The Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge invites industry partners and creative innovators to co-develop sustainable solutions in key areas such as renewable energy, offshore wind, greener industries, sustainable agrifood and sustainable materials. Participants have the chance to collaborate with major partners and access funding to develop their solutions. Prizes include potential grant support (US$100 thousand from Hexagon Group), as well as funding and real-world testing facilitated by industry pioneers. The challenge is open to startups, small to medium enterprises, institutes of higher learning, and research institutes across the world. The application deadline is 30 January 2026. Details here
business/enterprise
AGRO-WELL — Smart Farming Solutions
The AGRO-WELL invites startups, SMEs, research institutes, NGOs, and commercial farms developing smart farming technologies using AI, robotics, augmented reality (AR), data tools or automation to submit proposals to demonstrate and validate their solutions on commercial farms. Selected projects receive up to €37,500 per project to carry out 12–18-month demonstrations starting in October 2026 across greenhouse, open-field or pig farming systems. The call is open to applicants and small consortia (up to 3 partners) based in EU Member States or Horizon Europe-associated countries. The deadline to apply is 04 February 2026. Link
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Award for Innovation
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recognizes individuals, institutions, or organizations that have developed innovative approaches, technologies, or practices with a clear and positive impact on food security, sustainable agrifood systems, natural resource management, or rural livelihoods. The award includes a cash prize of US$10 thousand and an official certificate of recognition. Eligible nominees may come from the public or private sector, civil society, academia, or international organizations, and nominations must be endorsed by an FAO Representative or FAO senior official. The deadline to submit nominations is 15 February 2026. FAO Award for Innovation
Earth Journalism Network — Seed Grants for Media Outlets in Nepal
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) offers grants of €4,500 to media outlets in Nepal to support new media programming on natural resource management and green growth. The grants are intended to seed new programs, columns, or sections that focus on providing innovative and solutions-oriented information on green growth and natural resource management to the public and policymakers. Eligibility extends to media outlets in Nepal – including newspapers, online media, radio, television, multimedia platforms, and social media channels. The application deadline is 15 February 2026. Seed Grants for Media Outlets
Venture For ClimateTech — Early-Stage Climate Technology
Venture For ClimateTech is a global venture studio and accelerator program that supports early-stage climate technology innovators. The program offers up to US$50 thousand in non-dilutive funding, mentorship, and resources to help entrepreneurs bring their climate solutions to market. Eligible applicants include individuals and teams worldwide with innovations capable of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in sectors such as buildings, transportation, grid, and industry. The program is conducted virtually over six months, encompassing customer discovery, business model development, and investor engagement. Applications for Cohort 5 are open until 20 February 2026. Venture For ClimateTech
Tony Elumelu Foundation — Entrepreneurship Program for Africans 2026
The Tony Elumelu Foundation fosters and supports start-up enterprises in Africa. The TEF Entrepreneurship Program provides mentoring, training, forums, seed capital, and alumni support to individuals in Africa proposing new business ideas or early-stage companies in sectors that include agriculture, among others. Participants receive up to US$5 thousand in seed capital. The program is open to citizens and legal residents ages 18 and older in any African country. The next application deadline (English, French, Portuguese) is 01 March 2026. TEF Entrepreneurship Program
Giving Joy — Micro-Grants for Women Entrepreneurs
Giving Joy makes micro-grants to women who seek to establish or improve their businesses for the benefit of their communities. Applicants can propose activities in any field, trade, occupation, or craft (e.g., agriculture, fisheries, energy, WASH, etc.). Proposed grant activities must have a social benefit to the community. Grants range from US$250 to US$500. Grants support women entrepreneurs worldwide. Giving Joy offers different grant cycles per year. The next application deadline is 30 April 2026. Giving Joy Grants
Convergence — Asia Climate Solutions Design Grant
The Asia Climate Solutions (ACS) Design Grant awards grant funding for the design and launch of innovative blended finance solutions for climate transition and resilience in Asia. The grant will target critical climate mitigation and adaptation sectors in Asia including nature-based solutions, clean energy transition, and sustainable cities and infrastructure. Feasibility study grants range between US$50 thousand to US$200 thousand. Proof-of-concept grants range between US$200 thousand to US$400 thousand. Proposals will only be accepted from organizations or consortiums of organizations. The next application deadline for concept notes is 11 January 2026. Asia Climate Solutions Design Grant
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Ecosystem Profile Update: Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites consulting firms, NGOs, research institutions, or consortia with strong regional experience to lead the update of the Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands biodiversity hotspot ecosystem profile, which guides CEPF’s future conservation investment strategy in the region. The assignment involves technical analysis, stakeholder consultations, and synthesis of biodiversity, climate, and socio-economic data to identify conservation priorities. The selected applicant will receive up to US$150 thousand to carry out the work over a defined project period. The call is open internationally, with preference for teams demonstrating experience in biodiversity conservation and familiarity with the region. The deadline to submit proposals is 26 January 2026. Ecosystem Profile Update
EnergyLab — Scaleup Program
The EnergyLab Scaleup Program is a free virtual support and industry-engagement program for clean energy and climate tech startups worldwide that are ready to scale, commercialise and connect with major energy sector partners and investors. It helps companies expand into the Australian and New Zealand energy markets by providing industry briefings, tailored mentoring, investor exposure, pitch opportunities and networking with utilities. Participation is open to startups and companies with market-ready technologies and strong growth potential. The application deadline is 02 March 2026. EnergyLab Scaleup Program