Are you a woman with an innovative tech solution? Apply for funding from the Aurora Tech Award before 21 November 2024.
Are you a woman with an innovative tech solution? Apply for funding from the Aurora Tech Award before 21 November 2024.
The Aurora Tech Award, an annual global prize for women founders of tech startups, has opened its 2024 applications. The Award aims to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women entrepreneurs in the tech industry and to provide them with the resources and support they need to grow their businesses.
Interested applicants must meet the following criteria to apply:
- Be operational for less than five years
- Be founded or co-founded and led by a woman
- Have a working prototype or Most Viable Product (MVP)
- Fit in the investment limit of USD 4 million in funding, including seed round
Winners of the Aurora Tech Award will receive:
- A cash prize of $85,000 – financial support for the top 5 winners
- Access to a network of mentors and investors
- The opportunity to participate in a global accelerator program
- Increased visibility and recognition for their startup
To apply for the Award, visit: Application
Are you a woman-owned business in need of support? Apply for Promoting Women’s Economic Empowerment.
Are you a woman-owned business in need of support? Apply for Promoting Women’s Economic Empowerment.
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) invites women applicants for the “Promoting Women’s Economic Empowerment” project, part of the Ministry’s Special Initiative “Decent Work for a Just Transition”, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft fir Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The project aims to empower women in the private sector by empowering women-owned businesses, creating new jobs for women and improving their working conditions.
The project will offer women-owned businesses partnerships through “Integrated Development Partnerships with the Private Sector (iDDPs). GIZ will support eligible project ideas with in-kind contributions such as access to national and international experts, capacity-building support, and small-scale equipment/material purchases. The partner company is expected to match -in-kind or in cash – the value of resources invested into the project.
Interested applicants must fulfil the following:
- Company is majority-owned by a woman/women (at least 51%).
- Company must be profit-oriented and not engaged in business practices that are unsustainable or harmful to development outcomes.
- Company is privately owned and must be legally registered in Rwanda for at least two years.
- Preference will be given to labour-intensive sectors that can create more new jobs.
- Company must have sufficient financial and human resources to co-implement the project idea with GIZ with an annual revenue of at least 20,000 Euros in 2023.
Applicants should email an expression of interest in English to rwanda@invest-for-jobs.com by September 6, 2024. The subject line should be labelled “Expression of Interest for Partnerships with Women-Owned Companies”. The expression of interest must be in a concept note format.
Are you a deep tech startup in need of funding opportunities? Apply for Hello Tomorrow’s Global Challenge before September 22, 2024.
Are you a deep tech startup in need of funding opportunities? Apply for Hello Tomorrow’s Global Challenge before September 22, 2024.
Hello Tomorrow, a global deep-tech network, invites applicants to apply for the Global Challenge, a program uniquely designed to address the needs of early-stage deep-tech startups across all industries. Through this program, successful applicants will receive opportunities for equity-free funding, global visibility, and networking opportunities with key players in the deep tech ecosystem.
Interested deep tech startups should be involved in at least one of the 10 Global Challenge tracks:
- Aerospace
- Advanced Computing & Electronics
- Digital Health & Medical Devices
- Energy
- Environment & Biodiversity
- Food & Agriculture
- Industrial Biotech & New Materials
- Industry & Machines
- Medical Biotech & Pharmaceuticals
- Sustainable Construction & Infrastructure
Additionally, interested entrepreneurs should fulfil the following:
- Be in the early stage of development
- Be based on a new technology, scientific discovery or complex engineering process
- Have proof of concept or be in the process of producing one
- Have a team of at least 2 people
- Must not be a subsidiary or spin-off of an existing company
- Have a vision to develop an economically viable application on the market for 15 years
- Demonstrate potential to have a strong impact on the targeted industry, society or environment in general
For more information about the program, click here.
Do you have an innovative tech solution addressing education, agriculture or healthcare? Apply for funding and business development support from the FAST Accelerator program
Do you have an innovative tech solution addressing education, agriculture or healthcare? Apply for funding and business development support from the FAST Accelerator program
FAST Accelerator program, a global initiative created by Flapmax in partnership with Microsoft, invites applicants for the program’s second cohort, aimed at supporting the next generation of African innovators who are building solutions that address some of the continent’s most pressing challenges. The program is open to startups from all sectors, but there is a particular focus on startups using technology to improve healthcare, education, agriculture, and other key areas.
