Are you a startup entrepreneur with an innovative tech solution that works to end global hunger? Apply for the WFF Startup Innovation Awards before 8 June 2024
Are you a startup entrepreneur with an innovative tech solution that works to end global hunger? Apply for the World Food Forum Startup Innovation Awards before 8 June 2024
The World Food Forum (WFF), an independent, youth-led global network of partners, invites applicants for the WFF Startup Innovation Awards powered by Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC). The awards were established to support and showcase innovators and entrepreneurs harnessing the power of technology to drive the sustainable transformation of agrifood systems in support of ending global hunger and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Successful applicants will have the opportunity to win the following awards:
- Digital Innovation in Food Processing
- Empowering Women in Agrifood Systems
- Food Loss
- Good Food for All, for Today and Tomorrow
Additionally, finalists and award winners will have the opportunity to gain global visibility, raise capital, network with international entities, and identify membership opportunities to support pioneering tech breakthroughs.
Interested applicants must fulfil the following to apply:
- Be legally incorporated as a business enterprise
- Not a publicly-traded company
- Agree that only non-confidential information is being submitted and there is no confidentiality agreement implied between XTC, its partners, and applicants regarding submitted pitch decks.
For more information on the awards and application details, visit WFF Startup Innovation Awards.
Do you work in an organization or network supporting entrepreneurs with businesses related to sustainability and green transition? Apply for the Impact Pioneers ’24: Enabling Impact Entrepreneurship Leadership Programme.
Do you work in an organization or network supporting entrepreneurs with businesses related to sustainability and green transition? Apply for the Impact Pioneers ’24: Enabling Impact Entrepreneurship Leadership Programme.
The Swedish Institute invites applicants for the Impact Pioneers: Enabling Impact Entrepreneurship Leadership Programme. The hybrid Programme targets entrepreneurship ecosystem enablers, leaders and practitioners working in organizations and networks developing their support for entrepreneurs with businesses related to sustainability and green transition. This Programme seeks to set a solid foundation for future partnerships to benefit impact startups as they seek to expand their growth, reach and overall impact.
Successful applicants to the Programme will benefit from the following:
- Growth from the exchange of experience with an international community of peers
- Opportunity to learn new insights from impact entrepreneurship and innovation forefront, including practical cases, tools and frameworks
- First-hand experience of the impact entrepreneurship community in Stockholm
- Opportunity to build long-term relations with Swedish foreign missions and impact entrepreneurs.
Interested applicants must meet the following requirements to apply:
- Be a citizen and resident of one of the 22 programme countries
- Work in an organization or business systematically working to nurture and grow entrepreneurs.
- Have the mandate to develop new international partnerships for your organization/business.
- Have an excellent working knowledge of both written and spoken English.
- Be willing to actively participate, provide support and share their experience and knowledge with other participants.
- Have identified opportunities and challenges that could be worked on during the Programme to help their organization improve its contribution to the local entrepreneurship ecosystem
The applicant’s local organization or business must also meet the following criteria:
- Be locally owned and based in one of the programme countries.
- Be somehow hosting/coaching (or be in the process of starting up hosting/coaching of) entrepreneurs with business ideas that are related to sustainability and green transition.
- Run the organization/business, focusing on contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Apply before 31 May 2024 using this link: Application form.
Are you a Rwandan early stage startup in the circular economy? Apply for funding and business development support from the AfriCircular Innovators Programme before 26 May 2024
Are you a Rwandan early stage startup in the circular economy? Apply for funding and business development support from the AfriCircular Innovators Programme before 26 May 2024
The African Development Bank, under their Africa Circular Economy Facility (ACEF), in partnership with the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA) and Impact Hub Kigali, invite applicants from Rwanda, Ghana, and Ivory Coast for the AfriCircular Innovators Programme.
Through this programme, successful participants will benefit from the following:
- Access to customized training sessions, masterclasses and workshops covering a diverse range of topics tailored to meet the needs of each venture
- Access to personal coaching sessions for each entrepreneur to offer guidance on applying program insights effectively and maintain focus on circular solutions development
- Access to peer-to-peer learning platforms to exchange experiences, address challenges, and explore collaborative ventures with peers across different hubs
- Access to facilitated market linkages and industry connections including circular market places, investor roundtables, entrepreneurial showcases, business tours, and expert panel discussions
- Access to grant funding for market exploration and product development
- Access to demo day event and road show for 10 selected entrepreneurs
This programme innovative startups who are the early stage of their entrepreneurial journey with thematic solutions that fall under the five big bets as defined by ACEA including food systems, packaging, electronics, fashion and textiles, and built environment. Interested participants should be based in either Rwanda, Ghana or Ivory Coast, and have an African founder or majority of the management team being African.
To learn more about the programme and the evaluation process, visit: AfriCircular Innovators Programme. To apply, visit Application form
Are you a Startup leveraging AI and Machine Learning to develop tech solutions? Apply for the Google AI First Accelerator Program before 4 May 2024.
Are you a Startup leveraging AI and Machine Learning to develop tech solutions? Apply for the Google for Startups Accelerator Program before 4 May 2024.
