Contests and Competitions

Applications for the 2024 UNU INRA INFoCAT Innovation Agriculture Challenge are now open. The United Nations University, Institute for Natural Resources in Africa, is launching the Innovate for Clean Agricultural Technologies (INFoCAT) project. This initiative, sponsored by IDRC under the Clean Energy for Development: A Call for Action program, is in partnership with Enda Energie and UNU INRA. The INFoCAT Innovation Challenge aims to support agritech innovators who utilize low-cost clean energy solutions. The goal is to provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy technologies to smallholder women and youth farmers in Ghana, Senegal, and Cote D’Ivoire. By doing so, it aims to enhance agricultural productivity and income. Objectives: UNU INRA INFoCAT

Applications for the 2024 develoPPP Ventures Ideas Competition are now open. Start-ups eligible for funding through develoPPP Ventures are chosen through an open call for applications, which occurs multiple times a year for six weeks at the end of a quarter. The announcement for a new application window will be made on the website before it begins, and all start-ups meeting the participation criteria are welcome to apply. Criteria for Participation: develoPPP Ventures Ideas Competition – Your company is either registered in the target country or plans to register there before receiving the co-financed growth investment. – You have an innovative business model with initial revenue generation (proof of concept).

The 2024 Ashoka Young African Climate Changemakers Challenge is now accepting applications. In partnership with the Anglo American Foundation, Ashoka is inviting young individuals aged 16-25 from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana to showcase their agency and innovation in addressing climate change through their ideas and existing initiatives. Together, let us shape a more sustainable world and create a lasting impact on the future of our planet. To be eligible for the Ashoka Young African Climate Changemakers Challenge, participants must meet the following criteria: 1. Age: Applicants must be between 16 and 25 years old at the time of application, and not exceed the age of 25 by the

We are extending an invitation to students in Nigerian secondary schools to share their innovative and practical ideas on how to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in their community. Nigeria is currently grappling with a growing burden of major NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, respiratory diseases, and diabetes. These diseases are often influenced by behavioral risk factors such as physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, air pollution, and tobacco use. It is crucial to raise awareness and educate young people about the prevention strategies for NCDs, as these behaviors often begin during adolescence. Requirements: NCDs Prevention Competition for Nigerian Secondary School Students Interested adolescents are encouraged to submit their ideas

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2024 Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP) Youth Innovation Challenge. In collaboration with the Taiwan Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA), GEEP is calling for submissions for the 2024 Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC): Advancing Marine Conservation! This challenge offers young individuals aged 15–30 worldwide the chance to present their creative solutions for the protection of marine resources. This year’s challenge focuses on addressing marine-related issues such as biodiversity loss, marine debris, lack of awareness, and other relevant topics, while encouraging individuals of all ages to become active stewards of marine environments. Eligibility Criteria: Global Environmental Education Partnership Youth Innovation Challenge The Youth Innovation Challenge is designed

Applications for the D-Prize Challenge for Social Entrepreneurs to Fight Poverty are currently being accepted. D-Prize offers startup grants of up to $20,000 to entrepreneurs who are establishing new organizations. The organization aims to promote the creation of more social impact organizations worldwide, supporting for-profit ventures, NGOs, and charities in low- and middle-income countries where extreme poverty persists. D-Prize Challenge sectors and Areas: D-Prize Challenge for Social Entrepreneurs to Fight Poverty Health Water Agriculture Livelihoods Energy Public Services Custom Eligibility Criteria: D-Prize Challenge for Social Entrepreneurs to Fight Poverty D-Prize challenges are open to individuals and teams, with the only restriction being that individuals and their immediate family members on

Clean water, safe and affordable housing, access to education, and fair government representation are fundamental needs that should be available to everyone. However, not all individuals have equal access to these necessities. Climate change further compounds the difficulties faced by many people, particularly women and historically underserved communities, as resources become scarce and existing climate change protections prove insufficient. The emergence of Generative AI offers immense potential in tackling these challenges and mitigating inequality, ultimately leading to an improvement in people’s lives. Participate in the upcoming era of responsible AI. In the 2024 Call for Code Global Challenge, we invite students, developers, and individuals who solve problems from universities and

The Global Startup Contest (Hangzhou)aims to invigorate the innovation ecosystem, ignite creative dynamism, attract investments in groundbreaking ideas, and extend a warm invitation to talented individuals and teams from around the world to embark on an entrepreneurial journey in Hangzhou, China, the city of innovation! We offer cash prizes、Venture Capital、Business Networking、Startup Mentors、Sponsorship and so on To expedite the development of a modernized international socialist metropolis and attract high-level talents and teams from overseas, the contest will focus on attracting innovative and entrepreneurial projects with advanced technology. There will be two special sessions dedicated to innovation and entrepreneurship projects from overseas Chinese students and foreigners, respectively. The contest is set to