Successful applicants will receive the following benefits:
- Access to business development resources: The program provides startups access to a team of experienced business development professionals who can help them develop their go-to-market strategy, identify new customers, and raise funding.
- Access to technology integration resources: The program provides startups with access to Microsoft’s technology experts, who can help them integrate Microsoft’s cloud-based solutions into their businesses.
- Access to funding: The program allows startups to apply for funding from Microsoft and other investors.
- Access to a community of African innovators: The program allows startups to connect with other African innovators working to solve similar problems.
Interested must meet the following criteria to apply:
- Be based in Africa.
- Have a minimum viable product or prototype.
- Have a team of at least two people.
- Be passionate about solving problems in Africa.
To apply, visit: Applications
Are you a young entrepreneur with a digital solution? Apply for the WSA Young Innovators Award before 15 October 2024
Are you a young entrepreneur with a digital solution? Apply for the WSA Young Innovators Award before 15 October 2024
The World Summit Awards, a global awards initiative that promotes local digital innovation to improve societies, invites applicants to the Young Innovators Award. The Award is open to all entrepreneurs, companies, student groups or project teams, with at least one of the founding members and the majority of the team under the age of 26.
Successful applicants will receive the following benefits:
- Attend the 19th WSA Global Congress in Hyderabad, India
- Networking with likeminded people, including partners, investors and fellow impact entrepreneurs
- Participate in dialogue with thought leaders, innovators and stakeholders from a community that fosters collaboration over competition.
- Access to unique opportunities through the WSA’s global network
- Learn from specialists solving similar problems and transfer their learnings to the local ecosystem.
Interested applicants should submit short and precise applications in English with an easy-to-understand digital solution. To qualify, applicants must fulfil the following:
- Be a citizen of a UN member state
- Submission can contain mobile or web-based solutions, including applications, web pages, kiosk installations, SMS-based products, games and interactive productions
- Submission must be launched products
To learn more about the Award, visit the WSA Young Innovators Award
Apply for the African Social Innovation Fellowship before 4 August 2024
Apply for the African Social Innovation Fellowship before 4 August 2024
DO Take Action and DEAL Capital have opened applications for the African Social Innovation Fellowship (ASIF), a 6-month transformative program designed for young leaders across Sub-Saharan Africa. This fellowship equips participants with the skills, resources, and network needed to excel in their careers, access new opportunities, and become influential global leaders, ultimately shaping the future of their communities, countries, and the continent.
Successful applicants to the program will receive the following benefits:
- Access to project funding to support their community projects
- Access to professional development and leadership training to foster personal growth and career advancement
- Letters of recommendation upon completion of the program
- Access to 6 months of self-paced free masterclasses curated by industry leaders in international development and social entrepreneurship
- Networking opportunities with global leaders and changemakers from Africa
Interested applicants should fulfil the following to apply:
- Be between 18-35 years old
- Must be from a Sub-Saharan African country
- Must be prepared to commit to six months of the program fully
- Must be proficient in English
- Must have reliable internet throughout the program
To apply, visit Applications
Do you have a project that addresses one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals? Apply for funding from the iF Design Social Impact Prize before 13 September 2024
Do you have a project that addresses one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals? Apply for funding from the iF Design Social Impact Prize before 13 September 2024
International Forum Design invites applications for its Social Impact Prize program. This program supports projects that improve society while addressing one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Interested applicants can be companies, design studios, NGOs, foundations, public and other organisations, social enterprises, as well entrepreneurs.
Applicants should have projects answering one or more of the following questions:
- Does it approach or solve a relevant problem?
- Does it reflect moral-ethical standards?
- Does it strengthen group relations?
- Does it create a positive experience?
- Does it balance effort and use value?
Successful applicants will receive the following benefits:
- Compete for a share of EUR 100,000 cash prize
- Published on our iF Design Website
- Introduced to a global design community, the design interested public and media
- Projects selected by the jury receive an individual Winner Certificate
To apply, visit: Applications
Apply for the Westerwelle Young Founders Programme before 11 August 2024.

Apply for the Westerwelle Young Founders Programme before 11 August 2024.