Google for Startups invites applicants for the Accelerator Africa, a 10-week equity-free program for Seed to Series A startups based in Africa or building Africa-centered solutions with technology. The Google for Startups Accelerator program supports growth-stage startups solving problems using advanced technology, such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. The program is designed to help startups accelerate their growth by providing them with access to Google’s AI expertise, Cloud Platform resources, and networking opportunities.
Participating startups will receive the following benefits:
- Mentorship from Google teams
- Exclusive invitation to technical boot camps hosted by Google, where qualified
- Access to Google’s network of industry experts
- Access to Google product credits
- Access to new Google products and tools relevant to the startup
- Support in shaping the startup’s company product and strategy
- Access to technical support on the startup’s significant challenges
Interested startups must meet the following criteria:
- Be based in Africa or build Africa-centered solutions with technology
- Demonstrate traction, ideally between Seed to Series A stage
- Commitment from Startups Chief Technical officer and/or technical roles to participate and engage in required program sessions
- Have a scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market and defensible growth model
To apply for the program, visit Applications.
Are you a startup in need of funding and expert support? Apply to the ongoing Gen F Entrepreneur in Residence Initiative.
Are you a startup in need of funding and expert support? Apply to the ongoing Gen F Entrepreneur in Residence Initiative.
Founders Factory Africa, a pan-African investment company, invites applicants to the Generation Founder (Gen F) Entrepreneur in Residence initiative. This founder-led initiative supports startups in developing and testing their concepts and provides them with funding of up to USD 250,000 to validate and launch their idea.
Successful applicants will receive the following benefits:
- Access to experts to refine your concept for 12 weeks
- A budget to test, learn and budget to validate your idea
- Funding upon internal approval of up to USD 250,000
Interested applicants must fulfil the following criteria to apply:
- Domain experts who have a unique insight into the problem they are trying to solve
- Corporate professionals looking to move into entrepreneurship due to a gap in the market that they have identified
- Senior operators who have worked in an African startup previously
- Founders with a well-researched concept solving a deep African problem in a large market
- Founders who can commit full-time to refine and validate their concept for 10-12 weeks and then move full-time into their startup
- Ideas with high potential for commercial returns, with embedded impact
- Founders who are at the earliest stages of building their startup idea (pre-revenue)
- Former startup founders who understand what it takes to build startup ideas
For more information and application details, visit Gen F Entrepreneur in Residence initiative
Do you have an impactful solution addressing health challenges in Africa? Apply for mentorship and support from the Africa Oxford Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship programme before 31 May 2024
Do you have an impactful solution addressing health challenges in Africa? Apply for mentorship and support from the Africa Oxford Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship programme before 31 May 2024
The University of Oxford, through its Africa Oxford Initiative, invites applicants to the Africa Oxford Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship programme. The multi-disciplinary programme seeks to support African innovators in building high-growth startups with real impact to address health and improve livelihoods on the continent.
The 50 successful applicants will complete a self-paced interactive virtual programme over 16 weeks. The programme will cover systems thinking, making financial projections, writing and delivering a pitch, and navigating intellectual property and regulatory hurdles. Additionally, the participants will be offered personalized mentorship and support to develop their ventures and a platform for networking with fellow innovators.
Interested participants should at least have high-impact solutions aimed at:
- Reducing premature deaths from non reducing premature deaths from non-communicable diseases amongst African populations
- Optimizing diagnostic and prognostic tests for African contexts
- Novel diagnostic tools to increase resilience to endemic diseases
- Preventing, diagnosing or treating zoonotic diseases
Furthermore, interested applicants must fulfil the following to apply:
- Be a national of an African country or have indefinite leave to remain in an African country
- Be based in an African country in which they must be a legal resident
- Be developing the proposed health solution in their host country
For more information, visit Africa Oxford Health Innovation. To apply, visit Application form.
Are you a tech-enabled early-stage startup in need of investment funding? Apply for the Renew Venture Lab.
Are you a tech-enabled early-stage startup in need of investment funding? Apply for the Renew Venture Lab.
Renew Capital, a pan-African early-stage investment firm invites applicants for the Renew Venture Lab, a hybrid training for early-stage tech startups. The Lab targets growth-oriented founders of tech-enabled, asset-light companies in East African countries, including Rwanda, with traction and are at the stage of raising their first round of capital.
Interested applicants will be invited for orientation sessions to learn the operations of Renew Capital, the basic steps of the investment process, and key documents involved in the investment process.
Successful applicants will receive the following benefits:
- Investment Capital between USD 50,000 and USD 300,000 for each startup, depending on Renew Capital’s assessment of growth potential. Businesses may qualify for larger rounds of funding from Renew Capital’s follow-on fund as they continue to scale their business
- Business skills development including growth tools, management tactics, and pitch coaching
- Networking skills, including instruction, coaching and mentorship from Renew Capital staff
Shortlisted startups will be invited to pitch to Renew Capital’s investment committee.
