Applications are now open for the 2025 WASCAL Innovative Ideas Competition for Sustainable Energy (WISE), supported by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). WASCAL is inviting young innovators, scientists, entrepreneurs, and organizations from West Africa to submit groundbreaking short-term projects and development/research ideas that leverage renewable energy and green hydrogen. The competition aims to tackle the region’s energy challenges, improve electricity access, promote sustainable development, and positively impact local communities. Through this initiative, WASCAL seeks innovative solutions in renewable energy, green hydrogen, energy efficiency, green mobility, and socio-economic development. The program emphasizes practical applications that can enhance livelihoods, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas, and encourages projects that empower women and girls in the energy sector. Selected projects will receive financial support to transform ideas into actionable solutions.
West African Science Service Center on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL)
Requirements/Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must meet the following conditions: 1. Individuals or Groups: Young West Africans, including students, academics, scientists, practitioners, technologists, and entrepreneurs from West African countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo). A personal bank account is required. 2. Associations/Organizations: Must be legally registered in a West African country and have a local bank account in the name of the organization. 3. Proposal Focus: Projects should focus on renewable energy (RE) and green hydrogen (GH2) solutions. Potential themes include: * Renewable energy solutions * Green hydrogen technologies * Green mobility * Energy access and services through renewables * Biomass/waste recovery for energy * Energy-Water-Food Nexus solutions * Productive uses of renewable energy in rural areas * Thematic trainings, workshops, or awareness campaigns * Energy efficiency solutions * Women’s and girls’ empowerment in renewable energy * Socio-economic development and value addition in rural areas * Innovative business models for energy technologies and services 4. Proposal Requirements: Proposals may focus on product/process development, services, business models, or scientific studies. Submissions must demonstrate engagement with WASCAL activities. 5. Submission Package: Must include: * Completed and signed application form * Endorsement letter from the applicant’s institution/organization * CV(s) of the applicant(s) * Certificate of registration for associations/organizations
Duration/Stipends: * Maximum grant per project: €20,000 * Project duration: Up to 15 months * Eligible expenses include operational costs, procurement of goods/services, travel, training, and capacity-building activities. Non-eligible costs include administrative expenses, taxes, bonuses, in-kind contributions, capital purchases, and institutional overheads. *
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