, transportation, accommodation, meals) are covered by the organization. To be eligible, applicants must be 18 to 30 years old, be fluent in French, intend to stay in Ivory Coast for at least 1.5 years after the training and spend at least 15 hours per week to work on their social business. The call for applications is open until 28 June 2020. Click here
StartupXs — COVID-19 Response Fund
StartupXs launches the COVID-19 Response Fund for start-ups and social enterprises with the aim to support early-stage social entrepreneurs to adapt to the pandemic. Support extends to social entrepreneurs whose projects focus on natural resources as well as other categories of the Terra Viva Grants Directory. Participation is open to any start-up or social enterprise worldwide. Priority is given to early-stage start-ups launching innovative products or ideas. One winner will receive US$1000. The deadline to participate is 31 July 2020. Find the Covid-19 Response Fund
IDEX Accelerator — Virtual Fellowship Program
IDEX invites applications worldwide for a Virtual Fellowship Program. The virtual program is designed to enable young professionals to acquire the tools and resources they need for a successful career in social entrepreneurship. Each fellow will gain access to online learning labs with 3-4 social enterprises from across the globe, webinars, and community engagement. Candidates should be 21 to 35 years old, with a minimum of one to three years of professional work experience. The application deadline is 03 May 2020. Details here
SNV Netherlands — Innovations Against Poverty
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
Africa YES Centre — Social Entrepreneurship Training Program
The Africa Young Entrepreneur Support (YES) Program is a 6-month intensive fully sponsored entrepreneurship training that provides young African social entrepreneurs (between 18-29 years) with the resources they need to create impact in their local communities. 30 selected candidates will receive hands-on training sessions, mentorship and access to up to US$15 thousand in grants. Please note that the program requires candidates to be in Nairobi for the entire program period because travel and accommodation is not covered. The deadline for application to the program is 31 May 2020. Find out more
One Young World — Entrepreneur of the Year Award
The One Young World Summit seeks startups and entrepreneurs with solutions to the world’s most pressing issues, including climate change and the challenges of globalization. Applicants can be of any nationality but must be between 18-35 years old. Five winners will receive a fully funded trip to participate in the One Young World Summit in Munich (Germany) in October 2020. The application deadline for nominations and applications is 23 April 2020. More about the award
Co-Creation Hub — Business Ideas for a better Africa
The Diaspora Challenge seeks scalable business solutions to social challenges in Africa. The challenge invites proposals in three thematic areas, including one on clean and affordable energy. The winning ideas will receive prototype funding of US$ 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