Expression of Interest: Joint Innovation Facility (JIF) – Catalytic Funding for African-Led Innovation
The Joint Innovation Facility (JIF) is now accepting submissions for its Expression of Interest Call, inviting African-led innovation consortia to apply for catalytic funding ranging from €100,000 to €250,000.
The JIF supports ventures in innovative areas such as Blue Tech, Energy, Smart Mobility, and Smart Cities through funding, mentorship, investment readiness support, and visibility.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be considered, your consortium must meet the following requirements:
• Mission Alignment: Align with the JIF’s mission of driving inclusive, sustainable, and Africa-Europe or Sub-Saharan African innovation.
• Digital Innovation: Advance digitally enabled innovations, with a preference for frontier technologies (e.g., AI-based, IoT, etc.) in climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.
• Partnership Structure: Include at least two partners from Sub-Saharan Africa or Europe, with the African partner in a leadership role.
• Commercial Viability: Demonstrate a commercially viable business model and strong market potential.
• Co-financing Commitment: Commit to 20% co-financing (minimum 10% in cash).
• Leadership Representation: Be driven by a strong team with at least 30% women representation in leadership positions.
• Governance and Accountability: Operate with clear governance, policies, and financial accountability.
• Geographic Focus: The African partners must be based in one of the 14 Africa project priority countries: Benin, DRC, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
For more information and to apply, please visit: https://project-spark.info/joint-innovation-facility/
Application Deadline: August 4, 2025
