This curated list of funding, fellowship, and acceleration opportunities is tailored to help these businesses thrive and expand their positive influence in the region, July, August and September 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
Meta Llama Impact Innovation Awards
Recent breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI, have captivated the public imagination, showcasing the potential to usher in a new era of economic and social opportunity. These advancements offer individuals, creators, and organizations novel ways to express themselves and connect globally.
Building on a legacy of open-sourcing products and tools to benefit the global community, Meta introduced Meta Llama 2 in July 2023 and launched the next generation, Meta Llama 3, in April. These models demonstrate state-of-the-art performance on various industry benchmarks and offer enhanced capabilities, including improved reasoning.
In line with its commitment to leveraging these models for social impact, Meta is excited to announce the Meta Llama Impact Innovation Awards. This program will grant awards of up to $35,000 to organizations in Africa, the Middle East, Turkey, Asia Pacific, and Latin America tackling pressing regional challenges using Llama.
Meta recognizes that each region faces unique challenges. Therefore, the program is tailored to address these specific issues within each region:
Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey
- Education: Leverage Llama to enhance learning outcomes, access to quality education, and teaching experiences. Potential applications include AI-powered tutoring, personalized learning platforms, and intelligent tools for teachers.
- Public Services: Utilize Llama to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government services. Applications might include citizen engagement solutions, AI-driven data analysis, and virtual assistants for navigating government processes.
- Healthcare: Apply Llama to improve health outcomes, streamline clinical workflows, and enhance patient experiences. Examples include AI-powered diagnostic tools and personalized medicine platforms.
- Safety and Security: Employ Llama to develop innovative solutions for public safety, fraud prevention, and protection of vulnerable populations.
Asia Pacific
- Education: Use Llama to improve learning outcomes and access to quality education.
- Economic Development: Apply Llama in business to drive socio-economic value, improve efficiencies, and scalability.
- Trust & Safety: Leverage Llama to protect vulnerable populations against online harms such as misinformation, privacy issues, safety concerns, fraud, and scams.
Latin America
- Education & Culture: Use Llama to enhance learning outcomes and amplify access to cultural resources.
- Economic Development: Apply Llama in business to drive socio-economic value and improve efficiencies.
- Environment & Sustainability: Utilize Llama to support biodiversity and sustainable development efforts.
The Llama Impact Innovation Awards aim to support organizations using Llama 2 or 3 to address these regional challenges.
Successful Applicants Will:
- Demonstrate how their work directly impacts the relevant issue topic.
- Highlight the importance of Llama 2 or 3 as a core element of their work.
- Provide a public reference to their use of Llama 2 or 3 (e.g., blog post, news article, GitHub repository).
Eligibility and Submission Requirements:
- Open to organizations in Africa, the Middle East, Turkey, Asia Pacific, and Latin America where local law permits participation.
- Organizations must be formed prior to June 1, 2023, and in good standing.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence.
- Organizations cannot be from countries or regions under comprehensive economic or financial sanctions.
The deadline for proposals is July 26, 2024. For more information and to apply, visit the Meta Llama Impact Innovation Awards website.
Sustainability Innovation Programme
UOB FinLab’s Sustainability Innovation Programme (SIP) is a 5-week programme to help SMEs transform their companies into sustainable and green businesses. Learn how sustainability can play a part in your business to balance impact while ensuring profit and productivity.
The deadline for registration is August 5th 2024
Zendesk Tech for Good: Up to $50,000 Impact Awards for Nonprofit Organizations 2024
The Zendesk Impact Awards are now open for applications from registered nonprofit organizations seeking to utilize Zendesk software to enhance their service response and scale their impact. These awards, offering up to $50,000, aim to support initiatives that make a tangible difference in the following areas aligned with the Zendesk Foundation’s mission:
- Foster Community: Enable connections that offer support and allow people to thrive.
- Promote Resilience in Times of Crisis: Safeguard against disaster and reduce human suffering.
- Create Career Pathways into Tech: Close the economic opportunity gap and reduce unemployment.
Eligibility and Application Details:
- Demonstrate Impact: Applicants must show how Zendesk’s products will help them serve more people and create a greater impact among vulnerable or disadvantaged populations.
- Submission Deadline: Applications must be submitted by August 15, 2024, at 11:59 pm ET.
- Notification: Applicants will be notified of their application status after September 30, 2024.
Requirements:
- Proof of nonprofit status must be included in the “attachment” section of the application form.
- Current Zendesk customers and past Zendesk grantees are not eligible for these awards.
