African Business Heroes aims to support the next generation of African entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their local communities by working to solve the most pressing problems. Applications are open in English and French to entrepreneurs from all African countries, all sectors, and all ages. Ten finalists will compete for a share of US$1.5 million in grant money. All Finalists win grant funds from US$100-300 thousand. The applicant must be the Founder or a Co-Founder of the company. Applications close on 28 April 2026. African Business Heroes
business/enterprise
Swiss Re Foundation — Changemakers Africa
The Swiss Re Foundation invites applications for the 2026 Changemakers Africa Incubation Program. This online program is designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs across Africa who are developing innovative solutions in healthcare or climate resilience. Eligible applicants must be based in Africa and commit to 6–8 hours of weekly participation. Participants have the chance to pitch their ventures at the final Demo Day for seed funding of up to US$15 thousand. The deadline to apply is 01 May 2026. Changemakers Africa
EIT Climate-KIC — Green Business Idea Competition
ClimateLaunchpad is the world’s largest green business ideas competition. The competition invites business ideas that address climate change to support new clean-tech startups. Selected participants will take part in an idea boot camp and receive intensive coaching. The winner will receive €10 thousand, the runner-up €5 thousand. Applications for most participating countries must be submitted by 15 May 2026. ClimateLaunchpad
Water Research Foundation — Research Award
The Water Research Foundation (WRF) recognizes individuals for innovative research in water quality and the water environment. The award includes a US$100 thousand grant. The award is open to individuals from all segments of the water quality community. Self-nominations are accepted. There are no restrictions based on citizenship or nationality. Nominations are due by 01 June 2026. Find more information
Morgan Stanley — Sustainable Ventures
Morgan Stanley invites applications for its Inclusive & Sustainable Ventures accelerator program to support early-stage startups and nonprofit organizations. The program consists of two tracks: the Lab, which provides tech-enabled startups with a US$250 thousand investment in exchange for a 5% equity stake, and the Collaborative, which provides emerging nonprofits with a US$250 thousand grant. Eligible startups must be at the seed to Series A stage with demonstrated revenue, while nonprofits must have a clear business plan for high-impact, scalable solutions. The program is open to organizations in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The deadline for applications is 31 March 2026. More information
Food 4 Future — Food Tech Innovation Awards
The Food Tech Innovation Awards 2026 recognize the most innovative proposals that offer a disruptive approach to Customer Experience or Management. The award has 6 categories: digitalization award for the food and beverage industry; best sustainability project; healthy food; the best innovation project for the packaging industry; the most innovative food tech startup; and the best automation and robotics solution. The FoodTech Innovation Awards are open to all companies, universities, business schools, researchers, journalists, and start-ups from all over the world. The proposal entry deadline is 06 April 2026. Food Tech Innovation Awards
Global Biodiversity Information Facility — Ebbe Nielsen Challenge 2026
The GBIF Ebbe Nielsen Challenge is an annual competition that seeks to inspire innovative applications of open-access biodiversity data. In 2025, the Challenge will award a total of €20 thousand for advancements in open science that feature tools and techniques that improve the access, usefulness, and quality of open biodiversity data. The Challenge is open worldwide to individuals, teams of individuals, companies and their employees, and governmental agencies and their employees. The closing date for submissions is 26 June 2026. Ebbe Nielsen Challenge
Climate Technology Initiative — Funding for Climate or Clean Energy Projects
The Climate Technology Initiative (CTI PFAN) provides funding to climate or clean energy projects. PFAN accepts applications for projects in low- and middle-income countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Central America, and the Caribbean Islands. Projects may request between US$1 million and US$50 million. Projects providing energy access or rural electrification (clean cookstoves, solar home systems, mini-grids) may request smaller sums between US$500 thousand and US$50 million. Proposals are invited from companies, individuals, or legal persons; public-private partnerships; and entities that are legally structured to redistribute profits. Applications can be submitted anytime and are evaluated quarterly. Details
EIT Climate-KIC — AI and Deep Tech for Climate Impact
EIT Climate-KIC invites applications from entrepreneurship support organizations to design and manage accelerator programs focused on artificial intelligence and deep-tech climate solutions. This global call is open to organizations and consortiums, including accelerators, incubators, and universities, that can support at least seven climate-focused startups per batch. While EIT Climate-KIC does not provide direct funding for program implementation, selected partners gain access to a global innovation network, impact assessment tools, and investment matchmaking services to help attract sponsors and co-funding. The deadline for expressions of interest is 28 February 2026. ClimAccelerator 2026
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Biodiversity Conservation in the Mediterranean Basin
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) for small grants (US$20 thousand – US$50 thousand) for projects that support the sustainable management of water catchments through integrated approaches for the conservation of threatened freshwater biodiversity in the Mediterranean Basin. Eligibility extends to non-governmental organizations, community groups, universities and private enterprises. The ecosystem profile technical summary is available in English, French, and Arabic. LOIs must be submitted by 15 March 2026. Click here