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The Light Design Lab is a 3-month, fully remote creative incubator powered by Light Design Factory . It is designed as an educational ecosystem to nurture design-forward, tech-savvy African creatives working at the intersection of storytelling, branding, artificial intelligence, culture, and social impact. Duration & Format: 3-month remote incubator (launching August 2026) Cohort Size: 10 selected participants What You’ll Do AI & Creative Tools: Experiment with leading AI tools for graphics, video, sound, research, storytelling, and design innovation. Content & Branding: Create AI-assisted content for media, brands, and social platforms using impactful storytelling frameworks. Research & Culture: Conduct research into African creativity, design history, culture, and emerging tech trends. Projects & Collaboration: Work on real-world briefs, participate in workshops and challenges, and collaborate with peers across Africa. Portfolio Building: Develop a professional portfolio showcasing case studies built during the program. What Participants Receive Financial Support: A monthly stipend for selected cohort members. Tools & Mentorship: Access to creative/AI software and weekly mentorship with feedback sessions. Discovery Phase Access: All applicants get access to a initial "Discovery Phase" to experience the learning environment prior to final cohort selection. Recognition: Certificate of completion, portfolio exposure across Light Design Lab platforms, and potential future project collaborations. Eligibility Requirements Target Audience: Open to African creatives across various disciplines and countries within Africa. Skill Focus & Mindset: Candidates who are curious, bold, and eager to explore the intersection of design, technology, AI tools, storytelling, and social impact. Commitment: Ability to participate in a 3-month remote program starting in August 2026, including weekly sessions, assignments, and collaborative projects.

The Wema Bank Hackaholics 7.0 (themed "Powering Possibilities" ) is Wema Bank’s flagship open innovation platform and pitch competition. As one of Africa’s premier corporate-backed youth innovation initiatives, it connects African tech founders, engineers, designers, and social innovators directly with capital, bank infrastructure, and ecosystem growth tools. Opportunity Overview & Funding Pool Hackaholics serves as a multi-stage funnel designed to move projects from hackathon concepts into scalable, market-ready businesses. Up to ₦200 Million in Non-Dilutive Funding: Top-performing teams across the tracks win equity-free cash prizes and equity-free innovation grants from the total prize pool. Direct Banking & API Integration: Exceptional solutions—particularly in fintech, digital infrastructure, and consumer tools—gain opportunities to integrate into Wema Bank’s core product suit (including ALAT , Nigeria's pioneer digital bank) and partner channels. Post-Competition Accelerator: High-potential finalists transition into the Hackaholics Accelerator / IDEAx Labs program for structured venture building, enterprise readiness, and seed-stage corporate capital support. Expert Mentorship & Visibility: Direct guidance from corporate executives, tech leads, and venture investors, along with high-visibility pitching at the Grand Finale. Program Tracks Applicants can enter through one of three distinct participation channels: Startup Pitch Competition: Tailored for early-stage startups with an existing product or validated MVP looking for growth capital, corporate integration, and strategic market expansion. Hackathon Track: Designed for developers, engineers, and UX designers who build functional software prototypes or technical solutions at speed to solve designated industry problems. Social Impact Track: Focused on changemakers, non-profits, and impact entrepreneurs building tech-enabled solutions for community, environmental, and civic issues. Key Challenge Areas Solutions submitted across the three tracks must address at least one of the core vertical focus areas: Financial Inclusion & Fintech Digital Transformation & Enterprise Tools Healthcare & HealthTech Sustainability & Green Energy Education & Future of Work Social Impact & Community Resilience Eligibility Criteria Target Audience: Open to early-stage founders, software engineers, designers, students, and social innovators. Geographic Focus: Open to innovators operating across Africa (with primary regional pitch hubs across Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya ). Participation Mode: Candidates may apply either as individuals or as teams/registered startups . No Technical Degree Mandate: Formal technical degrees are not required, provided the team demonstrates a working prototype, clear logic, or execution capability.

