The Free Electrons Program is a global open-innovation accelerator that connects energy startups with leading utilities and energy system operators to pilot and scale breakthrough solutions for the energy transition. The program is open to startups worldwide with mature, market-ready technologies addressing areas such as grid digitalization, renewables integration, energy storage, flexibility, electrification, and climate resilience. Selected startups receive non-dilutive support, including paid pilot opportunities, access to utility partners, technical validation, mentoring, and global exposure (rather than a fixed cash grant). The application deadline is 31 January 2026. Free Electrons Program
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LEAP-SE — Research and Innovation Partnership on Sustainable Energy
LEAP-SE funds collaborative research and innovation projects that advance clean energy technologies, systems, and policies aligned with the Africa–Europe energy transition agenda. The call is open to consortia of organizations, including universities, research institutes, companies, NGOs, and public bodies, from African Union Member States and European countries. Funding amounts vary by country and partner, with a maximum funding of €500 thousand per partner. Proposals must be submitted in two stages, with pre-proposals due by 05 February 2026. Details
UNCDF — Financing for Nature-Positive Private Sector Enterprises
The UNCDF seeks expressions of interest from private micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises operating in the Congo Basin region that are implementing or scaling nature-positive, deforestation-free, and climate-resilient business models. The call targets enterprises working in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, forest-industry transformation, landscape restoration, and ecotourism. The call is open to nonprofits, NGOs, social enterprises, private sector entities, and consortia. Applicants may request support ranging from US$250 thousand to US$1.5 million. The application deadline is 28 February 2026. Link to more information
European Commission — Improving Climate and Weather Models
The European Commission supports projects that enhance climate and weather data, modeling, and forecasting systems to improve resilience and decision-making across the African continent. The call is open to for-profit companies, startups, research institutions, NGOs, and consortia with strong technical capacity in climate science, data analytics, AI, or weather modeling. Selected projects may receive grant funding ranging from approximately US$250 thousand to US$1 million, depending on project scope and impact. The application deadline is 15 April 2026. Know more
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 20 May 2026. iF Social Impact Prize
HCLTech — Climate Action Grant
HCLTech accepts applications for the Climate Action Grant which provides grants to non-governmental organizations combating climate change and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity across the Americas. HCLTech accepts proposals for climate action in focus areas such as wildlife and biodiversity conservation; land and ocean action; clean energy; climate advocacy; campaigns; and climate risk reduction. One NGO will receive US$500 thousand, while two others will receive US$250 thousand each. The application deadline is 18 January 2026. Climate Action Grant
Enterprise Singapore — Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge
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
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