Contests and Competitions

The Savant Build Programme is actively seeking early-stage startups that are addressing complex challenges in the green economy using science and engineering-based technology. By joining our Build Programme 2024, these startups will receive support, credibility, and backing from Savant and USAID Mobilizing Investment. The Build Programme is a rigorous six-month initiative that provides startups with guidance in developing a compelling business case for investors. It covers 12 critical themes and offers a comprehensive range of online learning materials, practical assignments, and interactive webinars. In addition to these resources, participants will have the opportunity to engage with the vibrant Savant community and gain valuable insights from expert mentors. This holistic approach

In recent years, there has been a profound and rapid change in society, but this transformation has not necessarily been reflected in educational institutions’ practices and content. In 2022, Spain had the highest early school dropout rates in the European Union, reaching 13.9%. This alarming statistic was accompanied by poor academic performance. Experts believe that the inflexibility and excessive rigidity of the Spanish education system are partly to blame for this failure. Within schools, the learning paths are uniform, following a single curriculum that does not cater to diverse and personal contexts, interests, or objectives. Motivation plays a crucial role in educational success and learning. When learners find meaning in what

The Smart Port Challenge 2024, organized by ANP and PortNet, offers a unique opportunity for innovators to tackle the challenges faced by smart ports. This competition is open to startups and focuses on various areas including sustainable development, energy transition, logistics, trade facilitation, service continuity, and port security. The main objective is to integrate practical and human-centered solutions that bring significant value to both port clients and the port community. If you are an innovator with a keen interest in the port industry, this is the perfect platform for you. We are looking for innovative solutions that can contribute to the preservation of the port environment and enhance port performance.

The Women in Agri Accelerator Program is not just an ordinary program; it is a game-changer for female farmer business owners. This program is all about taking big steps towards business growth, mastering supply chain management, and getting ready for the global market. It’s not just about making money; it’s about making a difference in the lives of individuals, businesses, and communities. Introducing the AgriVuno Women in Agri Accelerator Program, a revolutionary initiative that aims to empower and uplift women in the agricultural sector. This program is not your typical learning experience; it’s a virtual journey that combines competition and comprehensive education. It provides a one-of-a-kind platform for women agripreneurs

Discover the stages of the Hult Prize Challenge 2024 year-long, global competition that empowers young individuals to tackle the world’s most urgent challenges through innovative social ventures. Steps 1&2: Qualifiers: November – February During this phase, the Hult Prize competition kicks off with the OnCampus Program and the Open Application. Campus Directors, who are student volunteers, organize training programs and community events at their universities, focusing on the specific challenge of the year. Winning teams from the OnCampus programs will represent their universities at our Summits. Alternatively, teams can directly apply through our Open Application. Out of the 20,000 teams, only 900 will be chosen to advance to the next

The FMN Prize for Innovation in the food and agro allied businesses initiative was created to inspire fresh ideas and advancements in the food and agro-allied sector in Nigeria and beyond, with a focus on how these can contribute to a sustainable food system in Nigeria. This years theme is: Driving Food Self-Sufficiency in Nigeria Through Precision Agriculture In its 3rd season, the FMN – PFI will specifically seek out innovators within the food and agro-allied sector who are actively and creatively working towards achieving food self-sufficiency in Nigeria. The PFI management team, on behalf of the Group, will carefully evaluate and test the processes employed by these individuals and organizations,

The Spark Accelerator serves as a platform for ambitious and forward-thinking entrepreneurs to expand and elevate their enterprises. With a focus on transforming lives, our mission is clear and impactful – to equip startups with the necessary resources for success. Benefits include: Access To Product and Technology Support Access To Market Access To Capital Sector Focus Who Should Apply Startups Ready to Accept Equity Participation, Have an Existing Product and Post-revenue, Pre-Series A Startups, Multi-skilled team with requisite expertise in the sector, Startups Building Solutions in Highlighted Focus Areas. For more details and to apply visit the official website of the program

HabariPay’s Squad is excited to announce the launch of its very first hackathon, “Take on Squad Hackathon 1.0,” as part of its mission to empower businesses and young innovators in Africa. This social coding event will take place on January 19th and 20th, 2023, at the state-of-the-art GTCO Training Complex, Tayo’s Plaza, Abeokuta, Ogun State. Take on Squad Hackathon 1.0 is specifically aimed at young innovators in Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions. It challenges competing teams to come up with innovative solutions to problems within their immediate community and society as a whole. The hackathon aims to make a positive impact on young Nigerians by providing them with a