To apply, visit Renew Venture Lab Applications
Are you a tech startup interested in scaling your business? Apply for the SLINGSHOT 2024 Competition before 1 July 2024
Are you a tech startup interested in scaling your business? Apply for the SLINGSHOT 2024 Competition before 1 July 2024
SLINGSHOT 2024, a tech startup pitch competition powered by STARTUP SG, invites applicants for its 2024 edition. The program is a unique opportunity for deep tech startups to accelerate their growth and gain exposure in the global market. Through SLINGSHOT 2024, 50 selected startups will have a chance to be immersed in Asia’s leading startup community and win cash prizes. Successful applicants will also receive the following benefits:
- Pitching Workshops: Participants will attend workshops led by industry experts to learn how to craft compelling pitches and effectively communicate their value proposition.
- Mentorship: Participants will be paired with experienced mentors who will provide guidance and support throughout the competition, helping startups refine their business strategies and navigate the challenges of the deep tech industry.
- Networking Opportunities: SLINGSHOT 2024 will facilitate networking events, allowing startups to connect with potential investors, partners, and customers, as well as learn from the experiences of other deep tech entrepreneurs.
- Exposure: The competition provides a platform for startups to showcase their innovative solutions to a global audience, increasing their visibility and credibility in the deep tech industry.
- Funding Opportunities: Winners of SLINGSHOT 2024 will receive cash prizes and potential investment opportunities from venture capital firms and angel investors.
- Business Support: Startups will have access to resources and support services, such as legal advice, market research, and office space, to help them scale their businesses.
- Knowledge Sharing: Participants will gain valuable insights and learn best practices from industry experts, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs.
Interested participants should meet the following criteria to apply:
- Focus on Deep Tech: Startups must be developing innovative solutions in the deep tech industry, such as:
- Consumer Media, Goods and Services
- Environment, Energy and Green Technologies
- Health and Biomedical
- Manufacturing, Trade and Connectivity
- Transformative Digital Technologies
- Early-Stage: The competition is open to startups in the pre-seed, seed, or Series A funding stages
- Traction: Startups should demonstrate traction in their target market, such as having a minimum viable product, customer validation, or early revenue.
- Team: Startups must have a dedicated and skilled team with the necessary expertise to execute their business plan.
- Commitment: Participants must be committed to attending the training program and actively engaging in the competition.
To apply for the program, visit: SLINGSHOT 2024 Application
Do you have an innovative solution tackling adolescents sexual reproductive health or mental health? Apply for funding and mentorship from the Innovation Accelerator before 12 May 2024.
Do you have an innovative solution tackling adolescents sexual reproductive health or mental health? Apply for funding and mentorship from the Innovation Accelerator before 12 May 2024.
Imbuto Foundation, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund, Ministry of Youth and Arts and Friends of Imbuto, invites applicants with solutions addressing mental health and Sexual Reproductive Health challenges for the sixth phase of the Innovation Accelerator (iAccelerator) programme. The programme aims to explore new and engaging ways to tackle pressing population challenges in the region while promoting social entrepreneurship among young people. It also seeks to generate innovative, youth-led solutions for youth in Rwanda to increase the utilization of health services and adopt healthy and safe attitudes and behaviors.
The programme will start with a countrywide selection of sustainable and scalable youth-friendly SRH and Mental Health projects to select four projects as winners. Successful projects will receive seed funding of 10 million Rwandan Francs, skills development training, and mentorship for six months.
This year’s phase will focus on adolescent sexual reproductive (ASRH) and mental health. Interested participants should have innovative, sustainable solutions to break the stigma around mental health or improve access to adolescents’ SRH quality information and services. Additionally, interested applicants should be Rwandan nationals or residents of Rwanda between 18 and 30 years of age.
To apply, visit iAccelerator Applications.
Do you have a tech initiative that drives civic participation? Apply for the Africa Union Civic Tech Fund 2.0 by 12 May 2024!
Do you have a tech initiative that drives civic participation? Apply for the Africa Union Civic Tech Fund 2.0 by 12 May 2024!
The African Union Civic Tech Fund is a pan-African competition that seeks to support innovative civic initiatives that demonstrate the potential to lead to citizen-led transformative action across the African continent. Through the Fund, select initiatives will be awarded financial support of up to EUR 15,000 over an implementation period of six months to focus on upscaling, adaptation, or replication of pre-existing civic tech initiatives. Support may also be channelled towards funding the deployment of civic technology in partnership with a particular citizen group or civil society that does not have the expertise to do so independently.
In addition to financial support, the Fund will also provide technical support, including:
- Access to opportunities for skill development and enhancement covering digital literacy, promotion of inclusivity and diversity across initiatives, and development of advocacy strategies to influence policy at local levels
- Pitching your work within the vibrant civic tech community
- Peer-to-peer learning and becoming part of a network of civic-tech innovators from Africa.
Priorities for the Fund are relevant areas such as civic engagement, transparency and accountability, community-driven solutions, governance innovation and service delivery, youth empowerment, gender equality, peacebuilding and security.
Interested applicants must fulfil the following to apply:
- Have a legally registered entity
- Be registered in an African Union Member State
- Have proof of activity at least in the last year
- Have a comprehensive budget and financial structure
- Have a sustainability strategy
- Have a signed letter of recommendation
For more information about the Fund, visit CIVIC TECH FUND
To apply, visit CIVIC TECH FUND Application