Contests and Competitions

BetaDen, a company based in Worcester is extending an invitation to tech start-ups from all over the world to participate in its fully funded BetaDen Technology Accelerator program. BetaDen, the organization behind the highly acclaimed Technology Accelerator Program, is welcoming tech-driven businesses from around the globe. BetaDen Technology Accelerator program Benefits Commencing in June 2024, this nine-month program guarantees selected start-ups a comprehensive support system. This support includes a £10,000 grant for proof of concept, £2,000 for marketing purposes, and access to expert mentors. The program’s funding is provided by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership through the Growing Places Fund.

The Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 3 offers a unique opportunity for a young leader to receive support and resources to address the pressing climate and health challenges faced by young people today. The selected non-profit organization will be awarded a grant of US $50,000 and the winner will also have the chance to attend the prestigious 2024 One Young World Summit in Montreal, Canada, with a fully-funded scholarship. Additionally, the winner will benefit from mentorship by AstraZeneca and participation in a development program through the YHP’s Impact Fellowship. Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 3 Eligibility To be eligible for this opportunity, the applicant must be a young leader between the ages

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2024 SDG Lab/Rethinking Economics Beyond GDP Essay Competition. In preparation for the meeting on 17 April, the SDG Lab, in partnership with Rethinking Economics, is organizing an essay competition for young individuals to express their views on moving beyond GDP. Ten outstanding essays will be chosen for publication in a compilation by the SDG Lab and Rethinking Economics. Moreover, the authors of the top five essays will have their travel and accommodation expenses covered up to €1,300 to attend the 17 April meeting in person and present the key points of their essays during the event. SDG Lab/Rethinking Economics Beyond GDP Essay Competition

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2024 Solar Decathlon Africa Design Challenge. We are calling upon all African innovators who have a passion for design, sustainability, and addressing real-world challenges. This design challenge provides an opportunity for you to showcase your talent, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and contribute to shaping the future of Africa’s built environment. By participating in this challenge, you will have the chance to join interdisciplinary teams and create innovative, net-zero building designs that cater to Africa’s specific needs, including climate resilience, affordability, and community well-being. Through expert guidance and online resources, you will delve into cutting-edge building science and develop skills in architecture, engineering, and

Welcome to the Data Economy Hackathon! This event is dedicated to bringing together the brightest minds to explore the possibilities of web3. Created by PL Architect in collaboration with our flagship sponsors, Filecoin and InterPlanetary Consensus (IPC), we are gathering developers from Asia and around the world to delve into and build upon the Protocol Labs Ecosystem tech stack. Our main focus is on Filecoin and IPC, and here are our objectives: 1. Harness Data Value: Utilize decentralized networks to maximize the utility of data. 2. Innovate for Scalability: Develop using InterPlanetary Consensus for cutting-edge scalability. 3. Create with Filecoin: Bring dApps to life that enhance the Filecoin ecosystem. 4.

The e-Mobility Innovation Hackathon, organized by GFA Technologies (GetFundedAfrica) in collaboration with Microsoft, along with sponsors such as Sterling Bank and Oando Plc (Oando Clean Energy Ltd), offers startups and entrepreneurs the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills, knowledge, resources, and network The hackathon provides several benefits, including the chance to collaborate with major corporate companies in Nigeria, access new markets, connect with investors and secure funding for their businesses, build scalable solutions and infrastructure, and develop essential business skills. The total value of benefits available exceeds USD$75,000. Objective One of the main objectives of the hackathon is to select entrepreneurs and startups from various regions in Nigeria who have

The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) has recently introduced an application portal for its Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) loan program. This initiative aims to assist business owners in expanding their operations by providing them with the opportunity to access up to N5 million in funding. The primary objective of the LSETF MSME Loan Program is to facilitate affordable funding opportunities for small businesses, enabling them to thrive, expand, generate wealth, and contribute to employment opportunities. This loan scheme offers a competitive interest rate of 9% per annum and is exclusively accessible to business owners who are registered residents of Lagos State. The establishment of the Lagos State

The Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund is an ambitious initiative, a Fund of Funds worth USD$200 million, that collaborates with African investment funds to assist early-stage, growth-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the continent. Expression of Interest: Seeking Business Development Service Providers for Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund The Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund, in collaboration with a consortium of partners, including Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P), ESPartners (ESP), Genesis Analytics, Criterion Institute, and Africa Communications Media Group (ACG), is issuing a call for Expression of Interest. In order to realize our vision, our partner Entrepreneurial Solutions Partners (ESP) is actively searching for inclusive and

