Global Cleantech Innovation Program promotes innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging markets and developing economies to address climate and environmental challenges. The program supports start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises with innovative cleantech ideas in establishing and upscaling robust business models. Deadlines vary. Please check carefully. Know more
august2026
Prototypes for Humanity — Global Innovation Awards for University Projects
Prototypes for Humanity invites applications for its global awards program to recognize university projects focused on environmental and social sustainability. Academic researchers, professors, and students from any country and university level are eligible to submit their technology-driven inventions, scientific discoveries, or design prototypes. The initiative looks for scalable solutions that address serious global challenges, such as climate change mitigation, sustainable agriculture, environmental pollution, and water resources depletion. The program offers a total prize pool of US$100 thousand, which is split among several winning teams to help advance their research. The deadline for applications is 03 August 2026. More here
Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum — AWIEF Awards 2026
Each year, the Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum Awards recognize Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners in Africa for their economic performance and contribution to Africa’s growth and social development. There are 8 award categories, including agribusiness and renewable energy. Nominations should only be made relating to achievements made by a female entrepreneur and national of an African country. Nominees can be nominated or self-nominated. The deadline for entries is 03 August 2026. AWIEF Awards
Saïd Business School — Global Climate Tech Challenge
The Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford hosts a global competition to encourage tech-driven solutions to the climate crisis. Teams of three to five high school students aged 15 to 18, as well as individual high school teachers from any country, are eligible to submit tech-based ideas or lesson plans addressing issues like air pollution, extreme weather, food security, biodiversity, or water scarcity. Finalists receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Oxford to present their ideas, while the winning student team receives a full scholarship to the Future Climate Tech Innovators summer school and the winning teacher receives a place on an Oxford Executive Education program. The deadline for entries is 17 August 2026. Global Climate Tech Challenge
iF International Forum Design GmbH — Social Impact Prize
The iF Social Impact Prize aims to publish and support design projects that contribute to solving urgent challenges and help to improve living conditions in the developing world. Solutions should already be established and help to solve well-known issues in any category of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The best projects will share a cash prize of €100 thousand in total. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations, companies, and foundations (student concepts will not be accepted). Social projects can be submitted until 19 August 2026. iF Social Impact Prize
Future for Nature Foundation — Future for Nature Award 2027
The Future for Nature Award aims to stimulate a new generation of nature conservation leaders. The award is made to candidates of any nationality or residence, not older than age 35, who have achieved substantial and long-term benefit to the conservation status of one or more animal and/or plant species, or that of a specific population. Work-related to the conservation and protection of endangered species is a priority. The award is made to individuals, not organizations. Each of the three award winners will be given a cash prize and a sculpture. The winners are expected to invest their prize of €50 thousand in a conservation project of their own choice. The application deadline is 23 August 2026. Future for Nature Award
Both ENDS — JWH Initiative
The Joke Waller-Hunter (JWH) Initiative offers grants to advance the leadership of young individuals working for or affiliated with environmental civil society organizations in developing and emerging countries. JWH especially encourages the nomination of young women and local community leaders. Grants range from €2,500 to €7,000. The next nomination deadline is 31 August 2026. Details here
Conservation Action Research Network — Pangolin Conservation Grant
The Conservation Action Research Network invites applications for its Bochco Pangolin Conservation Grant Program to support scientific research that advances the protection of threatened African pangolins. Graduate students and early-career professionals who obtained their degree within the last five years are eligible to apply, provided they are residents of an eligible African nation, including Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria, Uganda, and South Africa. Projects must focus on field-based conservation research targeting at least one of the four protected African pangolin species: the white-bellied, giant, black-bellied, or ground pangolin. The program provides funding of up to US$10 thousand per project. The deadline for applications is 01 August 2026. Pangolin Conservation Grant
Iran Ministry of Science and Technology — 40th Khwarizmi International Award
The Khwarizmi International Award recognizes outstanding scientific achievements made by researchers, inventors, and innovators from all over the world. The disciplinary fields include Agriculture, Natural Resources, Animal Sciences & Veterinary Medicine, Biotechnology, Green Technologies, among others. The deadline for submission is 07 August 2026. Learn about the award
Reckitt — Catalyst Social Impact Program
The Catalyst Social Impact Program supports social enterprises focused on health, hygiene, water, sanitation, and climate resilience. The program provides tailored business development, mentorship, and funding to scale purpose-driven ventures that address systemic inequalities and deliver community-level impact. The program is open to entrepreneurs from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil, and the United States. The deadline to apply for the 2026 cohort is 09 August 2026. Social Impact Program