The initiative is a $1,000,000 fund designed to empower the next generation of African creative entrepreneurs. It focuses on providing both capital and foundational infrastructure to help creators scale their ideas into thriving ventures. Key Offerings: Financial Investment: Funding ranges between $20,000 and $50,000 per high-potential venture, structured under flexible convertible note terms. Mentorship: Direct access to industry veterans, global creative leaders, and successful entrepreneurs. Strategic Networks: Assistance with building connections to key regional and international distributors, platforms, partners, and customers. Community Access: Direct entry into an exclusive network of ambitious creative innovators across the continent. Eligibility Criteria The fund specifically evaluates applicants based on core founder demographics, sector alignment, and business viability. Founder & Operational Requirements Heritage: At least one co-founder must be of Nigerian descent. Location: The business operations must be physically based in Africa and primarily targeted at serving African markets. Sector Focus: The venture must operate within or directly support the creative economy, specifically targeting fields like music, film, gaming, content creation, or creative technology . Business Evaluation Factors Beyond the base requirements, applicants are assessed on three operational strengths: Market Opportunity: A clear definition of the problem being solved within the creative economy, an understanding of the addressable market size, and strategic timing. Team Execution: A committed, coachable founding team with a strong growth mindset and relevant domain experience. Business Viability: A scalable business model that demonstrates early customer validation, market traction, or a clear trajectory toward revenue generation.

The Co-Creation Accelerator 2026–2027 is a specialized, challenge-driven initiative launched by 28DIGITAL (formerly known as EIT Digital , a prominent European Union innovation and technology engine). Unlike traditional general-purpose incubators, this program is designed specifically to bridge the gap between early-stage deep-tech startups and major industrial players. The objective is to co-develop, test, and scale functional digital solutions to tackle real-world industrial pain points over a structured 4-month project timeline . Opportunity Overview & Program Benefits The accelerator leverages cascade funding and EIT’s expansive innovation network to de-risk technology validation. Up to €250,000 in Funding: Selected ventures receive up to €250,000 to fund the engineering and operational runway of the co-creation project, with no co-funding required . The Equity Model: Rather than a simple grant, this is an equity-based program. 28DIGITAL takes a 3.5% to 7% equity stake in the business via a formal Share Transfer Agreement . Direct Corporate Matchmaking: Startups work hand-in-hand with industry leaders, utilizing corporate facilities, data, or sandboxes as direct pilot customers. Masterclass & Mentorship Access: Founders secure dedicated placement in the 28DIGITAL Speed Master and MentorMe programs for intensive commercial and product scaling support. The Two Program Tracks Startups can enter the co-creation pipeline through one of two distinct structural routes: The Open Challenge Track: You apply alongside an already established corporate partner of your choosing . Together, you jointly define a custom deep-tech challenge to build and validate over the 4-month cycle. The Industry Challenge Track: You apply directly to solve predefined challenges created and published by 28DIGITAL's active network of corporate partners. Strict Eligibility & Traction Baselines The evaluation panel enforces precise technical and legal boundaries. This program is not suitable for idea-stage concepts . 1. Organizational & Legal Criteria Company Status: Must qualify as a micro or small enterprise (fewer than 50 employees) under official EU definitions. Incorporation Window: Must have been legally incorporated within the last five years . Geographic Base: Must be incorporated and actively operating within an EU Member State, Horizon Europe country, or HE-associated nation . Team Size: The venture must have a minimum of two full-time equivalent (FTE) employees . 2. Technological Readiness & Assets TRL 4–5 Baseline: The core technology must operate at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4 or 5 and above . Functional Prototype: You must possess at least a working prototype or proof-of-concept validated in an experimental setting, alongside clear control over the underlying intellectual property (IP).