The SystemSpecs Children’s Day Essay Competition for 2024 will commence on February 20th. The chosen topic for this year is “Protecting the Nigerian Child from the Dangers of Online Technology.” The internet offers endless possibilities, allowing you to access vast amounts of information and connect with people worldwide. However, it also poses certain risks, especially for children who may not be familiar with navigating the online world safely. While physical harm cannot be inflicted through a computer screen, it is crucial to adopt a cautious approach to ensure online safety. At SystemSpecs, we believe in promoting a positive and secure online experience. Nevertheless, we acknowledge the importance of educating children

This year’s theme for the small business champions competition is: Enhancing Economic Development of Indigenous Peoples through Global Trade. Global trade has the potential to foster innovation for businesses of all scales, and there is a growing global and national commitment to bolster trade opportunities for Indigenous Peoples. Are you an organization that supports trade initiatives led by Indigenous Peoples or communities? Are you a non-governmental organization that empowers small businesses and entrepreneurs from Indigenous Communities through your development efforts? Do you own a small business that collaborates with or operates within an Indigenous community? Become a Small Business Champions This year: Enhancing Economic Development of Indigenous Peoples through Global

The NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature is expected to enhance the quality of writing, editing, proofreading, and publishing in Nigeria, thereby positively impacting print, broadcast journalism, film, and theatre production. The competition follows a four-year cycle, focusing on Prose Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Children’s Literature. In 2019, the winning book was “Boom Boom” by Jude Idada in the Children’s Literature category. Nigeria Prize for Literature Criteria To participate in the competition, only Nigerian writers, regardless of their place of residence, are eligible. Each author can submit only one published work, and unpublished works will not be considered. Previously submitted books cannot be resubmitted, even with major revisions or new editions.

The Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism is currently accepting entries. This prestigious award, sponsored by Nigeria LNG, aims to recognize the author of the best critical work. In order to promote literary criticism, the Advisory Board of the Nigeria Prize for Literature will grant a prize of USD 10,000 to the author of the most outstanding critical work.This year, the focus of the competition is on Children’s Literature genre. Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism participation criteria To participate, all applicants must submit their entries along with a completed application form, which can be obtained online from The Nigeria Prizes website, www.thenigeriaprizes.org. The printed forms should be submitted together with the

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2024 Vital Voices (VV) Visionaries program. This program is designed to support women visionaries who are actively shaping the future they envision, redefining the concept of leadership, and demonstrating what it takes to become a leader in their own unique way. The VV Visionaries program is a collaboration between Vital Voices Global Partnership and the Estée Lauder Emerging Leaders Fund, which is the charitable fund of Estée Lauder. Together, we aim to empower the next generation of emerging leaders who are revolutionizing leadership in their everyday lives. Our goal is to champion women leaders across various sectors, industries, and backgrounds who are committed

Imagine Cup Junior, now in its fifth year, offers an exciting opportunity for students aged 5-18 to explore the world of technology and its potential in solving global challenges. This global student challenge serves as a great platform for students to delve into artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and cybersecurity, catering to all levels, including beginners. This year, Microsoft is thrilled to introduce a new category specifically designed for students aged 5-12. With a focus on Technology for Good, this category provides tailored lessons for early learners. The newly developed teaching resources aim to support educators in providing this valuable opportunity to their students. Additionally, Microsoft is pleased to announce

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2024 World Trade Organization (WTO) Essay Award. The WTO is inviting young economists to submit their papers for consideration. The purpose of this award is to encourage high-quality research on trade policy and international trade cooperation, as well as strengthen the relationship between the WTO and the academic community. World Trade Organization (WTO) Essay Award Eligibility: To be eligible, the paper must address topics related to trade policy and international trade cooperation. The author(s) must hold or be in the process of completing a PhD degree. If the author(s) are over 30 years old, they must have defended their PhD no more than

Casa África Photography Contest, “Africa Objective” which aims to recognize and promote the positive aspects of the African continent in the realm of biodiversity. This year’s theme focuses on showcasing the rich biodiversity of Africa and its importance for the continent and the planet as a whole. The competition also encourages participants to explore the topics of climate change and its economic and social impact from a sustainability perspective. Furthermore, the photographs should adopt an optimistic approach, challenging the stereotypes that have long defined Africa. The deadline for submitting applications and photographs is 2nd May 2024 at 14:00 hours (GMT +0). Participants are allowed to submit a maximum of five

The Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Incubation Program (UEIP) is a program specifically designed for undergraduate entrepreneurs in Nigerian tertiary institutions. It is an extension of our SEEDINVEST Acceleration Program and aims to empower proactive undergraduates who are willing to start their own businesses while still in school. UEIP offers entrepreneurial training, asset support, and advisory services to undergraduate entrepreneurs from various tertiary institutions across Nigeria. The program is designed to help them improve their business operations and ensure their long-term sustainability. By providing these resources, UEIP not only enhances the capabilities of these young entrepreneurs but also enables them to create job opportunities for themselves and others. Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Incubation Program (UEIP)