- Only applications submitted through the official application form will be considered; emailed applications will not be accepted.
- Applications must be written in English.
- Zendesk is unable to grant awards to organizations based in Belarus, Central African Republic, Crimea Region of Ukraine, Congo, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Ukraine, Russia, Venezuela, Yemen, and Zimbabwe.
Application Process:
Organizations must submit an application via the submission form, demonstrating how Zendesk software and grant funds will impact their beneficiary communities. While projects using Zendesk for internal purposes (such as HR, IT staff, or volunteer staff management) are eligible, successful applicants will emphasize how Zendesk’s software will support their external program goals.
Selected applications for the Impact Awards, including those considered for grant funding, will be reviewed by the Global Social Impact Council and the Zendesk Foundation through September 2024.
Application deadline: August 15, 2024
DBS Foundation Grant: Empowering Innovative Social Enterprises Across Asia
The DBS Foundation Grant seeks innovative businesses that empower vulnerable communities by addressing urgent needs today for a brighter tomorrow. If your business provides food security, shelter, access to basic education and healthcare (including mental health), or fosters financial inclusion for those in need, we invite you to apply.
What we look for:
- Track Record: At least 2 years of delivering and measuring social impact with vulnerable communities.
- Innovative Model: A business and impact model with the potential to scale.
- Focused Plans: Clear strategies to use the grant funding to commercialize and scale the business and impact over the next 2 years.
- Strong Leadership: Committed leaders with a vision for building a sustainable business for impact, supported by a skilled and experienced team.
- Eligibility: Businesses must be registered and operating in one of the six markets where DBS operates: Singapore, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, or Taiwan.
Ineligibility:
Entities registered as not-for-profit, sole proprietorships, charities, religious organizations for religious purposes, election campaigns, general fundraising drives, or event sponsorships are not eligible for the grant.
Submit your application before 15 August 2024, 2359 hrs SGT.
Google Accelerator Program for AI Startups in Vietnam
Google invites applications for its prestigious accelerator program tailored for AI startups based in Vietnam. This program aims to leverage the best of Google’s products and expertise to help startups scale their businesses in the rapidly evolving AI and technology landscape. The Google for Startups Accelerator: Southeast Asia is a three-month equity-free initiative designed specifically for startups that are innovatively using artificial intelligence.
Program Format:
Startups selected for the accelerator will begin by outlining their vision, AI use cases, and the challenges they face. They will participate in a 5-day in-person bootcamp featuring curated content, one-on-one mentorship, and specialized support from Google’s global mentor network. Participants will also gain access to Google’s Cloud, Play, Android, AI/ML, and Ads experts.
Following the bootcamp, startups will have continued access to Google AI Infrastructure, including Gemini and Vertex AI, to develop their AI products with the guidance of Google experts and the startup mentor network. Over the next eight weeks, the program will offer mentoring, coaching sessions, and open workshops leading up to the Graduation and Demo Day.
Benefits:
- quity-Free Support: Participation in the program does not require giving up any equity.
- Mentoring: Dedicated mentoring from Google teams.
- Training: Invitations to exclusive technical bootcamps hosted by Google.
- Access to Experts: Opportunities to connect with Google’s network of industry experts.
- Access to AI Infrastructure: Exclusive access to Google Cloud AI infrastructure (GPU, Gemini Pro, Vertex AI, etc.) and up to $350,000 in cloud credits.
- Early Access: Opportunities to use new Google products and tools.
- Strategic Support: Guidance on company and product strategy.
- Technical Project Partnership: Collaborative work with Google experts on significant technical challenges.
- Alumni Network: Invitations to startup programs by Google, NIC, and the U.S. Mission in Vietnam.
The program will feature a hybrid format, including a virtual onboarding session, an in-person bootcamp week in Hanoi, virtual workshops and mentoring sessions, and a demo day/graduation.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Startups must be based in Vietnam with tech solutions addressing a meaningful challenge.
- The product or service should be scalable with a defensible growth model.
- The product should be launched to market with live users and demonstrating traction.
- The startup should be deeply technical, with machine learning and AI as the core technology.
- Commitment from the CTO and/or technical roles is required to participate and engage in program sessions.
Application deadline: August 18, 2024
Unifor Social Justice Fund: Advancing Equity and Justice
Unifor is dedicated to addressing the social and economic conditions that perpetuate injustice and inequality, aiming to improve the lives of workers, families, and marginalized communities in Canada and around the world. One significant way we fulfill this commitment is through the Unifor Social Justice Fund.