The Next Wave Global Business Innovation Programme (GBIP): Createch SLUSH 2026 – Finland is an international business growth programme delivered by Innovate UK Business Growth to help innovative UK SMEs expand into global markets. As part of the programme, selected companies will participate in a structured market-entry journey culminating in attendance at SLUSH , one of the world's leading startup and investor conferences held annually in Helsinki, Finland. The programme is designed to help ambitious UK businesses build international partnerships, validate market opportunities, connect with investors and industry leaders, and accelerate commercial growth in the Nordic and wider European innovation ecosystem. Rather than being a trade mission alone, it combines expert market preparation, tailored introductions, in-country engagement, and post-visit business support to maximise long-term outcomes. Programme Objectives The programme aims to: Support innovative UK SMEs in expanding into international markets. Provide direct access to Finland's thriving startup and innovation ecosystem. Facilitate collaborations with global technology companies, investors, research organisations, and corporate partners. Help businesses validate product-market fit within international markets. Build long-term commercial partnerships and strategic collaborations. Equip participants with the knowledge and tools required for successful international expansion. Increase export opportunities for innovative UK businesses. Programme Structure Selected businesses participate in three stages: 1. Get Ready Before travelling, participants receive intensive preparation through workshops covering: Finnish and Nordic market insights. Business culture and commercial practices. Intellectual property protection. Market entry strategies. Export readiness. Partnership development. Refining the company's international value proposition. Participants also receive support in identifying potential partners and arranging targeted business meetings. 2. Market Visit Participants travel to Finland for approximately one week, where they: Attend the SLUSH conference. Participate in pre-arranged business meetings. Meet investors and venture capital firms. Network with multinational companies. Visit innovation hubs and technology organisations. Explore collaboration opportunities with Finnish and European businesses. Engage in activities tailored to the Createch sector. 3. Exploit the Opportunity Following the visit, each company works closely with an Innovate UK Business Growth Innovation and Growth Specialist to develop and implement an international growth action plan. This phase helps participants: Convert new relationships into commercial opportunities. Develop export strategies. Refine international market entry plans. Continue building collaborations initiated during the programme. Benefits for Selected Companies Successful applicants receive: International Market Access Entry into Finland's innovation ecosystem. Exposure to Nordic and European technology markets. Opportunities to explore commercial expansion. Attendance at SLUSH Participants gain access to one of Europe's largest startup conferences, providing opportunities to: Meet global investors. Engage with startup founders. Network with corporate innovation teams. Learn from international technology leaders. Tailored Business Introductions Innovate UK facilitates introductions to: Potential customers. Strategic partners. Investors. Research organisations. Innovation clusters. Industry experts. One-to-One Business Support Each business is assigned an Innovation and Growth Specialist who provides bespoke guidance before, during, and after the programme. Funded Participation Innovate UK funds: Group international flights. Group accommodation. Group in-country transport. Funding is provided for one senior representative from each selected company. A refundable £1,000 commitment fee is required and is returned upon successful completion of the programme and agreed activities. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must generally meet the following requirements: Business Size Applicants must be: A small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) . Location The business must be: Based in the United Kingdom . Innovation The company should: Offer an innovative product, service, or technology. Demonstrate strong potential for international growth. Growth Ambition Applicants should show: A commitment to expanding into global markets. Interest in developing international partnerships. Readiness to commercialise internationally. Senior Leadership Commitment A senior decision-maker from the business must commit to participating in all stages of the programme, including: Pre-market preparation workshops. The Finland market visit. Post-visit exploitation activities. Ongoing engagement with an Innovation and Growth Specialist. Ideal Applicants This programme is particularly suitable for: Creative technology (Createch) startups. Digital and immersive technology companies. AI-driven creative businesses. Gaming and interactive media companies. Creative software developers. Extended reality (XR), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) innovators. Digital entertainment businesses. Media technology companies. Design technology innovators. Businesses seeking international investment or strategic partnerships. What the Selection Panel Looks For Competitive applicants typically demonstrate: A genuinely innovative product or service. Strong commercial potential. A clear strategy for international expansion. The ability to benefit from international collaboration. Leadership commitment to business growth. Capacity to build sustainable partnerships in overseas markets. Readiness to engage actively throughout the entire programme.