The Payment Innovation Pitch (PIP) serves as a platform for students and startups to showcase their innovative ideas in the payment sector. Through collaboration with peers and engagement with industry professionals, these ideas can be refined and developed. PIP will be held as a sideline event during the 2024 Digital PayExpo. The 2024 c, organized by Intermarc Consulting, is the 25th edition of this annual conference and exhibition. It has established itself as the largest digital payment event in Africa, attracting participants from across the continent and beyond. Goal: Payment Innovation Pitch The Pay Innovation Pitch aims to shine a spotlight on the upcoming wave of disruptive ideas that have

The LEAP Africa Social Innovators Programme is dedicated to empowering and promoting youth-led innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa by providing training, funding, and networking opportunities to support the sustainability of social entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply in the areas of quality education, healthcare, affordable and clean energy, climate action, agriculture, technology, gender & social inclusion, and workforce development. For more details, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions. Eligibility Criteria: LEAP Africa Social Innovators Program For Entrepreneurs in Africa 1. SIP fellows must be aged between 18 and 35. 2. Fellows must be citizens of Africa or Nigeria as required by the funder. 3. Fellows must hold a key role

The UNICEF Venture Fund is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusivity in its strategy for early-stage investments and driving forward new innovations created by startups utilizing cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), data science (DS), drones, blockchain, or extended reality (XR). These innovations are designed to meet the unaddressed needs of marginalized and underserved children and their families. In partnership with GITEX Africa, the Venture Fund introduces The Gender-Responsive Innovation Challenge (GRIC). The challenge: Gender-Responsive Innovation Challenge Acknowledging the structural and systemic obstacles in the technology industry that result in the prevalence of certain types of solutions and founders, the UNICEF Venture Fund aims to support an

Are you a young entrepreneur aged between 18 and 35? Do you have a startup that is less than 3 years old or a project/idea that you are passionate about and would like to develop in the coming months? If your venture is innovative and has a positive impact on communities and/or the planet, then seize the opportunity to become one of the 100 startuppers of the year 2024! Registration is open from April 30 to June 18! The Startupper of the year Challenge by TotalEnergies is making a comeback in 32 African countries with a special edition to celebrate the Company’s 100th anniversary! The primary objective of this 4th

AfOx Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship Scheme is a versatile platform that welcomes collaboration with various technologies and disciplines to address Africa’s health challenges. AfOx-HIP works with African innovators to equip participants with key skills to successfully navigate their own entrepreneurial journey.  It is not limited to life sciences and engineering sciences, but also encompasses other fields. The goal is to develop solutions for disease prevention, diagnosis, management, and treatment. This includes a wide range of technologies such as vaccines, diagnostics, medical devices, therapeutics, and surgical devices. In order to prioritize impactful solutions that can transform healthcare delivery in Africa, we are particularly interested in proposals that focus on the following

Africa’s thriving creative economy is a catalyst for innovation, job creation, and economic development. Recognizing the immense potential of this sector, the African Union and Google Africa have come together to launch the #DiscoverMyAfrica Shorts Challenge. This month-long campaign aims to showcase the continent’s rich diversity, cultural heritage, and vibrant spirit. As part of Africa Month celebrations, YouTube creators from across Africa are invited to participate by sharing short videos that capture their unique perspectives using the #DiscoverMyAfrica hashtag. The challenge encourages them to highlight various aspects of African life, including music, art, food, fashion, and local landmarks. To further inspire creativity, a curated playlist of African-inspired music on YouTube

Prepare to make a difference on a global scale! The Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge is seeking out young innovators with groundbreaking ideas. Are you between the ages of 18-30? Do you possess a creative solution to a societal, environmental, or community issue? This is your opportunity to have a tangible impact! The Global Innovation Challenge aims to amplify your solution. We offer financial support, international recognition, and guidance from top global brands to elevate your concept or startup. Submit your application online at no cost, regardless of your location. Benefits of the The Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge Here are the enticing advantages of joining: Lead The Transformation: Engage with

QBE AcceliCITY is recognized as one of the top five GovTech accelerators worldwide. Its primary objective is to provide a platform for emerging urban solution providers to thrive while minimizing the risks and costs associated with innovation for cities. During the QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge program, participating teams engage in a web-based curriculum that focuses on business-to-government interactions. They also have the opportunity to directly interact with city leaders, gain access to our virtual LaunchPad 11 global community, and undergo an intensive Boot Camp led by international business, government, and smart city experts. QBE AcceliCITY organizes webinars and workshops specifically designed to assist companies in navigating the intricate challenges of

BIC® presents the “Art Master” Ball Pen art competition, aimed at promoting creativity and talent among individuals in Africa and the Middle East. Create an artwork with BIC Ball Pens. 3 Winners will be chosen by experts judging panel. A Change for global exposure with BIC Art Collection Competition Theme – UBUNTU TOGETHER “Ubuntu Together” is an African philosophy that stresses our interdependence and shared humanity. It calls on artists to illustrate the strength found in community bonds and collective harmony. Eligibility: BIC Art Master Ball Pen Africa Competition 2024 – Exclusive to residents of Africa and the Middle East. – Artwork must be created on at least A3 size paper

