Call For Applications: Digital Energy Challenge for start-ups ( Up to €150K )
Each year, the Digital Energy Challenge for start-ups rewards 5 to 8 Startups developing innovative digital projects aimed at improving energy access and grid services in Africa.
The Challenge rewards digital innovation in energy systems. It is open to start-ups and public utility companies in Africa – i.e. both North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.
2024 Thematic Areas
Start-up’s project must adhere to one of the under-listed thematic areas:
- Universal electricity access and mini-grids
- Efficient grid management
- Resilience and decarbonisation of power systems
Benefits for Challenge Winners
- Financial support of up to €150K, including technical assistance
- A joint boot camp run by cross-sectorial experts
- Startups project widespread communication campaigns piloted by AFD
Eligibility Criteria for Start-ups
The Start-up must meet the following criteria
- Founded less than 10 years ago
- Be in the pre-seed/early-stage financing phase, i.e. less than €1M funding raised
- Annual turnover of less than €1M
- Employ between 1 and 99 people full-time.
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NB: NGOs can apply under the Start-up category if the project meets one of the additional following criteria:
- The project is set up as a company as a branch of the NGO
- The project has a dedicated team and business plan, and targets business sustainability/profitability (e.g. plans to spin off as an independent entity).
Also, note that NGOs can apply under the Start-up category if the project meets one of the additional following criteria:
- Digital i.e. based on a telecom, computer or cloud-based technology
- Innovative, either intrinsically or compared to the local market
- Local, i.e. headquartered or with project management activities in the country of the project
How to Apply
- Download the application pack for Start-ups here
- You can watch the information webinar’s replays in English and French
- Complete the application form here and prepare the required documents
The deadline for the Digital Energy Challenge project submission is Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 23:59 CET.
Deadline: May 15, 2024
Click HERE to Apply