Unleash invites young experts from all around the world to participate in the 2019 Innovation Lab in Shenzhen (Nov 2019) to create real, scalable solutions towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Teams will explore real-life challenges within the SDG themes, before defining specific problems and coming up with solutions. The top teams will present their solutions to investors and experts. Applications are open to academics, entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs and technical experts from for profit and non-profit organizations. High proficiency in English with the ability to engage in complex discussion is necessary. The deadline for applications is 18 April 2019. About
social enterprise
UNIDO ITPO Italy — Innovative Ideas and Technologies in Agribusiness
UNIDO ITPO Italy invites applications for the international contest “Innovative Ideas and Technologies in Agribusiness”. Innovative ideas and technologies relative to the entire agribusiness value chain – developed by startups, businesses, research centers and academia – that could be successfully applied in Developing Countries (DCs) are eligible. Applications from enterprises, startups, universities, research centres, NGOs, researchers, and smallholders farmers are welcome. Winners in 7 categories will be invited to the Award Ceremony at EXCO 2019 (May 2019), receive mentorship, and have access to possible business partnerships. Applications must be received by 31 March 2019. About the contest
African Union — Support for Youth and Women in Livestock, Fisheries and Agribusiness
The African Union aims to promote the entrepreneurial agribusiness as means for job and wealth creation for Africa’s youth and women. Proposed projects under this call should address actions in the thematic areas of fisheries, aquaculture, animal farming and agribusiness networks. Existing agribusinesses and agribusiness startups may request grants of US$10 thousand or US$20 thousand. Deadline for submission of applications is 28 March 2019. Information
EEP Africa — Women in the Clean Energy Sector
EEP Africa seeks innovative approaches to promote gender inclusion and create opportunities for women in the clean energy sector. Applicants can apply for early-stage grants between €200 thousand and €500 thousand. The minimum required co-financing is 30% of the total project budget. Eligibility extends to companies (including start-ups), non-profit organizations and social enterprises from Botswana, Burundi, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The deadline for proposals is 02 April 2019. CfP15 Application Guidelines
Ashoka — ChangemakerXchange for Social Innovators in Europe & MENA
The ChangemakerXchange Summit in Spain will bring together 25 top young changemakers across civil society, media, the corporate sector, government, and more. The aim of the summit is to build a cross-sectoral network of changemakers that work together to address societal issues in a collaborative manner. Eligibility extends to participants who lead, co-lead, have founded, or have co-founded an ongoing social venture that addresses a relevant social problem, including in the theme of Environment (among others). Applicants should be based in Europe (including Turkey, European Russia and Southern Caucasus, Armenia, Georgia & Azerbaijan) or the MENA region (including Maghreb, North Africa, Middle East). ChangemakerXchange will cover the travel costs and conference costs for the event to be held in Barcelona (Spain) in May/June 2019. The application deadline is 17 February 2019. Here
U.S. Department of State — YSEALI Bootcamp: Malaysia
The YSEALI Bootcamp, organized by the U.S. Embassy in Malaysia in collaboration with Me.reka and Biji-biji Initiative, is an initiative seeking innovative solutions to local challenges across the themes social entrepreneurship, sustainable development, civic engagement, and education. Interested participants must be 18 to 35 years old and demonstrate interest, knowledge, or professional experience in at least one of the main areas. Participants will receive 3-month of intensive business training/mentorship and a few selected groups will win a project grant of RM2 thousand to kick-start and implement their solutions. The bootcamp will be held in different locations across Malaysia (please confirm the exact locations in the announcement). The final application deadline is 15 March 2019. Link
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation — Young People for Development
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) seek innovative projects run by young people in the 16–35 age group which aim to improve the living conditions of disadvantaged communities in developing countries. The ‘Together we’re better’ competition sponsors current and planned initiatives run by young people that help advance global sustainable development and fight poverty. Prizes in five categories range from CHF 4 to 10 thousand. Eligibility extends to Swiss citizens or residents but submitted projects have to be relevant for and/or be implemented in developing countries. Deadline for submissions is 31 March 2019. Together we’re better
ygap — Support for Female Entrepreneurs in Africa
The yher accelerator provides support to female entrepreneurs and female-led impact ventures across Africa. The aim of the program is to provide solutions to poverty by empowering women. The program provides access to mentors, training and a week-long intensive training workshop. Winners of the peer review will receive US$25 thousand in funding and the chance to apply for an additional AU$10 thousand to AU$50 thousand to help scale their venture. Application deadline is 15 August 2019. Find the yher Accelerator Africa
ENEA Access — Support for Energy Initiatives in Africa and Asia-Pacific
The ENEA Access Program offers 30 to 100 days of professional consulting services on a pro-bono basis to advance initiatives for energy access in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. The program is relevant for nonprofit organizations and NGOs, technology developers, and social entrepreneurs. Activities that can be considered for ENEA’s support include feasibility studies, market and business models, implementation of pilot projects, and others. Projects must clearly contribute to the reduction of poverty and/or climate change as a result of improved access to energy. There are no restrictions regarding the home country of the applying organization. The closing date is 22 January 2019. Click here
Mohammed Bin Rashid Initiative for Global Prosperity — Rural Transformation Challenge
The Global Makers Challenge invites innovative start-ups, entrepreneurs and businesses to submit solutions to solve real-world problems. The current Rural Transformation and Zero Hunger challenge seeks new and affordable methods that increase smallholder agricultural productivity without further contributing to environmental degradation. Applications are invited from innovators around the world without any geographical limitations. The winner receives prizes, including cash and mentorship. Shortlisted companies will be invited to a pitch live session in UAE (May 2019), finalist will be invited to the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (July 2019) in Russia. The deadline is 31 January 2019. Find the Rural Transformation Challenge