Question 1:

Do you need to provide a CV of team members during the application?

Answer: Yes, we advise providing a CV of team members. This will allow us to assess your capacity and technical expertise in implementing the project. 

Question 2:

What is the maximum amount of funds that each applicant can receive?

Answer: Each applicant can receive a maximum of 40,000 USD. Considering the current UN exchange rate of 4.62, this equates to 40,000 multiplied by 4.62, which is the maximum amount of funds available for each applicant. 

Question 3:

Can an existing waste management project be submitted?

Answer: No, existing waste management projects cannot be submitted. However, if your current project is a new innovation and you are still in the consultation stage and have not yet executed it, we may consider it. We need to assess the stage of your starting phase to determine eligibility.

Question 4:

What is the range of financial benefits that the project aims for?

Answer: We have not set a specific range for financial benefits because it can vary depending on the case. It would be unfair to set a financial target because the benefits for the community, private sector, and the environment can differ significantly. Therefore, we do not have a set range for financial or monetary value at this point. We require you to provide a project indicator and propose an expected date for the project completion.

Question 5:

Is there a maximum number of group members allowed?

Answer: There is no limit on the number of group members. However, please be mindful that having a larger group will require more consultation and decision-making processes. Ensure that the number of group members is within your manageable limit and that you have the ability to work effectively as a team.

Question 6:

Is there a time limit for project completion?

Answer: Yes, the timeline for project completion is available at the bottom of the homepage. The project is expected to be completed by 3 March 2025. However, we have extra months for final reviews and payments, with the deadline set for 2 September 2025. The project activities must be completed before 3 May 2025.

Question 7:

What can be covered by the funding and what cannot be claimed under reimbursement?

Answer: The details of what can be covered by the funding and what cannot be claimed under reimbursement are available in Annex 2, which includes the proposal and financial proposal. This will be further discussed if you are shortlisted in the process.

Question 8:

Is there a required technology readiness level?

Answer: The technology readiness level should be at least at the pilot stage. This means the technology must be ready for experimentation and testing during the pilot phase of the Innovation Challenge.

Question 9:

Can we submit a proposal for an island in general without specifying a specific island in Malaysia?

Answer: No, you cannot submit a proposal for an island in general. You must partner with at least one local actor and demonstrate that you have a partner on the ground in a specific island that you think is suitable for your pilot project.

Question 10:

What is meant by ‘actors’ in the context of applicants?

Answer: 'Actors' refer to the stakeholders involved in the project. This can include community members, government authorities, businesses in the area, NGOs, and others.

Question 11:

What defines the starting stage of a project?

Answer: The starting stage of a project can be as early as the ideation phase. However, you need to demonstrate the level of maturity of the idea and its feasibility for a pilot.

Question 12:

Is there a requirement for prior track record in the work?

Answer: No, there is no requirement for a prior track record. This Innovation Challenge is open to anyone with an innovative idea, regardless of their previous experience.

Question 13:

Can the outcome of the project be published in any academic journal?

Answer: There is no restriction on publishing the outcome in academic journals. However, you should review the sample agreement to understand the terms related to intellectual property.

Question 14:

Can the cost of external expertise be funded in this grant?

Answer: Yes, the cost of external expertise can be covered by the grant.

Question 15:

What is the maximum number of applicants eligible to be shortlisted or chosen?

Answer: We are looking to shortlist 20 to 25 applicants. From those, we intend to select at least five winners, although the final number will depend on the quality of the applications and the interest shown.

Question 16:

Can we propose a solution for a limited type of waste, such as electronic or organic waste, or do we have to cover all types of general waste?

Answer: You can propose a solution for a limited type of waste. It is not necessary to cover all types of general waste.

Question 17:

If we are from a government institution, do we still need to collaborate with a local actor?

Answer: Yes, even if you are a government institution, you are required to collaborate with other stakeholders, such as NGOs or academia, to meet the partnership component of the Innovation Challenge.

Question 18:

What do we mean by local stakeholder, local government, or local NGO?

Answer: Local stakeholders are those who live and operate in the location where you plan to implement the Innovation Challenge. This includes local governments, NGOs, and community members in the specific area.

Question 19:

Who is the IP holder of any new idea?

Answer: The intellectual property (IP) rights will be determined according to the terms of the agreement. Please review the sample agreement for specific details on intellectual property rights.

Question 20:

Can you be the applicant leader if you are not a local stakeholder?

Answer: Yes, you can be the applicant leader even if you are not a local stakeholder, as long as you are a registered entity and partner with at least one local actor.

Question 21:

According to the timeline, the winner will be announced in October 2024. Will the project start from October 2024 until February 2025, considering the monsoon season on the east coast?

Answer: Yes, the project timeline is from October 2024 to February 2025. However, we will consider adjustments to the timeline if the winner is from the east coast and is affected by the monsoon season. The main focus is on the innovative idea for waste management.

Question 22:

Are applicants expected to make a minimum financial contribution?

Answer: Yes, applicants are expected to contribute a minimum of 20% through in-kind parallel funding. Please ensure this information is included in your budget proposal as well.