This curated list of funding, fellowship, and acceleration opportunities is tailored to help these businesses thrive and expand their positive influence in the region, February 2024 edition.
The landscape of opportunities for impact businesses in Asia is more vibrant than ever. In a world increasingly focused on sustainable and socially responsible growth, impact businesses play a crucial role. This curated list of funding, fellowship, and acceleration opportunities is tailored to help these businesses thrive and expand their positive influence in the region.
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
COHORT 4 FOR CLIMATE TECH
For ClimateTech works with early-stage entrepreneurs and solo founders, some of whom will not yet have formed a legal entity. They are looking for pre-seed, meaning you may have raised money through grants but no significant amount from institutional investors. For ClimateTech is happy to have a conversation about other resources in their ecosystem which might be appropriate, or whether you might be a fit for the Scale For ClimateTech program!
Applicants can be located anywhere in the world but must have plans for how their solution can help New York State reach its climate goals as stated in the Climate Leadership and Protection Act.
Startups will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- The potential carbon equivalent reduction impact of the technology or service.
- The business opportunity makes sense, is substantial, and there is evidence of market interest.
- The founder or founding team is sharp, motivated, self-aware, and coachable
- The company is of an appropriate stage, and is positioned to benefit substantially from participation in the program.
- The startup product or service has a clear fit with the NYS ecosystem, in terms of having the opportunity for a presence, partnerships, or a market within the stage.
- The solution addresses and/or involves underserved communities in development or application.
The application is closed on 1 March 2024
The Second APAC Greenhouse Accelerator APAC – 2024 Sustainability Edition By PEPSICO
PepsiCo announced the launch of the second Greenhouse Accelerator program in Asia Pacific (APAC) region. Following the success of last year’s program, PepsiCo is looking to make an even greater impact on the food and beverage sector in the region by collaborating with and supporting entrepreneurs who are developing innovative solutions in sustainable agriculture, climate action, and the circular economy.
Applications for 2024 are officially open! We’re calling on APAC startups innovating in sustainable packaging, climate action, and sustainable agriculture to apply. Selection for shortlisted applicants will hinge on innovation, scalability, uniqueness, disruption potential, and a commitment to reducing emissions and enhancing circularity.
Each finalist is guaranteed a $20,000 USD grant, with the winner receiving an additional $100,000 USD.”
More information visit the website at greenhouseaccelerator.com/apac/ or PepsiCo’s LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/pepsicop.
Applications for the PEPSICO Greenhouse Accelerator Program : APAC Sustainability Edition 2024 will close on March 18, 2024.
The Ocean Community Empowerment and Nature
Ocean Community Empowerment and Nature (OCEAN) Grants Programme stands as a pivotal grants scheme dedicated to empowering local projects with the vision and capacity to foster enduring enhancements for both the marine environment and coastal communities globally.
Despite the profound potential of community-led initiatives to drive impactful change, such projects have historically grappled with a lack of adequate funding to bolster ocean health at the grassroots level. In response, the OCEAN Grants Programme steps in to offer essential financial support, aiming to catalyze long-term, beneficial transformations for marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
For Community Grants: Local, regional, or national small to medium-sized organizations are encouraged to apply for the Community Grant. Applicants will benefit from specialized application workshops, assistance from the OCEAN Helpdesk, and informative webinars. Grants can reach up to £250,000, with project durations not exceeding five years. The application process entails submitting a Concept Note followed by a full application upon invitation.
Closing date : 18 March 2024 22:59 GMT (23:59 BST)
For Partnership Grants: OCEAN welcomes applications from medium to large organizations with a solid history of impactful project execution. Grants range from £250,000 to £3 million, supporting initiatives up to five years. The selection process unfolds in two stages: an initial online application followed by an interview with the OCEAN Expert Committee.
Closing date: 2 April 2024, 22:59 GMT (23:59 BST)
The Biodiversity Accelerator+ 2024
Applications for the Biodiversity Accelerator+ are officially open! If you’re a nature tech entrepreneur dedicated to combating the biodiversity crisis through innovation, this is your call to action.
Are you:
- Deeply committed to addressing the biodiversity crisis with groundbreaking solutions?
- Witnessing early market traction and ready to skyrocket your growth?
- Eager to refine your go-to-market strategy with insights from seasoned experts?
If you answered yes to any of the above, the Biodiversity Accelerator+ offers a unique opportunity you shouldn’t miss. Participants in the program benefit from:
- Personalized coaching from industry-leading mentors, tailored to meet your unique challenges.
- Access to over $200K in non-equity support to fuel your journey.
- Opportunities to secure mission-aligned funding, with potential investments from Silverstrand Capital and our network of investors.