GRP has joined forces with the Shockwave Foundation and the Munich Re Foundation to launch the Resilient Agriculture Innovations for Nature (RAIN) challenge. Apply before January 30, 2024. The agricultural sector holds immense potential for innovation and transformation, despite being increasingly affected by the adverse effects of climate change. It is crucial to revamp agricultural systems, particularly for communities heavily reliant on agriculture for their livelihoods. Supporting resilient solutions from agricultural entrepreneurs and organizations is vital in adapting to climate change, developing resilient food systems, and preserving biodiversity. To address this, the Global Resilience Partnership (GRP) has partnered with the Shockwave Foundation and the Munich Re Foundation for the Resilient

The Allard Prize Committee judges the prestigious Allard Photography Competition, celebrating photography and promoting the values of the Allard Prize. Photographers can submit entries year-round, focusing on themes of courage, leadership, transparency, accountability, the rule of law, and human rights. Winners receive CAD $1,000 and have their photos displayed on the Allard Prize website for six months. Entries are archived for future reference. Winners are announced annually and promoted on social media. Prepare to be amazed by the talent in the Allard Photography Competition! CRITERIA: The Allard Prize for International Integrity seeks to honor those who have shown exceptional bravery and guidance in the fight against corruption and the protection of

The 2024 Johns Hopkins Healthcare Design Competition is now accepting applications! This competition is open to student-led teams from all countries and academic fields who have designed a health-related solution. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase your skills in healthcare design. The winners will be those who demonstrate a strong understanding of the problem, the people affected, and provide a practical real-world solution. There are four competition tracks to choose from: 1. Designs of Solutions for Advanced Health Systems 2. Global Health/Humanitarian Design 3. Healthcare Apps/Digital Health 4. Post-Surgical Infection Management Eligibility To be eligible, your project must focus on a healthcare application in one of these tracks and have

At 100x Impact Accelerator Program, we are actively seeking the next generation of social unicorns – organizations that have the potential to create a billion-scale positive change. We are specifically looking for radical thinkers, visionaries, and entrepreneurs who are passionate about building a new and improved world. To be eligible for our program, your venture must prioritize the positive change it can make in the world. Whether you are structured as a non-profit or a for-profit, what matters most is your mission-driven approach that places impact at the forefront. Additionally, your venture should be focused on at least one of our eight impact areas, which include Climate and Environment, Democracy,

The Zayed Sustainability Prize is funded by the Abu Dhabi Government to pay tribute to and carry forward the legacy of sustainability and humanitarianism established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates. Masdar, the renewable energy company of Abu Dhabi, oversees the management of the Zayed Sustainability Prize. Throughout the year, a committed team diligently works on organizing the Prize. The Zayed Sustainability Prize recognizes excellence in six different categories. Health Food Energy Water Climate Action, and, Global High Schools Eligible Regions The Americas (North and South) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) Middle East & North Africa (MENA) Europe & Central Asia

The Charter Project Africa, in partnership with the AU-ECOSOCC, is initiating a call for proposals to promote civic technology and digital engagement throughout Africa. The aim is to strengthen democratic governance and encourage citizen participation in continental institutions. This call invites potential applicants to collaborate with AU-ECOSOCC in refining and improving their digital engagement strategies. The priorities include audience analysis, testing messaging and channels, developing an engagement strategy, and establishing effective feedback mechanisms. Eligibility Criteria: This opportunity is open to both not-for-profit and for-profit organizations, including social enterprises, in the civic and tech ecosystem. Applicants must be registered in an AU Member State. Organizations with a proven track record in

Cohort 2 Application for CcHub and Mastercard Foundation EdTech Accelerator Program is open. CcHub and Mastercard Foundation have joined forces to support edtech startups that are creating innovative tools to improve learning outcomes and provide equal and high-quality education for the future generation of Africa. By participating in our accelerator program, startups can take advantage of a range of benefits. Equity-Free Funding Support & Mentoring Investor Network Eligibility Startups must be registered in Nigeria and be Africa focused. Startups must be building solutions that address challenges across K-12, tertiary education and vocational skills training. The Edtech Solution must posses these two qualities The startups  must be EdTech Solution Based The

BlueInvest Africa is specifically designed to support African businesses that are already involved in various sectors of the blue economy, including start-ups. It also aims to engage Small, Micro, and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMMEs) in Africa that have innovative ideas with potential for further development in the African market. The event expects to have around 200 attendees on-site, as well as remote participants from Africa and Europe, including investors and entrepreneurs. The main goals of BlueInvest Africa are to foster valuable business connections, create opportunities for potential partnerships, showcase real-world business projects, and facilitate the exchange of best practices and innovative ideas. The event has a clear objective of highlighting the

