The Sustainability & ESG Africa Conference & Expo invites applications for its Student Innovation Challenge to uncover practical solutions to systemic environmental, social, and governance issues. Eligible applicants must be 30 years of age or younger and currently enrolled at an accredited university or higher learning institution. Submissions must fall under one of four designated themes, including Nature, Biodiversity and Inclusive Economies. While the specific cash prize amounts or grant funding totals are not specified, winners will present their solutions at the main conference in Johannesburg, South Africa. The deadline for applications is 16 July 2026. Student Innovation Challenge
awards/prizes
African Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum — Pitch n Grow Competition
The African Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum invites applications for its Pitch n Grow competition. The program offers early-stage and high-growth women-led African startups the opportunity to present their business models directly to an audience of international investors, venture capitalists, and corporate executives during the annual forum. Eligible applicants must be female founders or business leaders running enterprises based in any African country. The competition focuses on providing market visibility, technical mentoring, and investor match-making; however, specific monetary grant awards are not disclosed. The application deadline is 20 July 2026. Pitch n Grow Competition
Institute for Security Studies – Young Changemakers 2026
The Institute for Security Studies invites submissions for its Young Changemakers 2026 essay and video competition, aimed at centering youth perspectives on Africa’s long-term future. The opportunity is open to African citizens between 18 and 30 years old who are currently residing on the continent or in the diaspora. Applicants must submit either an essay of up to two thousand words or a three-minute video addressing key development and governance transitions for Africa over the next two decades. Winners will receive fully funded travel to participate in a high-level dialogue in Pretoria, South Africa, alongside mentorship and publication opportunities. The deadline for submissions is 26 July 2026. Details here
Munich Re Foundation — RISK Award “Climate Resilience”
The Munich Re Foundation and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction invite applications for the 2027 RISK Award to fund local initiatives that reduce climate-related disaster risks. Non-governmental organisations can apply with projects focused on strengthening the climate resilience of households and communities in informal and semi-formal urban settlements. Eligibility is limited to initiatives operating within low- and middle-income countries. The award provides up to €100 thousand in project funding. The deadline for Phase I applications is 31 July 2026. RISK Award
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
Geneva Centre for Security Policy — Prize for Innovation in Global Security
The Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) offers a prize to recognize groundbreaking concepts by any individual, group of individuals, or organization, that offer exceptional potential in addressing peace and security challenges. All disciplines and fields are relevant (including climate change and environmental security). The winner will receive CHF10 thousand and a certificate. The deadline for applications is 23 September 2026. Details here
Teach A Man To Fish — School Enterprise Challenge 2026
The School Enterprise Challenge is an international business program for schools run by the educational charity Teach A Man To Fish. It guides and supports teachers and students to plan and set up real, sustainable school businesses and generate real profits to help support their school or a social cause of their choice. Thematic areas include agriculture, drinking water and sanitation, and the environment, among others. Prizes are between US$250 and US$5 thousand, including in-kind donations like laptops and cameras. Please note that only pre-primary schools, primary schools, secondary schools and technical/vocational colleges are eligible (universities are not eligible to apply). Business Ideas have to be submitted by 06 October 2026. School Enterprise Challenge
International Center for New Media — World Summit Awards 2026
Nominations are open for the World Summit Awards (WSA) and the WSA Young Innovators Awards (young social entrepreneurs under 26 years of age). Start-ups and social entrepreneurs are asked to submit their local digital innovations with high social impact. The 8 award categories include one on Environment & Green Energy (climate, sustainable resources, agriculture). The winner does not receive a monetary award but does benefit from partnerships and integrations. Applications are accepted from companies, organizations, or individuals. The deadline to apply for WSA and WSA Young Innovators is 15 October 2026. (Deadlines for national submission of applications for WSA may vary locally.) Find out more
UNESCO — Prize for Young Scientists
UNESCO invites nominations for the third edition of the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The prize recognizes five outstanding young researchers from any country who have made significant contributions to STEM education, research, or international cooperation. Eligible nominees must be under 40 years of age at the time of nomination and must be put forward by official nominators, such as national commissions, academic institutions, or international organizations. Each of the five laureates receives a cash award of US$50 thousand alongside a diploma and a medal. The deadline for nominations is 30 November 2026. Prize for Young Scientists
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation — Research Fellowship for Brazilian Postdoctoral Researchers
The CAPES‑Humboldt Research Fellowship supports postdoctoral and experienced researchers from Brazil (and German nationals permanently based in Brazil) with fully funded research stays in Germany. Monthly stipends are approximately €2,700–€2,600 for postdoctoral fellows and €3,200–€3,100 for experienced researchers, with additional benefits such as research grants, travel allowances, family support, and optional German language courses. This fellowship is ideal for Brazilian researchers seeking to advance their careers through collaborative research in Germany across any discipline. The application deadline is 30 November 2026. CAPES‑Humboldt Research Fellowship