Grants and Awards

The Norrsken Accelerator program offers an intensive 8-week session, providing upfront funding of $125,000 and access to a network of exceptional mentors and investors. This accelerator, based in Stockholm, goes above and beyond traditional programs by connecting thriving startups with world-class advisors who share their enthusiasm for utilizing technology and entrepreneurship to bring about positive change. These mentors have personally experienced the challenges of starting a business and offer invaluable insights and support as you strive for success. In November 2023, Norrsken22 successfully raised $205 million for its inaugural fund, specifically aimed at supporting African startups during crucial growth stages. Established by seasoned veterans in venture capital and private equity,

Gen F Entrepreneur In Residence Venture Design Studio is a unique platform that combines the best of both worlds – venture studio and VC models. It offers a comprehensive package of investment and hands-on support for early-stage founders who are dedicated to addressing local challenges with local solutions. This innovative approach is made possible through partnerships with corporate and impact investment partners. For selected startups, Gen F provides a range of benefits to fuel their growth. This includes $250,000 in seed funding, as well as technical and operational expertise. The support services offered cover various aspects such as product development, UX/UI, data science, engineering, business development, and growth marketing. Moreover,

We are excited to announce our partnership with the Edo State Government to launch an amazing startup initiative, made possible with the generous support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This initiative aims to strengthen the digital solutions ecosystem in Edo State by promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. We have two distinct programs in place to support startups. The first program, called Inclusion-Focused Support, is specifically designed for 30 diverse startups with underrepresented founders and teams, with a special focus on women. Each of these startups will receive $10,000 in funding to fuel their growth and success. The second program, known as the Innovation Challenge, is aimed at 20 tech

Applications are now open for the 2024 Erase Indifference Challenge, a global initiative aimed at combating discrimination and promoting empathy and acceptance. This innovation engine, founded by the Auschwitz Pledge Foundation, seeks to find and fund modern, imaginative, and measurable initiatives that will lead to concrete actions and ultimately eradicate indifference. We are particularly focused on addressing racism, antisemitism, misogyny, discrimination against migrants and refugees, and LGBTQIA+ discrimination. The Erase Indifference Challenge is open to NGOs, startups, companies, public institutions, religious associations, and informal groups supported by an umbrella organization. We welcome participants from all corners of the world, except those financed by or affiliated with political entities, or those

The 2024 African Women Entrepreneurs Program-Reimagined grant is now accepting applications! This grant, organized by the United States African Development Foundation (USADF) and the United States Department of State Africa Bureau, aims to support and empower women entrepreneurs in Africa. For this second application cycle, we are inviting applicants from the following countries: Namibia, Mauritania, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Malawi, Uganda, and Zambia. Eligibility criteria If you meet the eligibility criteria, which includes being woman-owned, 100% African-owned and managed, legally registered and operating in your country for at least 3 years, and having a banking history of at least 12 months, you can apply for a chance to receive a grant

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 WACCBIP Biotech Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme for African Biotech Startups. This program aims to support the growth of groundbreaking biotech start-ups in Ghana and across Africa. Program Components: 1. Entrepreneurship Training Course: Learn the essential tools needed to turn your biotech ideas into successful start-ups. This course is delivered in collaboration with the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) Innovation and Incubation Hub, the Office of Research, Innovation and Development (ORID), and the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST). 2. Incubation Programme: Receive dedicated support and resources to nurture your business and promote growth and sustainability. 3. Funding Scheme: Access a

Report for the World is once again extending an invitation to independent news organizations worldwide to join its expanding network of host newsroom partners. Through collaborative editorial efforts and professional development opportunities, Report for the World aims to deepen its presence in various regions. Newsrooms have until Feb. 20 to apply for this opportunity. During the application process, they will need to present their case for the specific beat they wish to cover and outline how they plan to provide support and mentorship to their potential corps members. In return, Report for the World will fund half of the reporters’ salaries for a maximum of three years. The application process

The HudsonAlpha AgTech Accelerator, powered by gener8tor, is a program that brings together innovative agriculture technology startups and provides them with the necessary support to succeed. Situated in Huntsville, AL, also known as Rocket City and conveniently located near NASA, this program offers coaching, funding, and valuable connections to help these startups grow and expand their businesses. The HudsonAlpha AgTech Accelerator, powered by gener8tor, is a collaboration between HudsonAlpha, a leader in agriscience, and gener8tor, a network of mentors and investors. With the support of Huntsville’s reputation as a technology hub, this program offers startups a unique opportunity to address the global challenges of sustainable food production and energy generation.

