Fueling Impact: List of Grants and Fundings for Impact Businesses in Asia (May-June 2023 Edition)

In the realm of impact-driven businesses, the quest for funding is the engine that drives change.
Are you ready to ignite your mission and secure the financial resources needed to make a real difference? Look no further! We’ve curated an exclusive list of grants and fundings tailored for trailblazing entrepreneurs like you. Brace yourself for the latest opportunities in our sizzling May/June 2023 edition.

RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS 

Scaling-Up Women-Led Digital Businesses: An Opportunity for South-East Asia & the Pacific

Digital transformation offers tremendous growth opportunities for businesses across Southeast Asia. Yet, women entrepreneurs still face obstacles to grow their digital businesses.
 
The eTrade for Women initiative, championed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), will host its first in-person Masterclass for women digital entrepreneurs from Southeast Asia and the Pacific on 24–27 July 2023, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It will help participants get the tools and mindset to thrive as leaders in the digital economy. This event is organized in partnership with the Economic Research Institue for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), and Lennise Ng, co-founder and CEO of Dropee, and eTrade for Women Advocate.
 
Women who founded or cofounded a business are eligible to apply. They must also be able to have a track record of 2–5 years in this role. New technologies and digital tools should also be at the heart of their business model and operations.
 
Deadline for applications is on 20 May 2023.
Scaling-Up Women-Led Digital Businesses: An Opportunity for South-East Asia & the Pacific

Climate Impact Innovations Challenge 2023 

The clock is ticking, and we’re just days away from the registration deadline for the most anticipated climate innovations tech platform of the year! Get ready to unleash your groundbreaking ideas and join the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge (CIIC) – a platform that will put your innovation on the global stage, connect you with investors, and shower you with amazing perks and benefits.  
Climate Impact Innovations Challenge 2023
Organized by the renowned East Ventures and backed by the esteemed Temasek Foundation, CIIC 2023 is your opportunity to make a real impact in the fight against climate change. Whether you’ve invented an eco-friendly gadget, a sustainable energy solution, or a revolutionary carbon capture technology, CIIC is the place to be.
 
Don’t miss your chance to register your game-changing idea before May 26, 2023. Join the league of extraordinary innovators who are driving the world towards a greener and more sustainable future.Head over to website to submit your innovations and discover more about CIIC 2023. This is your moment to shine and make a difference. Together, let’s create a world that thrives on innovation, sustainability, and environmental responsibility!

[RE]ENERGIZE HACKATHON 2023 : INVITING INNOVATORS TO TACKLE INDONESIA’S CLIMATE CRISIS!

The [RE]Energize: Hackathon 2023 will showcase the potential of young professionals, climate innovators, startups, and entrepreneurs to contribute to sustainable economic development, energy transition, and decarbonization in Indonesia through Climate Tech & Digitalization. Teams will compete for a total prize of IDR 100 Million and the opportunity to further catalyze their innovative ideas.
NEX Indonesia welcomes innovation at all stages, from concept and idea development to the pilot, growth, and post-revenue stages, in software-enabled solutions that focus on, but are not limited to:
  • Carbon Oset Platform
  • Building Energy Management
  • Climate Fintech
  • Climate Smart Agriculture & Aqua/Marine-tech
  • Data Monitoring & Analytics
  • Smart Grid & O Grid Software
  • Storage and Mobility

Elemental Excelerator For Climate Tech

Are you an entrepreneur looking to scale a transformative climate technology? 
Are you invested in scaling a solution that brings both climate and social impact 
The Elemental Excelerator is offering funding and in-depth support for promising climate tech startups around the world with social impact potential. The priority application deadline is April 14 and applications will be accepted through May 31, 2023.
Program Fit 
 
At a minimum, we require your company to:
  • Be a startup addressing climate change and related issues
  • Be a for-profit, stand-alone venture
  • Have at least two full-time employees
  • Have an operating prototype
  • Have an initial pilot deployment in progress or completed 
 
Your company will get the most out of Elemental if you:
  • Are Pre-Seed – Series C+ stage
  • Have demonstrated product-market fit and customer traction
  • Are looking to do something transformational for your business, such as expand your product, customer base, equity outcomes and/or geographic reach
  • Are building solutions that create good quality, local jobs for people who live in frontline communities and are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)
  • Are an engaged CEO with a diverse executive team that wants to be an active part of a global ecosystem of change-makers
The priority application deadline is April 14 2023 and applications will be accepted through May 31, 2023.