Application Deadline: 25 March 2024
The Bayer Foundation Women Empowerment Award
The Women Empowerment Award aims to empower and uplift female entrepreneurs, because women in the start-up world face significant challenges such as limited funding, discrimination, and a lack of networking opportunities. By granting a €25,000 cash prize, tailored coaching, networking opportunities, and participation in a global event, the award seeks to accelerate the growth and impact of these female-led enterprises.
The award seeks to support women entrepreneurs driving impactful solutions in the Global South region, specifically Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. To qualify, applicants must centre their solutions around health, nutrition and their intersection with climate-related challenges. Additionally, the solutions should emphasise social or community impact. Applicants are encouraged to integrate this focus into their applications. Stand-alone climate-smart solutions will not be accepted.
To be eligible to apply for the Women Empowerment Award, please make sure you meet the below criteria:
1) Women business leaders:
The applicant must be a woman in a leadership position ((co)-founder or C-level) in the company. Other leadership positions in the organization may (can also) be filled by males.
2) Has a sustainable business/financing model:
Organisations of any legal entity type may apply, as long as there is a strong business mindset and the business is not dependent on grants/donations/subsidies/etc as a sole income stream.
3) Offers an impactful solution in health, nutrition, and/or climate-smart solutions in either field:
This includes but is not limited to solutions in food, agriculture, and water. Stand-alone climate-smart solutions will not be accepted, they must be related to health and nutrition.
4) Is creating a social or community impact:
Solutions should (aim to) be accessible to Low or Middle-Income Communities. Higher product/service prices before economies of scale are accepted.
5) Is driving impact in the Global South:
The business must drive its impact in low- and middle-income countries in Africa, Asia Pacific (excluding Australia & New Zealand), Latin America, or the Middle East. Business registration in the Global South is preferred.
6) Is revenue-generating and has received a maximum of one million USD in funding:
The business should have annual revenue between 0 USD and (to) 1 million USD.
7) Strong personal drive & commitment to impact:
The applicant should have a strong personal drive and commitment to social impact. We favour applicants who have had to overcome obstacles in life.
The applicant must be a woman in a leadership position ((co)-founder or C-level) in the company. Other leadership positions in the organization may (can also) be filled by males.
2) Has a sustainable business/financing model:
Organisations of any legal entity type may apply, as long as there is a strong business mindset and the business is not dependent on grants/donations/subsidies/etc as a sole income stream.
3) Offers an impactful solution in health, nutrition, and/or climate-smart solutions in either field:
This includes but is not limited to solutions in food, agriculture, and water. Stand-alone climate-smart solutions will not be accepted, they must be related to health and nutrition.
4) Is creating a social or community impact:
Solutions should (aim to) be accessible to Low or Middle-Income Communities. Higher product/service prices before economies of scale are accepted.
The business must drive its impact in low- and middle-income countries in Africa, Asia Pacific (excluding Australia & New Zealand), Latin America, or the Middle East. Business registration in the Global South is preferred.
6) Is revenue-generating and has received a maximum of one million USD in funding:
The business should have annual revenue between 0 USD and (to) 1 million USD.
7) Strong personal drive & commitment to impact:
The applicant should have a strong personal drive and commitment to social impact. We favour applicants who have had to overcome obstacles in life.
If you’re pioneering innovations in health, nutrition, or related climate-smart solutions, don’t miss this opportunity. Apply by 27 March 2024.
UOB FinLab’s GreenTech Accelerator (GTA) 2024
Calling all Greentechs! Join UOB FinLab’s GreenTech Accelerator 2024 and tackle actual challenge statements from industry giants like UOB, DKSH, Guardian, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, and Great Cosmo Industries.
The GreenTech Accelerator is a 6-month regional programme for global greentechs to grow, transform, forge partnerships and pilots to meet the sustainability needs of companies.
The challenge is looking for
- Solutions with Tech Readiness Level (TRL) 6 and above, and focusing on any of the following themes: (1) Energy Efficiency; (2) Zero-Waste Supply Chain; (3) Carbon Management and Reporting; (4) Agriculture and Aquaculture.
- Preferably with commercial customers and/or partners
- Funding stage of Pre-Series A and above
- Intention to expand, do business or serve Asian markets
Up to SGD100,000 available for relevant, deployable and cutting edge solutions.
Applications closes 31 March 2024
ASEAN Social Enterprise Development Programme 3.0
Continuing the success of ASEAN Social Enterprise Development Programme (SEDP) Phase 1 in 2021 and Phase 2 in 2023, the ASEAN Foundation – with support from TikTok and SAP – is implementing the ASEAN SEDP 3.0 in 2024 to empower social enterprises across the ASEAN region through promoting productivity, technology, and innovation, increasing access to finance, enhancing market access and internationalisation, and promoting entrepreneurship and human capital development.