Discover a fresh and inspiring opportunity for early career professionals to make a difference in the Global South’s food systems through the UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Program For Early Career Professionals. Highlights of the program include an exclusive invitation to a 5-day, in-person workshop that focuses on building leadership skills. During this workshop, you will have the chance to engage in a co-creative environment where you can bridge the gap between data, knowledge, and implementation. Dive into modules that cover negotiations, policy advocacy, strategic communication, and evidence-based decision-making. Prepare to be inspired as you immerse yourself in presentations by seasoned practitioners, scientists, young global food champions, and influential individuals

ACU Commonwealth Climate Resilience Challenge Grants are given to member universities to support projects that address climate resilience. These grants are available to both academic and professional staff and can be used to organize initiatives that align with the strategic priorities of the Commonwealth Climate Resilience Network (CCRN). There are two main priorities that the grants aim to promote: enhancing the climate resilience of universities themselves, and enhancing universities’ contribution to the resilience of communities, businesses, and governments. Here are the grant details: – Four grants are available, each with a maximum value of GBP 2,500. – To apply, you must be a staff member at an ACU member university.

The 2024 Ashden International Awards for Green Entrepreneurs from Developing Countries also known as the Ashden climate awards are now accepting applications from projects that promote green skills and training, address inequality, and empower communities. Winners have the opportunity to receive funding grants of up to £25,000. The Ashden Awards provide recognition, financial support, and connections to exceptional climate solutions. Whether it’s empowering off-grid communities, making cities greener, or restoring the natural world, the winners are working towards a fairer and more sustainable zero carbon future. Eligibility The annual Ashden Awards are open to businesses, NGOs, government organizations, social enterprises, and community groups. To be eligible for consideration, the work

The Swedish Institute (SI) Creative Partnerships Programme provides funding to Swedish organizations and their international partners in civil society, culture, and the media. This program aims to support projects that promote democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression. Creative Partnerships is a new initiative that replaces the Creative Force program. It is open to Swedish organizations and their project partners in our target countries. The funded projects should contribute to creating better conditions for democratic development and respect for human rights and freedom of expression in the countries covered by the program. Eligibility To be eligible for funding, the main applicant must be a Swedish organization from civil society or

Pitcher Festival has recently announced that it is now accepting submissions for the Pitcher Awards, specifically for work created for the African Diaspora communities worldwide. This strategic move further solidifies Pitcher Awards’ position as the ultimate pan-African standard for creative excellence, aligning with the African Union’s recognition of the African Diaspora as the 6th region of Africa. According to the African Union, the African Diaspora encompasses individuals of African descent residing outside the continent, regardless of their citizenship or nationality, who are eager to contribute to the continent’s development and the establishment of the African Union. In line with this, the African Union has spearheaded the establishment of the State

The 2024 edition of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Program is now accepting applications! If you’re an African businessperson looking for an opportunity to grow your venture, this is your chance. Apply now for the 2024 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme on TEFConnect.net. By applying, you’ll have the chance to receive $5,000 in seed capital, access to valuable business training, networking opportunities, and mentorship. Whether you have an original company concept or a startup that’s been around for less than three years, TEFConnect is the platform for you. Join the prestigious TEF alumni already benefiting from the program and take your business to new heights. Don’t miss out on the chance to

African Deeptech startups! If you’ve already developed an MVP, gained early traction, and have a vision for making a difference, we’ve got an exciting opportunity just for you. Apply now for the BRAIN program! BRAIN (Bridging Research and Innovation) is a comprehensive program specifically designed to foster Deep Tech Innovation in Africa. It provides scientist-entrepreneurs who are tackling fundamental challenges with access to world-class opportunities. In collaboration with MIT Legatum Center, MIT Executive MBAs, and MIT Africa, Open Startup International is conducting this program. We’re supporting 20 Pan-African Deep Tech startups to participate in a 1-week regional bootcamp in Cairo, Egypt. The bootcamp is co-developed with experts from MIT and

The main objective of the Hubiquitous Techub Catalyst Program is to uplift at least 10 African Tech Hubs in the field of IoT and emerging technologies. Our program is specifically designed to enhance the capabilities of these hubs in IoT and promote the development of sustainable value-added services. Through the Hub Catalyst Program, we aim to empower the hubs to drive technological innovation, skill development, and entrepreneurial growth within their local ecosystems. To achieve this, we are fully committed to providing comprehensive IoT training to the personnel of these hubs through our “Train the trainers” initiative. This initiative includes a combination of virtual and in-person training sessions on the latest

The USADF, in collaboration with the United States Department of State Africa Bureau, is pleased to announce the 2024 USADF African Women Entrepreneurs Program-Reimagined grant. We are now accepting applications for the second cycle of this grant, and we encourage eligible applicants from the following countries to apply: Namibia, Mauritania, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Malawi, Uganda, and Zambia. To be considered for this grant, applicants must meet the following requirements: the business must be woman-owned, 100% African-owned and managed, legally registered and operating in the country of application for at least 3 years, and have a banking history of no less than 12 months. Here are the eligibility criteria: – The