5th Annual ACAMH Awards in the field of Child & Adolescent Mental Health

The nominations have officially begun for the 5th Annual ACAMH Awards, which aim to acknowledge outstanding contributions in evidence-based science, encompassing both publication and practice, within the realm of child and adolescent mental health. The awards serve as a platform to recognize and honor exceptional work in this important field.
Nominations will be evaluated by a panel of leading figures in the field, along with Association for Child & Adolescent Mental Health (ACAMH) trustees and the Editors-in-Chief of the journals; JCPP, JCPP Advances and CAMH. Self-nominations are allowed, unless stated. Nominations must cover all the criteria to be successful.
Awards and Criteria
  • Digital Innovation Awards
    • Research on Digital Impact
      • Nomination Criteria: A researcher who has published the best paper on an information/data/IT/digital topic relating to child and adolescent mental health, which can include online assessment innovations.
    • Digital Intervention
      • Nomination Criteria: A clinician who has put evidence base into practice within the information/data/IT/digital fields of child and adolescent mental health. This could be the use of information or technologies in the delivery of care or service design etc
    • David Cottrell ‘Education of CAMH Professionals’
      • Nomination criteria: An Someone who has had a significant impact upon the education or training of child and adolescent mental health professionals. This is open to all disciplines, but education or training must relate to children’s mental health.
  • Trainee Awards
    • Postgraduate Clinical Trainee of the Year
      • Nomination criteria: Trainee or student who is less than two years post PhD who has shown initiative or made a significant contribution to child and adolescent mental health.
    • Research Trainee of the Year
      • Nomination criteria: Open to any individual undertaking postgraduate training as a practitioner working with children in relation to mental health from any background (e.g. clinical psychology, educational psychology, child and adolescent psychiatry). This could include teaching, for example, an individual undertaking an MEd who is able to demonstrate a clear commitment to evidence-based clinical practice.
    • Clinical Trainee of the Year
      • Nomination criteria: Open to an individual undertaking their first qualification as a practitioner working with children in relation to mental health from any background (e.g. nursing, social work, occupational therapy, physio) and who demonstrates a clear commitment to evidence based clinical practice
  • Research Into Practice
    • Eric Taylor ‘Translational Research Into Practice’
      • Nomination Criteria: An individual with a sustained contribution to translating research into practice over a number of years, whose work involves both research, and either clinical or educational involvement in practice. And/or a researcher or clinician who has published translational science (evidence base into practice) with evidence of impact on clinical service provision. This could involve the establishment of new interventions, or improvement of existing ones, with evidence of impact on clinical service provision.
Deadline: 5 June 2023.  For more information, visit ACAMH.

SHE Accelerator: “Spark Her Enterprise

In partnership with Sasakawa Peace Foundation, The Spark Project launches the SHE Accelerator: “Spark Her Enterprise.”
 
This program is for women entrepreneurs who are ready to crowdfund their impact-driven ideas ✨. We know you’ve been waiting for this! Don’t miss this opportunity to meet like-minded women who run social enterprises, and learn from various women leaders from different communities.
If you are a female entrepreneur who is 18 years old and above, has a business or organization registered and operating for at least 1 year, and is ready to fully commit to learning about crowdfunding, then THIS IS FOR YOU!
image : The Spark Project
Deadline: 9 June 2023.  For more information, visit The Spark Project or Scan the QR code to apply now. 

NIKEI ASIA AWARD

The NIKKEI ASIA AWARD is a project to recognize innovation originating in Asia, sponsored by Nikkei Inc. “Innovation from Asia” is any activity that promotes the transformation of Asia and the world, and supports the realization of a free and prosperous economic society from the Asian perspective based on the diverse values. 

An individual and/or a group is commended for activities in fields such as business, research, technological development and social/artistic activities. An individual or a group responsible for a single activity is chosen as the winner annually. The prize is FIVE MILLION yen.
Eligibility Criteria
  • Candidates MUST meet the following conditions:
    • Nominated by others. Direct applications will not be accepted.
    • From or living in Asia.
    • Contributing to Asian-based activities which have started in Asia.
    • Japanese individuals and groups consisting only of Japanese citizens will be excluded.
  • For the Nikkei Asia Award, the following regions are referred to as “Asia”:
    • East Asia (Korean Peninsula, China, etc.)
    • Southeast Asia (Indochina, ASEAN member countries, etc.)
    • Southwest Asia (Indian subcontinent countries)
    • Independent nations in the Asia-Pacific region
Criteria
  • Winner selection is a comprehensive evaluation of activities that meet the following evaluation criteria:
    • Being novel and innovative
    • Creating a free and prosperous economic society by revitalizing the region and improving lives
    • Having continuity in activities and businesses, and expectations of future growth and expansion
    • Having social influence and expectations to expand globally.
Ideal Candidate Profile
  • Ideal candidates are as follows:
    • Currently active
    • Young people are welcome, if their work has received recognition.
    • Candidates need not be well known, as long as they have conducted steady and sincere efforts toward the betterment of people’s lives, and contributed to prosperity.
    • Having already received such awards as the Nobel Prize or the Kyoto Prize would be of little significance.
Deadline: 12 June 2023.  For more information, visit Nikkei.

