Introducing the Irish Aid SDG Challenge
Applications are now open for the 2024 Irish Aid SDG Challenge. This challenge supports transdisciplinary teams in developing sustainable solutions for development issues under the UN SDGs in Irish Aid’s target countries.
Solutions must show a specific impact in one of Irish Aid’s partner countries, but applicants are encouraged to consider broader opportunities for greater impact and regional learning.
Funding is available for collaborative research teams based in eligible institutions in Ireland and partner countries.
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Successful teams will receive up to €300,000 and will progress through several phases to develop their ideas.
An overall prize of €1 million will be awarded to the team with the highest potential for transformative impact.
Irish Aid SDG Challenge Requirements
The Irish Aid SDG Challenge supports highly motivated, transdisciplinary teams dedicated to creating transformative, sustainable solutions for development challenges related to the UN SDGs in Irish Aid partner countries.
Teams should include a mix of technical and non-technical skills to address challenges in defining and deploying solutions and should represent collaborative, equitable partnerships between researchers in Ireland and the partner country.
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Teams must have expertise in the STEM research area relevant to their proposed solution and should also include knowledge or experience in complementary fields such as international development, economics, behavioral science, or others to aid in the development, translation, and impact of their solutions.
As part of the Irish Aid SDG Challenge application, the core team must include two academic researchers, with at least one from a relevant STEM discipline.
Funding should be distributed to reflect the various contributions of team members.
Phase Funding & Duration
The SFI Future Innovator Prize is divided into three phases:
Concept, Seed, and Prize Award, as outlined below.
Funding should be allocated to the Team Lead/Team Co-Lead based at an eligible higher education institution (HEI) in Ireland and the Partner Country Team Co-Lead based in the partner country. Details on eligible costs and funding levels are provided in the call document.
| Phase | Funding (Direct) | Duration (Months) |
|---|---|---|
| Concept | €50,000 | 6 |
| Seed | €250,000 | 12 |
| Prize | €1,000,000 | 24 |
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