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.

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

Apply here

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