The Gap in Between invites impact-driven startups to participate in its annual Startup Challenge, which aims to accelerate social and environmental transformation. The program is open to international startups across the fields of climate, mobility, health, food, and social innovation that have validated products or market traction and are seeking investment or strategic partnerships. Selected startups gain visibility within the European impact ecosystem, pitch opportunities on an international stage, and access to curated connections with investors and decision-makers. The application deadline is 21 July 2026. Startup Challenge
awards/prizes
UNIDO — Innovative Solutions in Cleantech
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
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
SPIE — International Day of Light Photo Contest
SPIE invites submissions for its annual International Day of Light Photo Contest to highlight the critical role that light and light-based technologies play in nature and daily life. The global competition is open to amateur and professional photographers who are at least 18 years old. Participants can submit up to two images depicting properties of light interacting with the atmosphere and nature, light technology, or human interactions with light. The organization awards a first prize of US$2.5 thousand, a second prize of US$1 thousand, a third prize of US$500, and a special Judges’ Choice for Best of Science prize of US$1 thousand. The deadline for entries is 16 September 2026. Day of Light Photo Contest
Art Partner — Earth Art Contest
The Earth Partner Prize is an international art competition that invites creatives aged 14 to 30 from all backgrounds to submit original works—across any medium including visual art, film, performance, writing, fashion, digital creations, and more—that address the ecological crisis. Each participant may submit one project. Eight finalists will receive cash prizes of US $10 thousand, $5 thousand, or $2 thousand, and an additional 20 participants will receive honorable mentions from a distinguished, global jury. Applications must be submitted by 07 October 2026. Earth Partner Prize
GreenCape — Afri GreenPitch Challenge
GreenCape and Westerwelle Startup Haus Mombasa invite entrepreneurs to enter the 2026 FNF Afri GreenPitch Challenge. The competition is open to pre-growth, sales-generating green businesses located in Botswana, eSwatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Tanzania. Eligible entries must offer economically viable business solutions in circular economy and waste, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, sustainable mobility, or water and wastewater. Finalists receive mentorship, access to funding networks, and a chance to pitch to investors, with the winner and finalists competing for cash and in-kind prizes valued at approximately US$20 thousand. The deadline for entries is 30 June 2026. Afri GreenPitch Challenge