Grants and Awards

We are excited to announce an amazing opportunity for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to enhance their abilities and boost their business achievements. The Astra Productivity Accelerator Program, in collaboration with United Way Greater Nigeria, is presenting a distinctive program aimed at equipping you with the necessary knowledge and skills for the advancement and growth of your venture. Benefits” Why Should You Join the Astra Fellowship Productivity Accelerator Program? Enhance Your Team’s Skills: Access valuable training and resources specifically tailored for SMEs. Accelerate Business Growth: Implement new strategies and knowledge to elevate your business operations and achieve success. Business Support: Stand a chance to receive up to 1,000,000 in business

Digital For All Challenge We believe and are driven by the fact that every Nigerian deserves the right to digital literacy and skills for the future of work! The #DigitalforAllChallenge stands as the largest digital skilling competition in Africa, aimed at promoting self-improvement and fostering the development and application of digital skills through competitive rewards. This initiative offers a no-cost opportunity for individuals to enhance their digital skills, ultimately boosting digital literacy in Nigeria and sparking enthusiasm for acquiring digital skills and certifications via online platforms. During its second edition, the challenge will unfold in two distinct phases: the training segment and the competition segment. Following the training phase, participants

The Nobellum Innovator Program is a pivotal component of Nobellum’s strategic plan to empower the establishment of a minimum of 100 Black-owned businesses in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) by the year 2025. This unique accelerator initiative will provide training and guidance to over 100 emerging startups worldwide that have integrated STEM into their business framework to ensure its innovative and enduring nature. Our Innovator Program aims to foster an environment that champions inclusive excellence, while also paving the way for Black youth to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, and STEM. Criteria: Nobellum Innovator Program for Black Innovators in STEM The Nobellum Innovator Program is a meticulously curated initiative designed to

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