Call for NGOs

(Video) This is a call to NGOs. In a world at a crossroads, urgent global action is needed.Our program pairs EPFL Researchers with organizations like yours. We are seeking out NGOs active in Climate Change, Healthcare, Clean Energy. We want to address your challenges by sharing our resources and expertise in science, technology, innovation. Let's achieve the global goals together. Take action – Apply Now! © EPFL Tech4Dev

We are looking for challenges from your fields !

The program currently focuses on three specific topics:

The first step is to identify with you the challenges that the local community encounter in the field across the first three topics.

HEALTHCARE CHALLENGES

The SDG 3 aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. Technological challenges include developing innovative solutions for healthcare access, disease prevention, and securely and ethically managing health data.

Digital healthImagingPatient monitoringCare supportDigital diagnosticsData managementPredictive modelingRemote sensing

Previous project example ​— Comprehensive Cervical Cancer Prevention (CERVIX)
SDG 3@EPFL


7

Schools


78

Labs

CLIMATE CHANGE CHALLENGES

The SDG 13 aims to combat climate change and its impacts. Technological challenges include developing sustainable solutions for anticipating and adapting to changing climate conditions (agriculture, Food, Health, population displacement). These technologies must be tailored to local resources and needs to ensure effective and equitable climate action.

 

Predictive modeling GIS Data monitoringEngineeringMechanicalITConstruction Foodtech Imaging ​​​​ Remote sensing

Previous project example ​— Computational Design for Resilient Shelters (CDRS)
SDG 13@EPFL


4

Schools


32

Labs

CLEAN ENERGY CHALLENGES​

The SDG 7 aims to ensure access to clean, affordable, and sustainable energy for all. Technological challenges include developing innovative solutions to improve energy efficiency, promote renewable energies, and expand electricity access in remote or underserved areas. Technologies must also be tailored to local needs and environmental conditions to ensure equitable and sustainable energy progress.

 

Photovoltaics Energy storageEnergy engineeringWind energyBuilding energy efficciencyRemote sensingPredictive modeling

Previous project example —Affordable Solar Fuel for Clean Cooking (SOLAR COOKING)

SDG 7@EPFL


4

Schools


55

Labs

Explore the ongoing projects

During their journey, every project from the 1st edition was guided through multiple stages of development, guaranteeing equitable partnerships, adaptability and sustainability to address the crucial needs of the respective local communities. They are now active in their communities.

(Map) Optimize map visualization for global program projects, each represented by country pins, enhancing international visibility and regional project distribution. © EPFL Tech4Dev

(Map) Optimize map visualization for global program projects, each represented by country pins, enhancing international visibility and regional project distribution. © EPFL Tech4Dev

Partners: Laboratory of Renewable Energy Science and Engineering(LRESE) & Soft Power, University of Yaoundé (Cameroon)

Solar-powered plant for clean hydrogen production and clean and safe food cooking.

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Partners: EPFL Urban and regional planning community (CEAT), World Bicycle Relief (WBR) & Nepal Flying Labs

Mapping Rural Infrastructure, Barriers, and Hazards.

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Partners:  Laboratory of Sustainable and Catalytic Processes (LPDC) & Medair

Transforming Agricultural Residues into Fully Biodegradable Polyester.

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Partners: EssentialTech Centre (ETC) & Centre for Public Health and Development, Villgro Africa (Kenya)

Neonatal Incubator enabling access to adapted diagnostics and care, training and education at primary care facilities.

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Partners: EPFL Structural Exploration Lab, Medair & University of Juba (South Sudan)

Innovative flood-resilient housing solution.

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Partners: EssentialTech Centre, Laboratory for Functional inorganic Materials & SolidarMed (Mozambique)
Affordable, Electricity-Free Cold Box for Extended Vaccine Storage and Transport.

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Partners: Laboratory of Processing of Advanced Composites, Universidad de Los Andes & OMNIS Institute
Fundacion Todos Podemos Ayudar, Fundacion A-Kasa (Colombia)

Eco-friendly 3D Printed Assistive Devices from Plastic and Natural Fiber Waste.

Learn more

Ready to share your challenges with us?

New call will open in November 2024

First, please check our requirements to ensure your project is eligable. If so, download the submission file below and send it back to [email protected].

Conditions to submit a challenge :

  • Be legally incorporated as an NGO

  • Have adequate personnel and in-country organizational structures, including staff, field offices and access to communications

  • Ability to provide the necessary complementary inputs, especially technical supervision and support for the relevant research activities

  • Have proven access to local partners and meaningful connection with community of beneficiaries

  • Strong track record and willingness to work with communities and community-based organizations in line with SDC’s Human Rights Policy

  • Open to collaborate with government infrastructure in the LMICs and willing and able to work with the responsible Government authorities at all levels

  • The target country must be among the Low- and Middle-income countries (list link)

  • The challenge must be within one of the 3 topics: Healthcare, Climate Change, Clean Energy

  • Must meet a local need. Local community clearly identified and involved with your organisation

Participants’ testimonials

Alisha Myers

Thanks to Tech4Dev, World Bicycle Relief partnered with EPFL experts to solve a technology problem previously beyond our reach. This unique program opened doors to a broad network of innovators, all striving to achieve social impact by applying technology to solve challenges in the Low- and Middle- Income Countries.

Alisha Myers, Global Director, Strategic Information and Innovation at World Bicycle Relief

Joel Kaiser

Collaborating with EPFL labs wouldn't be possible without Tech4Dev. Through their matchmaking and resources we were able to take our humanitarian innovation work to the next level.

Joel Kaiser, Humanitarian Innovation Adviser & Project manager at Medair

Michael A. Hobbins

Tech4Dev provides the opportunity for NGOs and EPFL research labs to jointly innovate on real life challenges, therefore developing solutions that leverage market forces for sustainability.

Michael A. Hobbins, Head of Unit, Research, Quality & Innovation at SolidarMed

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Contact

In you have any additional question concerning the Tech4Dev program, do not hesitate to contact us!

Tiphaine Detoudeville

[email protected]


EPFL Tech4Dev
Vice Presidency for Innovation
EPFL Innovation Park J
CH-1015 Lausanne