The World Bank Group Youth Summit is returning for its 11th edition, following the success of the previous 10 editions. This year, the summit will focus on the theme of Digital Transformation, aiming to involve young people in discussions about the most urgent issues affecting their generation. The event will bring together thousands of participants from all over the world. Scheduled to take place on May 30-31, 2024, the summit will feature various activities and engagements in different regions, as well as at the World Bank Group headquarters in Washington DC. The Youth Summit, organized by the World Bank Group, is the largest annual gathering of young people aged 18-35.

Agribusiness stands as a crucial industry, deserving continuous recognition for its trailblazers. In preparation for International Women’s Day on 8th March, Guzakuza will celebrate the accomplishments of 𝗧𝗢𝗣 𝟭𝟬𝟬 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 who are making waves in the industry. Join us and 𝗡𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 here https://bit.ly/3HFxjUt to inspire inclusion this International Women’s Day! In addition to the advantages this recognition brings to the Top Women and their businesses, we aim to: – Recognise their outstanding achievements on our websites and partner Organisations, as well as social media platforms. – Celebrate their stories and contributions in the prestigious Women in Food and Agribusiness Magazine. – Provide

The Africa Business Concept Challenge aims to support aspiring entrepreneurs from the African continent who are dedicated to serving their community and possess the following values. By emphasizing responsible business practices, this competition identifies promising young individuals for mentorship and investment. Competition Values: 1. Emphasizing the significance of responsible entrepreneurship in generating employment opportunities. 2. Embracing a global perspective. 3. Upholding ethical business principles. 4. Showing a keen interest in the youth of emerging markets and recognizing the potential of business in creating opportunities for their growth. 5. Believing that business carries a societal responsibility to enhance and serve the community. 6. Committed to lifelong learning and continuous education. Benefits

WISE is introducing the next iteration of the WISE Prize, which will be a unified initiative that selects a group of finalists to participate in the competition. Throughout this process, WISE will identify and provide support to organizations that are tackling new challenges in education through capacity building and mentorship. During the course of one year, the chosen finalists will collaborate with WISE to develop innovative solutions that address one of the three key education challenges: improving the teaching of Arabic language, accelerating foundational literacies, or addressing challenges in A.I. Prize Information Organizations are required to submit a proposal in order to tackle one of the three education challenges. After

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 National Girls in ICT Competition. The National Girls in ICT Competition is an exciting opportunity for girls in secondary schools to showcase their skills, creativity, and innovation in various ICT-related domains. This initiative, led by the Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, aims to empower girls and bridge the gender gap in the ICT sector. Benefits By participating in this competition, you will have the chance to develop your technical abilities in coding, programming, web development, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Additionally, you will receive recognition and support from government agencies, educational institutions, and industry leaders. Through workshops, mentorship programs, and

How can we ensure that 100 million individuals are prepared for a future full of opportunities? This is the question that Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 4 ($50,000 grant) Supported by Deloitte seeks to solve. Education plays a crucial role in sustainable development as it empowers individuals, nations, and society as a whole. However, there are millions of people worldwide who are unable to reach their full potential. The key to unlocking their potential lies in investing in education and skills development. This serves as the foundation for creating opportunities and progress, ultimately leading to better futures for everyone. In order to meet the challenges of tomorrow, our future innovators, entrepreneurs,

Applications are currently being accepted for the 10th cohort of the Orange Corners Nigeria Incubation Programme. This program, which is a collaboration between the Kingdom of Netherlands and FATE Foundation, aims to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and help them turn their dreams into successful ventures. Over the past five years, we have proudly supported and nurtured 180 businesses through nine cohorts, showcasing the transformative impact of our dynamic ecosystem. The programme offers a range of capacity-building opportunities, including trainings, master classes, events, coaching and mentoring, as well as access to potential customers, markets, and financing. Orange Corners Lagos, funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands in Lagos and implemented

Are you prepared to take your business to new heights? Embrace the opportunity to transform your entrepreneurial journey with the upcoming Ashpot Startup Accelerator Program! We are not just providing training; we are shaping success stories. Ashppot Startup Accelerator -Program serves as a catalyst for the success of local start-ups. Our program is specifically designed to provide comprehensive support, mentorship, and resources to early-stage businesses, propelling them towards sustainable growth. At Ashpot, we firmly believe in the transformative power of local support. By nurturing home-grown talent, we not only contribute to the success of individual start-ups but also foster economic and social development within our society. Accelerating start-ups plays a