The UNIDO-WTCA Blue Economy Global Call 2026 seeks to identify and promote innovative, scalable technologies that support a sustainable and resilient blue economy. The program is open to micro, small, medium, and large enterprises, startups, academic institutions, NGOs, and public-private partnerships globally, with a particular focus on projects benefiting developing countries and small island developing states. Six winners—one for each strategic category ranging from blue renewable energy to marine biotechnology—will receive entry into an acceleration program that includes high-level mentoring, technical cooperation, and international matchmaking services, as well as up to US$3 thousand in travel reimbursement for the award ceremony. Applications are due by 19 June 2026. Blue Economy Global Call
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Africa Sustainable Futures Awards — Scalable Solutions for Africa’s Development
The Africa Sustainable Futures Awards recognize commercially viable and scalable initiatives contributing to sustainable development across Africa. The awards cover five categories: Access to Electricity & Infrastructure, Agribusiness, Healthcare, Local Manufacturing, and Tourism, with an additional Judges’ Award for Excellence. Winners will receive global visibility, recognition at the FT Africa Summit in London, and opportunities to network with global leaders. The application deadline is 30 June 2026. Link to the Africa Sustainable Futures Awards
Meaningful Business 100 — Entrepreneur Award
The Meaningful Business 100 (MB100) is an annual award program that honors global leaders who effectively combine profit and purpose to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The award is open to social entrepreneurs, corporate sustainability leaders, impact investors, and micro-entrepreneurs across various industries and regions. Individuals can nominate themselves or others. The deadline for entries is 03 July 2026. Entrepreneur Award
Journalism Fund — Investigation Grants for Environmental Journalism
The Investigation Grants for Environmental Journalism supports cross-border teams of professional journalists or news outlets to conduct investigations into environmental affairs related to Europe. The grant covers working time and expenses such as logistics, travel, insurance, access to legal support, translations, and access to technology and data sets. The total available amount to be distributed among all supported investigations will be around €400 thousand. The grant is open to professional freelance journalists or news outlets (cross-border teams of at least two journalists). The next application deadline is 06 August 2026. Click here
World Economic Forum — Transforming Water Systems
The World Economic Forum runs the Transforming Water Systems Challenge to accelerate innovative solutions for global water security. The program searches for early-stage startups and growth-stage enterprises that offer technological, financial, or policy-driven innovations to modernize water utilities and improve freshwater infrastructure. Winners will gain access to a global network, visibility and engagement opportunities to support deployment, and will each receive a CHF 175 thousand prize. The deadline to submit an application is 04 June 2026. Transforming Water Systems Challenge
GoGettaz — Agripreneur Prize 2026
The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition supports innovative, young food and agribusiness entrepreneurs who are transforming the African food system. The contest is open to food system founders or co-founders aged 18 to 35 who hold nationality from an African Union member state. Eligible businesses can span any part of the agrifood value chain, including production, logistics, agro-processing, and digital farming solutions. The program features a total prize pool of US$160 thousand, which includes two US$50 thousand grand prizes awarded to one male-led and one female-led business, alongside four US$15 thousand impact awards for ventures excelling in areas like climate resilience, technology, and food security. The deadline for complete applications is 28 June 2026. Agripreneur Prize
Savvy — Fellowship for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs
The Savvy Fellowship is a 12-week online learning program for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs. Savvy seeks early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs from across Africa working on solving the most pressing problems through innovation. Fellows will receive support, mentorship, and access to a lifelong community in support of their innovative business ideas. Fellows have to be no older than 40 years. The Savvy Fellowship program is open year-round and accepts applications on a rolling basis. More
Microsoft — Climate Innovation Fund
Microsoft invests in initiatives to accelerate technology development and deployment of new climate innovations through equity and debt capital. Microsoft focuses on areas such as direct carbon removal, digital optimization, advanced energy systems, industrial materials, circular economy, water technologies, sustainable agriculture, and business strategies for nature-based markets. Inquiry can be submitted anytime. Know more
UNIDO — World Sustainability Awards
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization invites applications for its ONE World Sustainability Awards. The program recognizes market-ready solutions and businesses driving sustainable industrial development across three categories: sustainable supply chains, innovative start-ups, and women in industry. Eligible applicants include companies, manufacturers, cooperatives, and start-ups worldwide that demonstrate measurable environmental and social contributions aligned with sustainable development goals. Winners receive international visibility, networking opportunities, and a platform to showcase their work at the awards ceremony in Vienna, Austria. The deadline for applications is 30 June 2026. ONE World Sustainability Awards
Fund for Innovation in Development — Grant Program
The Fund for Innovation in Development (FID) supports innovation that contributes to reducing global poverty and inequality. FID encourages applications for solutions in education, health, climate change, and gender equality in all low- and middle-income countries. Nearly any type of applicant is eligible to apply, including researchers, governments, NGOs, and for-profit companies. FID makes five types of grants: Prepare Grants (up to €50 thousand) can be used to support the development of projects and proposals; Pilot Grants (up to €200 thousand) support the piloting of innovations that are early in development and need real-world testing; Scale Grants (up to €1,5 million) support the further testing and continued growth of innovations; Transition to Scale Grants (up to €4 million) support the transition of rigorously tested and validated solutions to widespread scaling; and Transforming Public Policy Grants (up to €150 thousand) support specific evidence-based innovations with demonstrated cost-effectiveness and scalability into public policies. FID accepts applications at any point throughout the year. Know more