A call for applications has been launched by African Export-Import Bank’s Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) and Portugal’s National Association of Young Entrepreneurs (ANJE) for Fashion Designers from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Diaspora to participate in CANEX Presents Africa @ Portugal Fashion.Creative8 This flagship programme aims to provide a platform for emerging fashion designers to develop their skills, gain market access opportunities, and boost production, sales, and distribution. The programme also focuses on equipping participants with the necessary skills to create financially sustainable businesses and offers support with go-to-market and internationalization strategies. CANEX Presents Africa @ Portugal Fashion follows a blended format, combining physical events with digital elements to facilitate

OpenAI is currently accepting applications for its second Converge program, an annual investment and mentorship program for disruptive AI firms. If chosen, your business will have the opportunity to participate in a six-week program at OpenAI’s Silicon Valley facilities and receive a $1 million investment from the OpenAI Startup Fund. Last year, OpenAI selected four businesses, including Descript, Harvey, Mem, and Speak, to be part of the inaugural Converge “cohort.” OpenAI aims to invest in 10 to 15 startups that are developing innovative AI applications. They are particularly interested in hearing from founders from underrepresented backgrounds and those based outside the United States. Prior experience with AI systems is not

The International Billionaire Christian Conference (IBCC)’s introduction of startup funding and business pitch deck for aspiring Christian entrepreneurs in Africa is a significant step towards fostering innovation and economic growth within the Christian community. Recognizing the potential of young individuals with innovative business ideas, the IBCC aims to provide them with the necessary financial resources to turn their dreams into reality. By bridging the gap between talent and capital, the startup funds will empower these entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to fruition and contribute to the economic development of their communities. In addition to the startup funds, the IBCC is also offering 300 scholarships for the IBBC 2024 conference. This

The United Stated African Development Foundation (USADF) is thrilled to announce the USADF Off-Grid Energy Challenge and is now accepting proposals from eligible African off-grid energy companies. If selected, these enterprises will receive grant capital of up to $250,000. To be considered for the Challenge, applicants must be majority African-owned and -managed private companies and organizations registered and operating in any of the following African countries: Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo (South Kivu), Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. All the necessary instructions for applying can be found in the document labeled “RFP,” which is uploaded below. Additionally, there is an

The Social Innovation Driven Entrepreneurship (SIDE) Project is on the lookout for early-stage startups with innovative ideas in Enugu, Edo, Osun, Adamawa, Kwara, and Kaduna! Join us, along with NIINE and the backing of 6 hubs across Nigeria, as we extend an invitation to the Social Innovation Driven Entrepreneurship (SIDE) Project by @UKNgTechHub. Together, let’s bridge gaps and create a brighter future. Apply now! https://sidenigeria.com/  #EarlyStageStartups #SolvingLocalChallenges #SIDEProjectNaija

Are you a female entrepreneur and managing your own business? Does your business leverage on innovation? Does your business have a social benefit or social impact? Are you interested in specialized training to grow your business? Are you seeking business partners for funding and for growth? Pitch-a-Fix is a platform where entrepreneurs who are starting or growing their firms can present their concepts, solutions, or ventures to potential investors in order to secure capital for their operations. One of the main projects that helps working women achieve their goal is this one. Using this platform, we assist women in obtaining money Eligibility Criteria (For Applicants) Female founded startups or co-founded startups only

The company headquarters serves as a meeting place for the brightest students from all over the world. Here, they have the opportunity to learn from professionals, expand their network, develop business plans, and compete for the prestigious 20,000 EUR Innovation Cup. By participating in the Merck Group Innovation Cup for young Students Worldwide, you will have the chance to connect with top students from various countries, collaborate in teams to create innovative solutions for unmet medical needs, and receive guidance from experienced experts to build a solid business case. The Merck Group offers a total prize pool of €20,000 for the winning team, with €5,000 for the runner-up and €3,000

The Kellogg-Morgan Stanley Sustainable Investing Challenge is an annual event that invites graduate student teams from all over the world to come up with innovative financial solutions to tackle important social and environmental issues. The main goal of the challenge is to identify and support the next generation of sustainable finance professionals. It aims to connect these emerging leaders with industry experts and promote sustainability in graduate schools worldwide. Since its inception, the challenge has attracted over 2,500 students from more than 100 academic institutions across the globe. Some of the standout ideas have included providing working capital loans to beekeepers to expand their operations and promote biodiversity conservation, creating

The Misk Accelerator program, established in 2019, aims to empower seed-stage tech startups through a 3-month zero equity accelerator program. This program is designed to help these startups scale their ventures to the next stages. Since its inception, the Misk Accelerator has successfully supported 153 startups across 8 cohorts. In the upcoming 9th cohort, a select group of 20 startups will have the opportunity to participate in a 12-week hybrid program. This program will provide them with valuable mentorship, resources, and tools to accelerate their growth and expansion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The program offers a unique hybrid experience, combining both in-person and virtual sessions. The physical sessions