Participants of this programme are 30 youth-led social enterprises based in ASEAN, with a founder or co-founder between 18 and 35 years old and an ASEAN national. The social enterprises already generate some income and are at least in the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage. This programme also welcomes social enterprises in Product Market Fit (PMF) and growth stages. Once the 30 social enterprises are selected, the ASEAN Foundation will explore the lessons/materials they wish to learn during the training and mentorship in more detail.
Seize the opportunity for customised training and mentoring, networking with investors and government, and secure seed grants of up to 40,000 USD.
Applications closes 31 March 2024
Call For Loan Proposals : Investing In Climate Smart Agriculture in Indonesia and Vietnam
Are you part of, or do you know, an organization in Indonesia or Vietnam that collaborates with or aids smallholder farmers in need of working capital or trade finance solutions? If so, Rabo Foundation encourages you to submit your proposal and spread the word about this opportunity within your networks.
Rabo Foundation is calling for applications from eligible organizations seeking financial backing. As an impact funding provider, their mission is global, striving for sustained positive economic, environmental, and social outcomes. Rabo Foundation empowers organizations that support smallholder farmers in developing countries by providing access to finance, knowledge, and networks, enhancing farmers’ independence and sustainable production practices.
Rabo Foundation offers two types of financing instruments for loan amounts between EUR 400,000 to EUR 1,000,000 in EUR or local currency in form of:
- Trade Finance: Revolving loan facility providing advances made on (export) sales contracts with a tenor of maximum 24 months (Indonesia only).
- Working Capital: Loan facility up to 24 months for working capital purposes
Application Deadline: 31 March 2024
The Audacious Project 2024
The Audacious Project ignites social impact on an unprecedented scale through collaborative funding. Annually, we handpick and foster groundbreaking solutions to pressing global issues, supported by an inspiring network of donors. If you’re a changemaker with a daring vision or a nonprofit with a seasoned team ready for substantial philanthropic backing, and if your idea is a tested concept aiming for monumental change, they’re looking for you.
Their scope spans global health, climate change, social justice, and education. What defines an Audacious idea?
- Inspire: Embrace a transformative vision for addressing critical global challenges. Aim for substantial, lasting impact that propels us toward an ideal world within years, not generations. Your approach should be innovative, challenging conventional wisdom for the greater good.
- Convince: Present a concept with a track record of impact, demonstrating demand and the potential for sustainable future results. Outline clear, significant outcomes expected from multi-year funding, supported by a strategy, resources, and a timeline. You and your adept team should have the endorsement of a nonprofit, NGO, or institution capable of receiving and managing philanthropic funds.
Who Can Apply? Individuals aged 18 and above, representing a nonprofit, NGO, institution, or a partnership among them.
How to Apply? Submit your ideas through our open survey or via recommendations from our global network of partners and donors, accepted year-round. For consideration in the current cycle, submit by April 15, 2024. Ideas after this date will be queued for future cycles.
The 2024 Global Challenges MIT Solve
MIT Solve, an MIT initiative, underscores the importance of fresh perspectives and innovative solutions for a sustainable and equitable future. It recently announced the 2024 Global Challenges and the Indigenous Communities Fellowship to identify and amplify groundbreaking ideas.
Solve is calling on global innovators to propose solutions to this year’s Global Challenges by April 18. The focus is on leveraging technology creatively and fairly to enhance inclusive learning, combat and adapt to climate change, boost healthcare access, foster peaceful and prosperous economies, and empower Indigenous communities.
Available funding for Solvers and Fellows includes:
- A $10,000 award from MIT Solve to each selected Solver and Fellow.
- The GM Prize, by General Motors, for initiatives fostering smart, safe, and sustainable communities, chosen from specific 2024 challenges.
- The GSR Foundation Prize for tech-driven solutions addressing community issues, particularly those improving financial inclusion and education.
- The Morgridge Family Foundation AI Innovation Prize for AI-driven solutions sparking significant change, applicable across all 2024 challenges.
- The AI for Humanity Prize, by The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, for projects using data science, AI, or machine learning for societal benefit.
- The Prince Albert II of Monaco Ocean Innovation Prize for innovations benefiting oceans, coasts, and the blue economy, linked to the climate challenge.
Application Deadline: 18 April 2024
Climate Impact Innovations Challenge 2024
The Climate Impact Innovations Challenge (CIIC) stands as Indonesia’s premier competition for climate technology innovations. Launched in 2023, CIIC offers an unparalleled stage for technology innovators to unveil their sustainable solutions aimed at tackling ecological challenges and reducing the effects of climate change.
In 2024, CIIC is set to elevate this mission by inviting teams to compete across three pivotal tracks—Energy Transition, Sustainable Agriculture, and Circular Economy. A substantial prize pool of Rp 10 billion awaits, providing the winning teams with an opportunity to pilot their solutions across Indonesia.
Applicant Eligibility Criteria:
Innovation & Originality: Your team must bring an original and innovative proposal to the table, showcasing a solution that stands out for its ingenuity.