The Prince Claus Fund & Creative Industries Fund NL Building Beyond Mentorship Program presents a unique chance to shape the future of public spaces and communities in your African city. Our urban environments are not just mere living spaces. They are formed by the intersection and interaction of people, objects, spaces, and identities. The urban environment and its surroundings are constantly changing and evolving, with various factors such as access, boundaries, causation, and opportunities playing a role. However, as urbanization increases, cities are facing pressures from modernization, climate change, and growing populations, which have implications for how we live together in city spaces. Therefore, it is important to question the

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2024 TechCircle Pitch2Win program. The main objective of Pitch2Win is to connect forward-thinking founders with potential investors, creating opportunities for growth, collaboration, and investment. The program will award a total of $20,000 to the top three finalists, who will also be granted an all-expenses-paid trip to the IVS2024 Kyoto Event, Japan’s largest startup conference. Eligibility for the Applications open for the TechCircle Pitch2Win Program for Early-Stage Visionary Innovators in Nigeria To be eligible for the program, applicants must be visionary innovators developing products for the Nigerian market. Additionally, they must be early-stage technology-enabled startups with a market-ready product or prototype, and having traction

Applications are now open for the Slingshot Deep tech Startup Pitching Competition 2024 with prizes worth $1.2m plus a sponsored trip to Singapore. Join the SLINGSHOT journey and compete in one of five emerging challenge domains to unveil your forward-thinking innovations to a global audience of key industry leaders and investors: Domains of the Slingshot Deep tech Startup Pitching Competition Consumer Media, Goods and Services Environment, Energy and Green Technologies Health and Biomedical Manufacturing, Trade and Connectivity Transformative Digital Technologies Benefits of Slingshot Deep tech Startup Pitching Competition NETWORK – Meet global leading investors, accelerators and corporates. IMMERSE – Specially curated immersion programme that includes corporate site visits and lab crawls

Applications for the second cycle of The Young Climate Prize award and mentorship program are now open! This initiative, created by The World Around, a nonprofit organization based in New York, aims to empower young designers and activists who have grown up in the era of climate crisis and are uniquely equipped to tackle it. The program pairs these emerging change-makers with mentors from the global design community to enhance the impact of their projects and connect them with a network of like-minded individuals. 25 finalists will receive invaluable mentorship opportunities, while three winners will have the chance to showcase their work and ideas at The World Around’s prestigious Annual

Join us at the annual Hackaholics Ideathon, the largest community of problem-solvers, visionaries, creative thinkers, and innovators in Africa. Together, let’s harness the power of technology to catalyze change. Powered by ALAT / WEMA BANK, this event brings together over 250 million young Africans enrolled in universities across the continent. Our goal is to establish a strategic advantage by fostering the growth of budding unicorns, techpreneurs, and innovators within these academic institutions. The Hackaholics Digital Summit is Africa’s premier ecosystem gathering, dedicated to promoting innovation, collaboration, and technological progress. We are excited to bring together thousands of exceptional individuals, including innovators, change-makers, industry luminaries, and tech enthusiasts from various sectors.

This year, in addition to the Urban Future Prize Competition, the Urban Future Lab is introducing a new initiative called the Future Resilience Prize, which will specifically focus on climate adaptation and resilience. While most funding has historically been directed towards climate mitigation efforts such as reducing emissions, there has been a lack of support for innovations that address the adaptation aspect of the climate crisis. The UN estimates that there is a significant annual gap of $366 billion in climate adaptation financing. Through the Future Resilience Prize, our aim is to highlight innovative solutions for climate adaptation and resilience, attract more private investment to this area, and make a

The NEF Tertiary Institutions Energy Pitch Challenge (TIEC) is designed to foster student-led clean energy innovations, raise awareness, and encourage investments within higher education institutions in Nigeria. Established in 2023 through a collaboration between NEF and sponsored by All On, an impact investment firm, TIEC2024 will bring together impactful energy innovations developed by student teams from tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Selected teams will have the opportunity to present their ideas in person or through a hybrid format at the 9th Nigeria Energy Forum at Marcellina Centre, Along Radisson Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, Nigeria. Winning teams will receive a portion of the over 3 million Naira prize pool. The key themes

African Business Heroes (ABH) primary objective is to identify, support, and inspire the upcoming generation of African entrepreneurs who are actively making a difference in their local communities. These entrepreneurs are dedicated to addressing the most critical challenges and are committed to establishing a sustainable and inclusive economy for the future. To ensure inclusivity, the African Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition initiative welcomes applications from entrepreneurs across all African countries, sectors, and age groups. The application process is available in both English and French. Eligible candidates must have a formal business registered and headquartered in an African country, with a proven track record of at least three years. Each year,