The Unifor Social Justice Fund works in solidarity with national and international NGOs, community organizations, advocacy groups, and trade unions. Our goal is to strengthen democracy, promote equitable development, provide humanitarian assistance, reduce economic insecurity, and support human rights.
To be considered for support, organizations and groups must submit donation requests and project proposals. These proposals should include:
- Background on the organization and any partnering organization(s) (if applicable)
- Description of the project, including activities, goals, and outcomes
- Project timelines
- Project evaluation and monitoring methods
- Overall project budget and amount requested
- Other project funders (if applicable)
- Organization contact information, including address, phone number, email address, and a project contact person
- Any additional pertinent information, such as annual reports, financial statements, and letters of support
We encourage all eligible organizations to apply and join us in our mission to create a more just and equitable world. Please email completed proposals to [email protected].
For more information on submitting an application to the Unifor SJF, please take a look at the FAQ guide.
The next deadline for proposals is September 2, 2024
Spencer Foundation Small Research Grants on Education Program 2024
The Spencer Foundation is delighted to announce the launch of the Small Research Grants on Education Program, designed to support education research projects aimed at improving education. Applications are accepted three times per year.
Program Overview
This program is “field-initiated,” meaning proposals are not solicited in response to specific requests for particular research topics, disciplines, designs, methods, or locations. The goal is to support rigorous, intellectually ambitious, and technically sound research that addresses the most pressing questions and compelling opportunities in education.
Funding Information
- Budgets up to $50,000
- Project duration: One to five years
Eligibility Criteria
- Proposals must be for research projects focused on education. Proposals for activities such as program evaluations, professional development, curriculum development, scholarships, capital projects, and software development are not eligible. Research studies focused on areas other than education are also ineligible.
- Principal Investigators (PIs) and Co-PIs must have an earned doctorate in an academic discipline or professional field, or appropriate experience in an education research-related profession. Graduate students may be part of the research team but cannot be named as the PI or Co-PI.
- The PI must be affiliated with a non-profit organization or public/governmental institution willing to serve as the administering organization if the grant is awarded. The Spencer Foundation does not award grants directly to individuals. Eligible organizations include non-profit or public colleges, universities, school districts, research facilities, and other non-profit organizations with a 501(c)(3) determination from the IRS (or equivalent non-profit status if the organization is outside the United States).
- Proposals are accepted from the U.S. and internationally, but must be submitted in English and budgets proposed in U.S. Dollars. Proposed budgets are limited to $50,000 and may not include indirect cost charges per Spencer’s policy. Eligible investigators may request additional supplemental funds for a course release.
- Projects may not exceed five years in duration.
- PIs and Co-PIs may only hold one active research grant from the Spencer Foundation at a time. This restriction does not apply to the administering organization; organizations may submit multiple proposals as long as they are for different projects and have different research teams.
- PIs and Co-PIs may not submit more than one research proposal to the Spencer Foundation at a time. This applies to the Small Grants Program, Large Grants Program, Racial Equity Research Grants Program, and Research-Practice Partnership Program. If a PI or any of the Co-PIs currently have a research proposal under consideration in any of these programs, they must wait for a final decision on the pending proposal before submitting a new one.
The next deadline for proposals is September 11, 2024 (12 noon Central Time). For more details and to submit a proposal, please visit the Spencer Foundation website.
iF Social Impact” Prize 2024
The iF Social Impact Prize is now accepting submissions to support projects that contribute to societal improvement and in line with the 15 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). If your project is selected, you will receive significant advantages to help amplify its impact.
Benefits for Selected Projects:
- Prize Money: A share of EUR 100,000 will be awarded to support your project.
- Project Showcase: Selected projects will be featured on the iF Design Website indefinitely, providing ongoing visibility.
- Communication Support: Your project will be introduced to a global design community, media, and the design-interested public.
- Winner Certificate: An individual Winner Certificate will be awarded to each selected project.
- Continuous Updates: You can update your project with the latest videos, photos, or news.
Eligibility Criteria:
Submissions are welcome from companies, design studios, NGOs, foundations, public organizations, social enterprises, and entrepreneurs. Please note that student concepts are not eligible for this prize.
Deadline for application : 13 September 2024
Net Zero Challenge 2024 (Vietnam)
The second edition of the annual Net Zero Challenge contest to seek technological solutions to address climate change is launched! With prize money of 15 billion VND (630,000), it is open to Vietnamese and foreign startups, research teams, and non-profits working in climate technologies.