Impactful Solutions: We’re looking for proposals that offer meaningful solutions to critical issues in at least one of the following tracks: Energy Transition, Sustainable Agriculture, and Circular Economy.
Feasibility & Scalability: Your solution should not only be feasible for rapid adoption but also demonstrate potential for large-scale impact.
Commercial Viability: Proposals should have a clear path to commercialization, targeting a significant market size to ensure sustainability and growth.
Stage of Development: Eligible teams must have developed at least a prototype or a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with a clear intention for commercialization.
CIIC 2024 is more than a competition; it’s a launchpad for the next generation of green tech innovators ready to make a substantial impact on Indonesia’s climate resilience. If your team is poised to lead the charge in sustainable technology, we invite you to apply and help shape a greener future for all.
Application Deadline: 4 June 2024
Zayed Sustainability Prize 2024
Since 2008, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has been empowering global changemakers, recognising their innovative sustainability solutions and amplifying their transformative impact.
This year, We are now open for submissions! Small and medium enterprises, nonprofit organisations, and high schools with solutions in health, food, energy, water, and climate change are invited to apply to the Zayed Sustainability Prize.
Small to medium enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organisations (NPOs) and high schools across the US, Europe & Central Asia, MENA, Africa, and APAC with sustainable solutions are invited to submit an entry for consideration in one of the six categories of Heath, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools.
Winners will be announced at an Awards Ceremony during the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).
Application Deadline: 23 June 2024
GLOBAL INNOVATION FUND
Global Innovation Fund provides funds for innovation or projects that can address important development problems. The Global Innovation Fund (GIF) is renowned for its commitment to funding innovative solutions and projects that are poised to address significant development challenges. GIF is dedicated to identifying and supporting innovations that have the potential to significantly improve the lives of millions living in poverty.
GIF holds the belief that groundbreaking solutions capable of addressing development problems more efficiently than existing approaches can originate from any individual, anywhere in the world. This perspective underpins its approach to sourcing and supporting innovative ideas.
As such, GIF welcomes applications from all sectors within any developing country. The fund is accessible to a wide range of organizations, including social enterprises, for-profit companies, non-profit organizations, government agencies, international organizations, and research institutions from any country. It is advised that individual innovators, entrepreneurs, or researchers seek to apply through an organization with which they are affiliated.
As such, GIF welcomes applications from all sectors within any developing country. The fund is accessible to a wide range of organizations, including social enterprises, for-profit companies, non-profit organizations, government agencies, international organizations, and research institutions from any country. It is advised that individual innovators, entrepreneurs, or researchers seek to apply through an organization with which they are affiliated.
Pioneer Facility, powered by Nexus for Development
Nexus for Development offers an impact fund for SMEs engaged in low-carbon, clean water, energy, and waste management projects in Asia. Eligible and scalable SMEs can apply for up to $500,000 in debt financing through the Pioneer Facility fund.
To be eligible for the Pioneer Facility loan, your social enterprise must meet all the following requirements:
1. Services and Technology
Offer solutions/ technologies in clean water, energy, sanitation, waste management, sustainable agriculture; examples include but not limited to clean cooking, solar, biogas digesters, water purification, waste-to-energy, biochar
2. Geography
Operating in Southeast Asia
3. Impact
Directly benefit low-income and underserved communities, able to demonstrate social, environmental as well as gender lens impact
Directly benefit low-income and underserved communities, able to demonstrate social, environmental as well as gender lens impact
4. Business Stage
Revenue generating, growth phase with a clear business plan, a track record of 2+ years and ready to scale
Revenue generating, growth phase with a clear business plan, a track record of 2+ years and ready to scale
Applications are reviewed year round, The DD process will take approximately 2-3 months depending on the size of the loan request.
Southeast Asian Ocean Impact Film Grant
Calling all Southeast Asian filmmakers! Applications are now open for our newly launched Southeast Asian Ocean Impact Film Grant!
Embracing the transformative power of storytelling to heighten awareness and spur action for ocean preservation, Coastal Natives has established a dedicated fund to support impactful ocean narratives. This grant, offering up to USD 10,000, is available to both emerging and established filmmakers with a deep commitment to environmental conservation. It’s an opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of the region’s cultures, ecosystems, and the vital link between humanity and the ocean.
Simply refer to Coastal Native’s application pack for instructions and we will get back to you with feedback. Be prepared to share your story concept, visual treatment and how your film aims to make a meaningful impact. Shortlisted applications will be reviewed by a panel of experts in filmmaking, film distribution and marine conservation. The selected filmmakers will not only receive financial support, but also mentorship and a chance to showcase your work at top-notch film festivals.
Applications are reviewed year round.
Lead image courtesy of Lorenza Cotellessa. all other images courtesy of Beagle Button.
