Deadline: September 4, 2025
The AI4D Innovation Scaling Challenge 2025 is now open for applications! This highly impactful funding opportunity seeks to support AI solutions already deployed in real-life settings across Africa, helping them scale responsibly to new users, communities, and markets. If your AI innovation is creating measurable social impact and is ready to grow, this challenge is for you.
Backed by the Lab for Ethics, Policy and Scaling of AI (LEPSAI) at the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), and funded through the Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D) initiative—by Canada’s IDRC and the UK’s FCDO—this challenge offers up to $100,000 in funding, alongside expert technical support and networking opportunities.
What is the AI4D Innovation Scaling Challenge 2025?
The AI4D Innovation Scaling Challenge 2025 is designed to accelerate the responsible scaling of AI innovations that have already moved beyond proof-of-concept. It focuses on empowering socially impactful solutions that are making a difference in Africa and have the potential to reach significantly more people.
The programme will support up to ten African AI innovations, offering seed funding and mentorship to help them scale ethically and sustainably.
What the Challenge Offers
Participants stand to gain the following benefits:
- Grant Funding: Up to $100,000 USD per project, depending on development stage and scaling needs.
- Technical Support: Ongoing access to experts in responsible AI, implementation, and business development.
- Mentorship and Collaboration: Links to other innovators, researchers, policymakers, and funders across the continent.
- Showcasing Opportunities: Get featured through the AI4D network and partners.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- The AI solution must already be deployed in real-world settings (not just in lab or pilot phase).
- The lead applicant can be:
- An individual researcher or innovator,
- An AI-focused startup or MSME,
- A university or research institute,
- A multi-stakeholder consortium (including civil society, government, or private sector partners).
- The project must be based in or benefit countries in Africa.
- Innovations must reflect the principles of responsible AI, prioritising ethics, inclusion, and human rights.
Priority Thematic Areas
The challenge is particularly interested in projects working in the following sectors:
- Climate Change: Mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.
- Agriculture and Food Security: Enhancing productivity, sustainability, and access.
- Education and Skills Development: Improving access, learning outcomes, and future-readiness.
- Equity and Inclusion: Addressing systemic inequalities based on gender, disability, or marginalised groups.
Application Process
To apply for the AI4D Innovation Scaling Challenge 2025, candidates must submit a comprehensive proposal including:
- Applicant profile
- Project concept note detailing:
- Problem or opportunity being addressed,
- Objectives and goals,
- Implementation plan and timeline,
- Expected outcomes and impact.
- Responsible AI and Scaling Assessment: A self-evaluation of your solution’s ethical, social, and scaling dimensions.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 4 September 2025
How to Apply
- Apply here: Submit your application via Submittable
- Read more about the programme: AI4D Innovation Scaling Challenge 2025 Overview
About AI4D
AI4D (Artificial Intelligence for Development) is a global initiative led by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Its mission is to promote safe, inclusive, rights-based, and sustainable AI development in Africa (and Asia). AI4D supports innovations, research hubs, policy dialogue, and ethics frameworks that guide responsible AI deployment.
The Innovation Scaling Challenge is one of the flagship funding mechanisms of AI4D, focusing on translating proven solutions into scaled interventions with regional or continental impact.
✉️ Need Help With Your Proposal?
Do you need expert support with proposal drafting, refining, or review for the AI4D Innovation Scaling Challenge 2025?
👉 Contact grantsdatabase.org for professional assistance with your submission.
This opportunity could be the springboard your AI solution needs to grow across Africa. Don’t miss the chance to secure funding, build partnerships, and scale your innovation responsibly. Apply now before 4 September 2025!
