The UNFCCC Technology Mechanism invites applications for the AI for Climate Action Award to elevate open-source, artificial intelligence solutions addressing climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation. Individuals, teams, start-ups, and organizations over the age of 18 are eligible to apply, provided their AI-powered solution is developed in or for least developed countries (LDCs) or small island developing States (SIDS). The program does not offer direct cash grants; instead, finalists receive fully funded travel to the AI for Climate Action Forum in October 2026, and the overall winner receives an all-expenses-paid trip for one person to present their initiative at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye. The deadline for applications is 03 July 2026. AI for Climate Action Award
business/enterprise
CARE — SheConnects Digital Accelerator: Africa
The SheConnects Digital Accelerator seeks digital solutions that empower women and girls across Sub-Saharan Africa. The accelerator awards grants between US$500 thousand and US$1 million to registered non-profit organizations, mission-driven businesses, academic institutions, and consortia. To qualify, projects must focus on expanding proven digital models that improve women’s outcomes in key sectors, including climate change adaptation, sustainable agriculture, digital literacy, or healthcare. Selected initiatives must be implemented over an 18-month period and aim to reach at least 50 thousand women. The deadline for applications is 08 July 2026. SheConnects Digital Accelerator
The Gap in Between — Startup Challenge for Social and Environmental Impact
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
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
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
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
European Commission — Alleviating Household Energy Poverty in Europe
The European Commission invites proposals under its LIFE Programme to support projects that actively alleviate household energy poverty and advance the clean energy transition. The funding supports cross-sectoral policy coordination and residential multi-apartment building renovations to reduce heating and cooling needs for vulnerable households, contributing directly to climate change mitigation. Legal entities established in European Union Member States or countries associated with the LIFE Programme, such as non-profit associations, local authorities, research facilities, and small-to-medium-sized enterprises, are eligible to apply. While there is no fixed grant maximum, projects typically request over €1 million, with the program co-financing up to 95% of total eligible project costs. The deadline for applications is 16 September 2026. Alleviating Household Energy Poverty
Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship — Training for Social Entrepreneurs
The Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship accepts applications for an accelerator program focused on social enterprises working on women’s economic power and/or climate resilience. The program is designed for established social entrepreneurs who directly serve people living in poverty who suffer disproportionately from climate change. Climate resilience falls into one of the following three categories: sustainable energy, availability of sustainable management of water and sanitation, and climate-smart agriculture. Non-profit, for-profit, or hybrid social enterprises that have a clear commitment to an earned revenue model with the potential for scale are all encouraged to apply. There are no geographical limitations. The application deadline is 16 October 2026. Training for Social Entrepreneurs
Catalyst Fund — Climate Resilience Africa
The Catalyst Fund supports early-stage tech startups that are developing solutions for climate adaptation and resilience in Africa. Startups receive US$150 thousand in investment and An additional US$50 thousand worth of tailored venture-building assistance. Eligibility extends to companies developing technology solutions aimed at climate adaptation and resilience serving populations within Africa. Startups that are interested in partnering with the Catalyst Fund can submit a project pitch. Link
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