GCRF Digital Innovation for Development in Africa

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), are pleased to invite applications for Digital Innovation for Development in Africa (DIDA).

This two stage GCRF call focuses on the impact and application of digital technologies for development in Africa. Stage one focusses on building Networks that bring together academics, industry, NGOs, policymakers and practitioners from Africa with UK partners.

These Networks are expected to build new relationships and stimulate novel research and innovation ideas and activities that will enable partners to apply for funding to deliver a co-developed and fully realised project in stage two. This call has three thematic areas of focus and applicants can apply to any strand.

This call will support seed funding for Networks working within the following thematic areas (more information about each is contained in the call text):

Digital Rights
Smart Communities
Digital Health
The seed funded DIDA Networks should be inherently multi-stakeholder and interdisciplinary. They should also aim to facilitate the development of partnerships between researchers, industry, NGOs, policymakers and practitioners.

It is expected that a total of £3M will be available for seed funded DIDA Networks with individual projects up to a 12-month duration costing between £100,000 - £150,000. This initial round of seed funding is available to establish Networks across a range of partners. Researchers from African or UK-based eligible Research Organisations can lead these Networks.

Once the awarded Networks have commenced, they will be eligible to apply to a second competitive call that will fund six to eight projects with total maximum funding of £19M over three years, costing between £1M to £3M each.