OPPO Innovation Accelerator Inspiration Challenge

OPPO has recently introduced the Inspiration Challenge 2023, aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and technology professionals worldwide to transform their innovative ideas into tangible solutions, thus contributing to a brighter future for everyone.
Through The Challenge, OPPO Research Institute, together with global partners Qualcomm Technologies, GSMA 5G IN, Amazon Web Services and LinkedIn, aim to bring new and innovative solutions to life by providing funding, support and partnership opportunities. Based on the brand proposition of “Inspiration Ahead”, OPPO and its global technology ecosystem partners aim to bring new and innovative solutions to life by providing funding, support and partnership opportunities. By working together, OPPO hopes these innovations can create a positive impact, and encourage greater awareness of the issues that affect global communities.
Global Timeline for 2023 OPPO Inspiration Challenge
Applications for the 2023 OPPO Inspiration Challenge will start from May 8 to June 30, with three regional demo events set to take place in Bangkok, Boston and Shenzhen at early August.
This challenge invites proposals from Startups, Non-profit Organizations, Research Institutions. 
Finalists from each regional demo event will be invited to join the Inspiration Challenge Acceleration Camp and meet with OPPO executives and technical experts to revise their proposals before the global final demo event at the end of August.
Further partnership opportunities are open to the top 45 proposals worldwide – made up of the top 15 proposals in each regional challenge – including, but not limited to:
  • Productization and commercialization opportunities: an incubation fund totaling US$190,000 (approximately RMB 1.25 million, tax included), will be set up to co-develop solutions for implementation.
  • Strategic partnership and investment opportunities.
  • Opportunities to showcase at global technology events.
  • Opportunity to receive cloud resources and technical support from Amazon Web Services.
Global applications for the 2023 OPPO Inspiration Challenge will be open from May 8 to June 30. To learn more about the program or register, please visit the official webpage at: https://www.oppo.com/en/proposal/ .

SLINGSHOT 2023 – Deep Tech Startup Pitching Competition (Singapore)

Are you a visionary entrepreneur with a groundbreaking startup? Look no further! SLINGSHOT 2023, Singapore’s renowned startup competition, is calling for new and exciting ventures that possess innovative solutions ready to make waves in the global market. This is your chance to anchor yourself in Singapore, one of the world’s top innovation nodes, and showcase your game-changing ideas to a prestigious audience of investors and industry leaders. With over S$1.2 million in attractive prizes up for grabs, SLINGSHOT 2023 promises to be the event that propels your startup to unprecedented success.
SLINGSHOT 2023’s Top 50 Global Startups will win a sponsored trip to Singapore to be connected to Asia’s leading startup community. Make the pitch of a lifetime at the SLINGSHOT 2023 Finals, which will be held at Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) 2023.
Prizes
  • Grand Winner will be rewarded with a S$200,000 Startup SG Grant (VAT included); such grant to be accepted by the winner subject to the applicable terms of the grant;
  • 1st Runner-Up will be rewarded with a S$150,000 Startup SG Grant (VAT included); such grant to be accepted by the winner subject to the applicable terms of the grant;
  • 2nd Runner-Up will be rewarded with a S$100,000 Startup SG Grant (VAT included); such grant to be accepted by the winner subject to the applicable terms of the grant;
  • 10 Domain Winners will be rewarded with S$50,000 Startup SG Grant (VAT included) each; such grant to be accepted by the winners subject to the applicable terms of the grant
  • SLINGSHOT 2023 participants may also be eligible to receive in-kind sponsored or cash prizes from their partners; subject to terms outlined by the Organiser and said partners.
SLINGSHOT 2023’s Top 50 Global Startups will win a sponsored trip to Singapore to be immersed in Asia’s leading startup community. Make the pitch of a lifetime at the SLINGSHOT 2023 Finals, which will be held at Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) 2023.
For more information, visit Deep Tech Startup Pitching Competition.
Call for entries: now till 17 July 2023

World Smart City Awards 2023 

If you are currently engaged in developing an innovative city strategy, project, or idea aimed at enhancing the quality of urban living, we encourage you to submit your application for the World Smart City Awards (WSCA) 2023. This prestigious award recognizes and celebrates groundbreaking initiatives that contribute to creating smarter, more sustainable cities. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to showcase your innovative vision and make a positive impact on urban environments.
They’re looking for game-changing projects linked to the following categories:
  • City Award: The City Award celebrates cities with a global strategy combining innovation, collaboration, inclusion and sustainability initiatives.
  • Innovation Award: The Innovation Award recognizes original initiatives and creative solutions improving communities.
  • Leadership Award: The Leadership Award honors individuals who’ve made significant contributions in the last decade. The Hall of Fame of smart urban development!
  • Project Awards: The different Project Awards consider successful implemented projects developed in a specific area:
Eligibility Criteria
  • The World Smart City Awards are aimed at both public and private companies, cities, entrepreneurs, digital innovators, developers, researchcenters, universities, civil society representatives, NGOs, cooperatives, consortiums and social activists with disruptive visions and solutions for the management and development of the cities.
  • Institutions represented in the Judging panel and organizers cannot compete in the World Smart City Awards.
Deadline: 29 August 2023. For more information, visit Smart City Expo World Congress

Lead image courtesy of stock photo.