VivaTech organizes the Next Startupper Award to celebrate student entrepreneurs driving positive change through technological innovation. The competition is open to current students from any country who have founded a tech-oriented startup or project less than three years ago that demonstrates a clear social or environmental impact. Finalists receive four-day VIP speaker passes to the event in Paris and the opportunity to pitch their solutions to industry experts. The grand prize winner receives a €5,000 cash prize and a dedicated startup corner at the 2027 edition of VivaTech. The deadline for applications is 09 March 2026. More information
Ilka Westermeyer
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in the Maldives and Sri Lanka
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports small-scale, high-impact projects designed by local partners in the Maldives and Sri Lanka. The program prioritizes initiatives focused on inclusive governance, peace and security, climate action, and economic growth. Eligible applicants include local non-governmental organizations, community groups, academic institutions, and international agencies working on local development, provided they are legally registered and hold a local bank account. While the average contribution ranges from CAN$30 thousand to CAN$60 thousand, the maximum allocation for a single project is CAN$100 thousand. The deadline for applications is 09 March 2026. Link to CFLI
Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform — Local Solutions for Coral Conservation
The G20 Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) invites applications for the Coral Local Innovation Program (CLIP) to support research and development for coral conservation and restoration. This small grants program is open to organizations based in low- and middle-income countries, including non-profits, for-profit businesses, research institutes, and government agencies. The program provides up to US$100 thousand for projects lasting one to two years, with a requirement that the majority of funding be allocated to local individuals. The deadline for concept note submissions is 10 March 2026. Coral Local Innovation Program
World Bank Group — Youth Summit 2026
The World Bank Group hosts the Youth Summit Pitch Competition to support young innovators developing solutions for the future of work. Individuals or teams of up to five members, aged 18 to 35, from World Bank member countries are eligible to apply with projects focused on education, entrepreneurship, or agriculture. While there is no direct cash prize, finalists receive travel support to present their ideas at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C., along with specialized coaching and post-summit mentoring from International Finance Corporation (IFC) experts. The deadline for applications is 11 March 2026. Know more
Government of Ireland — International Education Scholarships 2026
The Government of Ireland invites applications for International Education Scholarships to support high-achieving students from non-EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The program is open to individuals who have secured an offer for a master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD program at an eligible Irish higher education institution. Each of the 60 annual scholarships provides a stipend of €10,000 for one year of full-time study, and the host institution provides a full tuition fee waiver for that year. The deadline for applications is 12 March 2026. International Education Scholarships
West Africa Civil Society Institute — Research Fellowship
The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) invites applications for its Research Fellowship to strengthen the analytical and documentation skills of emerging scholars. The six-month program, running from May to October 2026, focuses on indigenous knowledge in biodiversity and conservation within the West African region. Applicants must be young researchers from Ghana, Guinea Conakry, Liberia, Nigeria, or Senegal. While the specific stipend amount is not detailed in the announcement, the fellowship provides professional development and the opportunity to contribute to WACSI’s mission of enhancing civil society. The deadline for applications is 13 March 2026. WACSI Research Fellowship
greenCHEM — Green Chemistry Innovation Program
greenCHEM invites applications to the Green Chemistry Innovation Program to fast-track the validation of green chemistry technologies and business models. The program is open to innovators worldwide, including early-stage scientific spinouts, researchers with unexploited patents, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Participants receive equity-free funding for up to 12 months, including monthly stipends of €2,500 for master’s degree holders or €3,000 for those with a PhD, plus up to €40 thousand for material and investment expenses. The program provides laboratory access in Berlin, mentorship, and support for housing and visas. The deadline for applications is 15 March 2026. Know more
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in the South Pacific Ocean
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) provides funding for small-scale, high-impact projects designed by local partners in Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, and Tuvalu. The program focuses on priorities such as climate action, gender equality, human dignity, and inclusive economic growth. Eligible applicants include local non-governmental and community organizations, academic institutions, and regional or international agencies working on local development. While grants typically range from CAN$5,000 to CAN$45,000, the maximum contribution for any single project is CAN$65 thousand. The deadline for applications is 15 March 2026. CFLI South Pacific Ocean
Water Research Foundation — Tailored Collaboration Program
The Water Research Foundation (WRF) invites its subscribing utilities to submit pre-proposals for the Tailored Collaboration Program, which funds research projects addressing regional or utility-specific challenges. This matching grant program allows subscribers to partner with research institutions, consultants, or other technical organizations to conduct applied research on “One Water” topics such as water reuse, asset management, and emerging contaminants. To be eligible, a project must be sponsored by a utility with an active WRF subscription, and the utility must provide a cash match for the funds requested. WRF provides a one-to-one match of up to US$150 thousand per project. Pre-proposals for the 2026 funding cycle must be submitted by 17 March 2026. Click here
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in Asia-Pacific Islands
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports small-scale, high-impact projects designed by local partners in Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. The program funds projects that address thematic priorities such as inclusive governance, gender equality, environmental action, and peace and security. Eligible applicants include local non-governmental organizations, community groups, and academic institutions, as well as international or regional organizations working with local partners. Most successful projects receive between CAN$30 thousand and CAN$60 thousand, with a maximum limit of CAN$50 thousand for this specific call. The deadline for applications is 20 March 2026. CFLI Asia-Pacific Islands