The Westerwelle Startup Haus invites applicants for the Young Founders Programme’s Autumn Cohort. The 6-month Programme aims to support the development of entrepreneurs by providing participants with mentoring, peer learning, access to experts, and exposure to the Berlin startup ecosystem.
Successful applicants to the Programme will receive the following benefits:
- Mentorship: Each participant is paired with a successful entrepreneur or mentor who can provide guidance and support.
- Peer learning: Participants can network with other young entrepreneurs from around the world.
- Access to experts: The Programme features several expert sessions where participants can learn from business leaders.
- Exposure to the Berlin startup ecosystem: The Programme culminates in a 5-day conference in Berlin, where participants learn about the latest trends in the startup world.
Interested applicants should meet the following criteria to apply:
- Be between the ages of 18 and 35.
- Be a citizen of an emerging market.
- Have a viable business idea or startup.
- Be fluent in English.
To apply, visit: Applications.
Are you a dynamic entrepreneur looking to make a meaningful impact? Apply for the IGNITE Challenge before 23 June 2024.
Are you a dynamic entrepreneur looking to make a meaningful impact? Apply for the IGNITE Challenge before 23 June 2024.
Impact Hub Kigali, in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP), invites applicants for the third edition of the IGNITE Challenge. This initiative focuses on empowering refugees and enhancing their livelihoods by fostering entrepreneurship and investment in ventures that improve food systems, combat hunger, and elevate food security, particularly for refugee populations.
Success will receive the following benefits:
- Up to $25,000 in grant funding
- 5-month tailored technical support with experts
- Networking opportunities and access to events
- Access to market and industry resources
- Exposure to potential investors and funding opportunities
The Challenges target innovative and impactful businesses operating in Rwanda, including startups, MSMEs, and cooperatives. Applicants should have commercially viable solutions aimed at improving the livelihoods of refugees. Eligible businesses must be registered in Rwanda and actively engaged in operations owned by refugees or significantly benefit them.
The evaluation process for the IGNITE Challenge Third Edition will be based on the following criteria:
- Level of innovation: Assessing how the solution innovatively improves the livelihoods of refugees.
- Impact on refugees: Gauging the positive effect on the lives or circumstances of refugees.
- Financial sustainability: Determining the business model’s ability to generate revenue and maintain long-term viability.
- Level of traction: Evaluating the current traction of the business, demonstrated impact, and user engagement within refugee communities.
- Scalability: Examining the potential for the solution to grow and serve more refugees or communities.
- Team: Assessing the team’s experience and commitment to scaling the solution.
For more information about the program and application details, visit IGNITE Challenge.
Are you a startup leveraging technology to build solutions in the financial services sector? Apply for the UNDP Timbuktoo Fintech Startup Accelerator Programme before 20 June 2024
Are you a startup leveraging technology to build solutions in the financial services sector? Apply for the UNDP Timbuktoo Fintech Startup Accelerator Programme before 20 June 2024
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) invites applicants for the Timbuktoo Fintech Startup Accelerator Programme, a Pan-African initiative, spearheaded by the Timbuktoo Fintech Hub in Lagos, Nigeria. The Programme aims to support startups leveraging technology solutions in the financial services sector, targeting technology-focused entrepreneurs and startup founders across Africa. The Programme includes an immersive boot camp in July 2024, a 2-week physical residency in Lagos from 7 – 21 July, and a 5-month incubation and acceleration phase from August to December 2024.
Benefits for Successful Applicants
- Mentorship and coaching from Africa’s leading industry experts and seasoned entrepreneurs
- Equity-free funding of up to USD 25,000 to support startup growth
- Access to a network of fellow startup founders and entrepreneurs from across the African continent
- A platform to connect with and access potential investors and customers
- Participation in a 4-week immersive bootcamp with pitching sessions, masterclasses, and fireside chats
- Long-term tailored support for five months, including coaching, product refinement, and scaling opportunities
- Facilitation of partnerships for product iterations, market access, and capital raising
Eligibility Requirements for Interested Applicants
- Entrepreneurs and startup founders aged between 18 and 35
- Founders who are citizens of an African Union member state
- Startups must be locally owned and based in any African country
- Startups leveraging technology in the financial services sector
- Startups with a minimum viable product
- Startups with existing corporate governance systems, accountability, and social and environmental safeguards
To apply, visit Applications.










