The Global Impact Challenge is a global competition for early-stage startups aimed at discovering breakthrough technologies that advance sustainable and resilient agrifood systems. Focusing on critical pillars such as soil health, water management, food waste reduction, and decarbonization, the challenge offers finalists the opportunity to secure up to US$1 million in investment from SVG Ventures. Beyond financial support, participants benefit from expert pitch coaching, a dedicated exhibition booth at the Global Impact Summit in Silicon Valley (October 2026). The application window for this cycle closes on 15 May 2026. THRIVE Global Impact Challenge
biotechnology
Swedish Institute — Global Executive Program
The Swedish Institute invites applications for its Global Executive Programme, which focuses on integrating sustainability into core business strategies. This initiative is open to senior executives, such as CEOs and top managers, from medium to large companies in 24 participating countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. The program covers all training fees, as well as accommodation and meals during a one-week onsite module in Stockholm; however, participants or their companies are generally expected to cover their own travel costs to Sweden. Applicants must be at least 30 years old and lead companies within or transitioning toward green industries, such as renewable energy or sustainable transport. The application deadline is 25 March 2026. Global Executive Program
Village Capital — Reshaping Food LATAM
Village Capital supports startups tackling food loss and waste across Latin America. The 2026 program specifically targets eight early-stage startups using data and AI to optimize food distribution, prevent loss in production, or empower consumers to reduce waste. Eligible applicants must be legally incorporated as for-profit entities in at least one Latin American country. While the primary value of the program lies in intensive investment-readiness training, mentorship, and access to a Mexico City summit, participants also receive milestone-based funding, which in previous cycles has been approximately US$4,400 per startup. The application deadline for the 2026 cohort is 27 March 2026. Link
OPEC Fund for International Development — Young Professional Development Program
The Young Professional Development Program (YPDP) is a two-year program designed to prepare young professionals from OPEC Fund member countries for a career in global development. The themes include poverty reduction, energy and sustainable development, environment, and other related science and technology fields. YPDP offers training, coaching and mentoring, the opportunity to experience different departments and access to professional networks. To be selected for the program, applicants must be 30 years of age (or younger) and hold a Master’s degree. The deadline for applications is 11 April 2026. More about the YPDP
World Academy of Sciences — TWAS-CSIR Postdoctoral Fellowships in India
India’s Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) offers postdoctoral fellowships to young scientists from developing countries (other than India) to pursue postdoctoral research at CSIR’s laboratories and institutes. The duration of the fellowships is six to twelve months. Subject areas range across the physical and natural sciences, including agricultural sciences. CSIR will provide a monthly stipend to cover living costs, food, and health insurance. The application deadline is 06 May 2026. Details
Google.org — Impact Challenge: AI for Science
Google.org invites applications for its AI for Science Impact Challenge, a US$30 million global initiative to accelerate scientific breakthroughs using artificial intelligence. The program focuses on two primary domains: health and life sciences, and climate resilience and environmental science. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, academic and research institutions, and for-profit social enterprises with a clear social impact purpose. Selected organizations will receive grants ranging from US$500 thousand to over US$3 million, alongside participation in a six-month Google.org Accelerator providing pro bono technical expertise and Google Cloud credits. The deadline for applications is 17 April 2026. Link to the Impact Challenge
Swiss Re Foundation — Changemakers Africa
The Swiss Re Foundation invites applications for the 2026 Changemakers Africa Incubation Program. This online program is designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs across Africa who are developing innovative solutions in healthcare or climate resilience. Eligible applicants must be based in Africa and commit to 6–8 hours of weekly participation. Participants have the chance to pitch their ventures at the final Demo Day for seed funding of up to US$15 thousand. The deadline to apply is 01 May 2026. Changemakers Africa
Wellcome Trust — Early-Career Awards
The Wellcome Trust supports bold and creative discovery research that has the potential to improve human life, health, and well-being. The Early-Career Awards provide funding for early-career researchers from any discipline who are ready to develop their research identity through innovative projects. Research can be in any discipline, including STEM, experimental medicine, or climate – as long as it has the potential to improve human life. The Trust covers the researcher’s salary and up to £400 thousand for research expenses. The applicant’s host organization has to be based in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, or a low- or middle-income country (apart from India and mainland China). The deadline for new applications is 21 July 2026. Early-Career Research Awards
Nature Research — Awards for Inspiring Women in Science
Nature Research seeks applications for the Nature Research Award. The Scientific Achievement Category celebrates an outstanding female early-career researcher, the Science Outreach Category will honor an individual or organization who has driven initiatives to encourage girls or young women to engage with STEM subjects around the world. The call closes on 08 April 2026. About the awards
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation — Research Fellowship for Brazilian Postdoctoral Researchers
The Capes-Humboldt Research Fellowship supports postdoctoral researchers and experienced researchers from Brazil with their research in collaboration with a host at a German research institution. Fellowships may last from 6 to 18 months and can be divided into up to three stays within three years. The monthly fellowship amount is €2,600. The next application deadline is 25 May 2026. More here