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call Grants Program provides general operating support to nonprofit organizations that are creating long-term, community-driven solutions to environmental, food system, and public health challenges. Rather than funding short-term projects alone, the foundation primarily invests in organizations whose overall mission aligns with its priorities and demonstrates measurable impact at the grassroots level. Typical grant awards range from US$5,000 to US$50,000 for a one-year grant period. Funding Priorities The foundation supports organizations working in one or more of the following areas: 1. Sustainable Food Systems Organizations that are: Expanding regenerative and organic agriculture. Strengthening local and regional food systems. Improving food security through systemic change rather than emergency food distribution. Supporting farmers, food workers, and food justice initiatives. Promoting equitable access to healthy, nutritious food. 2. Environmental Protection & Climate Action Projects that: Protect natural ecosystems and biodiversity. Advance climate resilience and climate justice. Reduce pollution affecting communities. Promote sustainable land and water management. Encourage community-led environmental stewardship. 3. Community Health & Well-being Initiatives that: Improve physical and mental health through healthier environments. Increase access to safe outdoor spaces for recreation and physical activity. Address environmental health hazards and toxic exposure. Improve living and working conditions for vulnerable communities. The foundation particularly values organizations addressing the root causes of social and environmental problems instead of providing temporary relief. Eligibility Criteria Applicants are most competitive when they meet the following requirements: Organizational Status Applicants must: Be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization , or Be fiscally sponsored by a qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Geographic Focus Organizations should primarily operate within: The United States. U.S. territories. Community-Based Approach Successful applicants typically: Have strong relationships with the communities they serve. Demonstrate meaningful local engagement. Involve community members in designing and implementing solutions. Show evidence of grassroots leadership rather than top-down programming. Organizational Size Preference is given to organizations with: Annual operating budgets below US$8 million . Grassroots Impact Competitive organizations generally: Implement practical, community-driven solutions. Influence change at the local, state, or national level. Demonstrate measurable outcomes. Have a clear strategy for creating long-term systemic impact. Alignment with Foundation Values Applicants should demonstrate alignment with the foundation's commitment to: Environmental sustainability. Social justice. Community empowerment. Equity and inclusion. Long-term systems change. Collaborative leadership. Activities and Organizations Not Typically Funded The foundation generally does not support: Capital construction or building projects. Deficit reduction or debt repayment. Endowments. Fundraising events or sponsorships. Individuals. Government agencies. Chapters of national organizations without strong local autonomy. Faith-based organizations whose primary purpose is religious. Academic after-school programs. Traditional food banks unless they are driving broader food systems change. Medical research institutions or hospitals. Product donations or commercial ventures. Characteristics of Strong Applications Organizations are generally more competitive if they can demonstrate: A proven record of community impact. Strong partnerships within the communities they serve. Innovative solutions addressing systemic challenges. Clear evidence of measurable outcomes. Financial sustainability. Diverse leadership and inclusive governance. Programs that can influence policy, practice, or broader systems—not just deliver services.

The Next Wave Fund is a joint initiative by Kickstarter and Google designed to empower early-stage technology startups and small businesses to launch, fund, and scale their innovative physical or digital products. Opportunity Overview The program bridges the gap between a bold idea and a scalable business by combining Kickstarter’s crowdfunding expertise with Google’s strategic business tools and training. Key Benefits: Financial Kickstart: Selected projects receive a $10,000 pledge from the fund toward their Kickstarter funding goal when their campaign goes live. Expert Mentorship: Hands-on guidance from Kickstarter's Design & Technology team on campaign strategy, positioning, and community engagement. Google Training: No-cost access to professional certificates (like the Google AI Professional Certificate ) and workshops led by "Grow with Google" coaches. Marketing Exposure: Promotion via Kickstarter’s newsletters and social media channels to reach a global audience of backers. Scaling Pathways: Opportunities to apply for Google Accelerators as the business matures. Eligibility Criteria To qualify, your project must fit within the "Technology" or "Digital Gaming" categories as defined by the program. 1. Business & Team Profile Size: Must be an entrepreneur or a small business with fewer than 20 full-time employees . Legal Status: At least one team member must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or O-1 visa holder . Banking: The project's bank account must be located in the United States . Age: The primary contact must be at least 18 years old . 2. Project Focus The fund specifically supports innovation in: Hardware & Connected Tech: Physical products with innovative functionality. Software: New applications or technical materials. Digital Gaming: Projects that incorporate software or hardware components. 3. Platform Alignment Crowdfunding Intent: You must intend to run a live Kickstarter campaign to receive the support. Rules: The project must comply with all standard Kickstarter platform rules (e.g., no "buy-and-resell," clear prototypes for hardware).