Entities whose solutions have been commercialised in other nations but want them piloted in Vietnam are also encouraged to join.
Entities whose solutions have been commercialised in other nations but want them piloted in Vietnam are also encouraged to join.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Technology-based, including but not limited to: software, AI, hardware, deeptech, food-tech, agri-tech, new materials, new energy technology, new processes, innovations in bio or chemical engineering and tech-enabled business models.
- Minimally viable product demonstrating potential for widespread adoption, commercial viability and scalability.
- Suitable for Vietnam context and the country’s specific challenges and opportunities for implementation.
Only teams that have developed a minimally viable product, a pilot plan to demonstrate proof of value with the intention of commercialization are eligible to join.
Winners can receive an investment of 100,000 USD from Sopoong Ventures and Touchstone Partners venture capital companies, and prize money of 200 million VND (7,835 USD) from the German Corporation for International Cooperation.
Deadline for application : 15 September 2024
Hello Tomorrow’s Global Challenge: Empowering Early-Stage Deep Tech Startups
Since 2014, the Global Challenge by Hello Tomorrow has emerged as a premier international startup competition, uniquely tailored to meet the needs of early-stage deep tech startups across various industries. This competition provides deep tech and science-based entrepreneurs worldwide with a platform to showcase their projects, offering opportunities for equity-free funding, global visibility, and connections with key players in the deep tech ecosystem. To date, previous winners and finalists have raised over $3 billion in funding.
Global Challenge Tracks
Startups should fit into at least one of the following 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
If none of these tracks fit, startups are encouraged to contact Hello Tomorrow for assistance or choose the closest fitting track.
Judging Process
The judging process consists of three steps, with applicants being informed of their progress at each stage:
- Deep Tech Pioneers: The jury selects the best startups based on their online applications. These startups join the Deep Tech Pioneers community and gain immediate access to available benefits.
- Finalists: Selected Deep Tech Pioneers must update and complete the rest of the application form. The jury then selects around seven finalists per track, who will be invited to pitch during the Grand Finals in Paris.
- Track Winners & Grand Winner: A jury of investors, corporates, scientists, and experts will select the Track Winners and ultimately the Grand Winner based on their pitches at the Summit.
Startup Requirements
Eligible startups should:
- Be based on new technology, a scientific discovery, or a complex engineering process.
- Have scientific validation of their claim, a proof of concept, a prototype, or be in the process of producing one.
- Consist of a team of at least two people.
- Not be a subsidiary or spin-off of an existing company.
- Foresee an economically viable application on the market within 15 years.
- Have the potential for significant impact on their targeted industry, society, or the environment.
Application Details
- Deadline: Early application deadlines for review : July 31st, 2024
- Applications are open until September 22nd, 2024.
- Grand Finals: The competition concludes with the Grand Finals during the Hello Tomorrow Global Summit in Paris on March 13th & 14th, 2025.
- Eligibility: Startups in the early-stage of development, from not yet incorporated to series A or early commercialization stage, are welcome to apply.
SwedBio Funding Program for CSOs, International Organizations, Institutes, and Universities
SwedBio invites submissions of concept notes for a limited number of strategic initiatives through their ‘Collaborative Partner Implementation Pathway.’
Structured as an innovation challenge, this second edition of the Y4C Call for Solutions aims to support the work of young people and youth-led organisations in five thematic areas: Climate and Environment Literacy, Sustainable Energy, Food and Agriculture, Nature Assets, Sustainable Consumption and Production.
SwedBio’s funding program focuses on five thematic areas, each with close interlinkages:
- Livelihood, Food & Health
- Cities & Biodiversity
- Biocultural Diversity
- Climate Change & Ecosystems
- Values & Governance
Cross-cutting perspectives that underpin all of SwedBio’s operations include resilience perspectives and social-ecological systems rich in biodiversity.
Additionally, SwedBio emphasizes values such as poverty alleviation, equity, human rights, democracy, gender equality, and endogenous development.
SwedBio supports:
- Civil society organizations, including Indigenous peoples and local communities’ organizations
- International organizations
- Institutes
- Universities
Priority is given to regional and global networks with projects of regional and global relevance, particularly those based in OECD DAC list developing countries. Emphasis is placed on least developed and other low-income countries, although middle-income countries are also considered, especially as part of regional and global networks and south-south collaborations.
Proposals, if successful, can be implemented over a maximum of 24 months. Proposals can be submitted in English, French or Spanish.
Applications are reviewed year round
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 Adobe Stock.
