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Apply Now for the Digital Energy Challenge for start-ups and win a up to €150,000.
The Digital Energy Challenge for startups is an annual competition that recognizes 5 to 8 startups developing innovative digital projects to enhance energy access and grid services in Africa.
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The challenge focuses on rewarding digital innovation in energy systems and is open to startups and public utility companies across Africa, including both North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.
For the 2024 edition, startups’ projects must align with one of the following thematic areas:
1. Universal electricity access and mini-grids
2. Efficient grid management
3. Resilience and decarbonization of power systems
Winners of the challenge will receive several benefits, including:
1. Financial support of up to €150K, along with technical assistance
2. Participation in a joint boot camp led by cross-sectoral experts
3. Widespread communication campaigns piloted by AFD to promote the startups’ projects
To be eligible, startups must meet the following criteria:
1. Founded less than 10 years ago
2. In the pre-seed/early-stage financing phase, with less than €1M funding raised
3. Annual turnover of less than €1M
4. Employ between 1 and 99 people full-time
NGOs can also apply under the startup category if the project meets specific criteria, such as being set up as a company branch of the NGO or having a dedicated team and business plan targeting business sustainability/profitability.
To apply, startups can download the application pack, watch information webinars in English and French, complete the application form, and prepare the required documents. The deadline for project submission is Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 23:59 CET.
Deadline: May 15, 2024
