NEF invites applications for the Africa Energy Ideas Competition which aims to accelerate the development of early-stage energy firms across Africa. The competition is open to early-stage energy entrepreneurs from Africa to collaborate with local research institutions or industries. Young professionals between the ages of 18 and 35 years from Africa are invited to participate and nominate a relevant local research institution or organization. Winners will pitch their proposed prototype model at the Nigeria Energy Forum and receive a cash prize of up to $10 thousand. The deadline for proposal submission is 15 September 2025. Click here
business/enterprise
Journalism Fund — Development Grants for Environmental Journalism
The Development Grants for Environmental Journalism supports enabling activities and supporting services for environmental investigative journalism as a whole. The program provides funding to project ideas from organizations and institutions for training and professional development programs. Eligible proposals entail enabling activities and supporting services for environmental investigative journalism in Europe. The total available amount to be distributed among all supported projects will be around €115 thousand. The program is open to legal entities with demonstrable expertise in investigative journalism. The next application deadline is 09 October 2025. Development Grants for Environmental Journalism
Forward Fooding — FoodTech 500
FoodTech 500 showcases the latest developments from international startup and scaleup companies across the food supply chain. FoodTech companies gain recognition in the AgriFoodTech industry and get the opportunity to be a speaker or exhibitor at international gatherings, conferences, and meetups. All companies from the Food Tech (or ‘AgriFoodTech’) sector can apply. The application deadline is 15 November 2025. About FoodTech 500
Next Einstein Forum — Africa Energy Innovation Challenge
The Africa Energy Innovation Challenge (AEIC) invites young African energy entrepreneurs to submit early-stage prototypes that address energy needs across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, transport, or AI-powered energy management. Applicants (aged between 18 and 35) form teams to co-develop and pitch their innovations, competing for support that may include funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Proposals have to be submitted by 15 September 2025. Link to AEIC
European Energy Communities Facility — Support for Energy Communities
The European Energy Communities Facility offers emerging or evolving energy communities across 31 European countries a grant of €45 thousand to develop a solid business plan, along with access to a tailored capacity-building program and peer-to-peer exchanges. Eligible applicants are legally registered energy companies that are based in eligible countries (EU-27, Iceland, Moldova, North Macedonia, or Ukraine). All materials must be submitted before the deadline on 30 September 2025. Details here
Earth Company — Impact Hero 2026
Each year, Earth Company selects one Impact Hero that has the potential to transform the future of developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Impact Heroes are visionary leaders who tackle some of the most pressing social and environmental challenges and make transformative changes to the communities they serve. Earth Company provides 3 years of support through leadership coaching, fundraising, marketing, and business development. Eligibility extends to everybody and all forms of organizations. Applications have to be received no later than 06 October 2025. Find details here
CETPartnership — Clean Energy Transition
The Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETPartnership) invites transnational consortia from a minimum of three countries (at least two must be EU Member States or Horizon Europe associated countries) to submit research and innovation projects in renewable energy technologies and clean energy integration. The Call is designed to support projects lasting between 12 and 36 months, with requested funding typically ranging from €0.5 million to €5 million. The deadline for pre-proposal submission is 09 October 2025. Clean Energy Transition Partnership
Donors’ Initiative for Mediterranean Freshwater Ecosystems — Freshwater Restoration across the Mediterranean Basin
The Donors’ Initiative for Mediterranean Freshwater Ecosystems (DIMFE) launches a call for projects to fund on-the-ground freshwater restoration and conservation actions across the Mediterranean basin. Eligible field-based initiatives must aim to restore or conserve freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity, promote sustainable and equitable water resource management, or develop long-term financing mechanisms. Grants range from €100 thousand to €500 thousand (with 25% co-financing required for requests over €300 thousand). The call is open to NGOs, scientific institutions, local authorities, and small private enterprises in the region. The deadline for submission is 15 October 2025. Link to DIMFE
Hatch Blue — Women in Ocean Food
The Women in Ocean Food Innovation Studio is a 12‑month accelerator for female founders and leadership teams across the blue economy—covering sustainable aquaculture, marine biotech, seafood value chains, ocean conservation, and blue carbon. The program provides tailored business strategy support, mentorship from global industry experts, post‑program guidance, and access to investor networks. Travel, accommodation, and meals are fully covered for two team members. Eligible applicants are women-led ventures in Latin America & the Caribbean, including early‑stage teams without formal registration. Applications close on 31 October 2025. Women in Ocean Food
World Summit Awards — Young Innovators Award
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 31 October 2025. (Deadlines for national submission of applications for WSA may vary locally.) Find out more