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
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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
Fonds Pierre Castel — Agricultural Entrepreneurship in Africa
The Fonds Pierre Castel invites applications for the Pierre Castel Prize to support agricultural entrepreneurship in Africa. The program targets entrepreneurs between 18 and 45 years old who lead businesses in the agriculture, agrifood, or circular economy sectors. Applicants must be residents and nationals of Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, or the Democratic Republic of Congo. The prize offers €15 thousand for the first-place winner and €10 thousand for the second-place winner in each country, along with mentorship and professional coaching. Applications must be submitted by 30 May 2026. Pierre Castel Prize
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Small Grants for the Cerrado
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites civil society organizations to submit letters of inquiry (LOIs) for small grants to support biodiversity conservation in the Cerrado hotspot in Brazil. This call targets projects that align with the investment priorities detailed in the regional ecosystem profile. Grants are available for amounts of up to US$50 thousand. The deadline for letters of inquiry is 03 June 2026. Small Grants for the Cerrado
Digital Energy Facility — Digital Energy Challenge for Startups
The Digital Energy Facility invites applications for the Digital Energy Challenge to support innovative projects in the energy sector across Africa. Start-ups must be in the early stages of development and propose digital solutions that address energy access, grid management, or the integration of renewable energy. Eligible applicants must be registered in an African country or collaborate with local partners. Winners receive a financial award of up to €150 thousand, along with technical assistance and visibility within the digital energy ecosystem. The deadline for applications is 17 June 2026. Digital Energy Challenge
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change — AI for Climate Action Award
The AI for Climate Action Award is a global competition that celebrates the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in tackling climate change. Anyone above the age of 18 years, with an open-source, AI-powered climate solution developed in or for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) or Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is encouraged to apply. Applications are welcome from individuals, teams, start-ups, organizations, or any other type of entity. The submission deadline is 30 June 2026. AI for Climate Action Award