VivaTech organizes the Next Startupper Award to celebrate student entrepreneurs driving positive change through technological innovation. The competition is open to current students from any country who have founded a tech-oriented startup or project less than three years ago that demonstrates a clear social or environmental impact. Finalists receive four-day VIP speaker passes to the event in Paris and the opportunity to pitch their solutions to industry experts. The grand prize winner receives a €5,000 cash prize and a dedicated startup corner at the 2027 edition of VivaTech. The deadline for applications is 09 March 2026. More information
early-career
Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association — Marine Research Grant
The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), in partnership with the Blue Nature Alliance, invites proposals for research aimed at strengthening marine conservation finance systems in the Western Indian Ocean. This thematic call seeks to generate actionable evidence on sustainable financing mechanisms to support national and regional frameworks, particularly in relation to biodiversity targets and blue economy strategies. Eligibility is restricted to Early Career Ocean Professionals as well as current Master’s and PhD students. While the specific grant amount for this thematic call is detailed in the full guidelines, the MARG program typically provides small-scale funding to support field-based research. Applications must be submitted by 30 March 2026. Marine Research Grant
United Nations University — PhD Internships in Economics
UNU-WIDER (World Institute for Development Economics Research) invites applications for its PhD research internship program in Helsinki, Finland. Preference is for applicants who live or work in developing countries, and who are in the later stages of their PhD. Program themes in WIDER include the economics of energy, climate change, food security, and others. UNU-WIDER provides a travel grant and a monthly stipend of €1,850 during the period of the fellowship. Deadlines for submission of applications are 31 March and 30 September each year. Know more about the program
Aspire Institute — Leaders Program for First-generation University Students
The Aspire Leaders Program provides academic and professional development resources to students who are from backgrounds of social and financial adversity. All applicants must be between the ages of 18-26, come from a low-income background and be the first generation to attend university. Through the program, students will gain access to fully-funded HarvardX courses and participate in live seminars with Harvard University. Eligibility extends to students from all around the world as long as they are enrolled in an undergraduate program or have recently graduated (within three years). The application deadline is 13 April 2026. Aspire Leaders Program
United Nations — Climate Ambition Accelerator
The United Nations Global Compact invites companies participating in the UN Global Compact to join the 2026 Climate Ambition Accelerator. This six-month programme aims to (1) equip businesses with the knowledge and skills to set science-based emissions reduction targets aligned with the 1.5°C pathway and (2) support their journey towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Participants will benefit from global best practices, peer-to-peer learning, practical activities, capacity-building sessions, and on-demand training. The deadline for receiving applications is 30 April 2026. More information
Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences — International Awards for Young Agricultural Researchers 2026
The Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan make research awards in agriculture. Up to three young agricultural researchers with outstanding research proposals in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and related themes will receive US$5 thousand each to further their research. Applicants must be nationals of a developing country, and belong to a non-Japanese research institute or a non-Japanese university. Candidates need to be younger than age 40 to be eligible. The deadline for applications is 15 May 2026. Awards for Young Agricultural Researchers
Wellcome Trust — Early-Career Awards
The Wellcome Trust supports bold and creative discovery research that has the potential to improve human life, health, and well-being. The Early-Career Awards provide funding for early-career researchers from any discipline who are ready to develop their research identity through innovative projects. Research can be in any discipline, including STEM, experimental medicine, or climate – as long as it has the potential to improve human life. The Trust covers the researcher’s salary and up to £400 thousand for research expenses. The applicant’s host organization has to be based in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, or a low- or middle-income country (apart from India and mainland China). The deadline for new applications is 21 July 2026. Early-Career Research Awards
World Energy Council — Future Energy Leaders
The World Energy Council invites applications for its Future Energy Leaders program to support the next generation of professionals in the energy sector. The program provides participants with a platform to contribute to global energy transition tools, attend world energy events, and network with international peers. Eligible applicants must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application, possess three to five years of junior management experience in an energy-related field, and demonstrate a track record in the energy sector. The program offers professional development, access to global industry summits, and project leadership opportunities. The deadline for applications is 02 March 2026. Future Energy Leaders
American Society of Primatologists — Small Research Grant 2026
The American Society of Primatologists (ASP) supports students and young researchers from habitat countries who are engaged in primate conservation. Grant proposals are invited for either captive or wild primate-oriented research projects. Applications for start-up funds, supplementary funding for students, and innovations in animal care and research technology are welcome. Award amounts range from US$500 to US$2000. Applications for small grants need to be submitted by 20 March 2026. Learn about ASP’s research grants
Nature Research — Awards for Inspiring Women in Science
Nature Research seeks applications for the Nature Research Award. The Scientific Achievement Category celebrates an outstanding female early-career researcher, the Science Outreach Category will honor an individual or organization who has driven initiatives to encourage girls or young women to engage with STEM subjects around the world. The call closes on 08 April 2026. About the awards