The Global Thinkers Forum brings together a diverse network of thought leaders to share their visions of the future, create meaningful conversations around them, and effect positive change in the world. The program consists of an 8-month mentoring cycle that includes one-on-one sessions with experienced thought leaders and individuals aged between 18 and 29 from all over the world. The program’s mentors are successful individuals across several professional fields and countries. The application deadline is 23 November 2026. Become a Global Thinkers Mentee
energy
Box Impact Fund — Digital Transformation to Save our Planet
The Box Impact Fund will award a total of US$150 thousand to six different non-profit organizations pursuing digital transformation projects. Each selected organization will receive a US$25 thousand grant to put their idea into action. The project category “Protecting the Planet” covers areas such as environmental protection, energy conservation, renewable energy, nature conservation, and biodiversity. The application deadline is 30 November 2026. Box Impact Fund
Rice University — Business Plan Competition for Early-Stage Startups
The Rice University (Texas, USA) invites student teams to participate in the Rice Business Plan Competition 2027. Entrepreneurs receive the opportunity to pitch their startups to investors, receive mentoring, network with the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and enhance their startup strategy. Typically, startups have a technology component in Energy/Clean Technology; Life Science/Biotechnology; or Digital Services. The competition is open to degree-seeking students currently enrolled at a college or university anywhere in the world. The grand prize winner receives up to $300 thousand in investments. The application deadline is 29 January 2027. Business Plan Competition
EnAccess Foundation — Innovations for Energy Access
The EnAccess Foundation funds Innovation Pilot projects and Moonshot concepts focusing on providing energy access. EnAccess provides up to US$250 thousand for projects that are ready to be built and prototyped (e.g., hardware, software, business models) and US$50 thousand for ambitious research ideas in the conceptual stage (e.g., analysis and modeling). Eligibility extends to start-ups, companies, non-profits, individual innovators, investors, and researchers. Moonshot concepts and Innovation Pilot proposals can be submitted anytime. Energy Access
Masdar — Leadership Training and Mentorship
The WiSER Pioneers Program offers young women aged 25 to 35 access to educational workshops and global networking opportunities. The program empowers young women to take a leading role in the global transition to a net-zero future. Applicants must be employed or self-employed and hold a degree in a field related to the environment, energy, sustainability, or STEM disciplines. Applications have to be submitted no later than 23 November 2026. WiSER Pioneers Program
Campus France — Visiting Fellowship for Early Career Researchers
The Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) initiative calls for applications from young researchers who wish to carry out their research in France. MOPGA intends to award 40 fellowships for a duration of 12 months with a monthly allowance of €2,500. Eligible research themes include climate change and energy transition. Foreign researchers must hold a doctoral degree for less than 5 years. The application period ends on 15 December 2026. MOPGA Visiting Fellowship
Keeling Curve Prize — Global Warming Mitigation Project
The Keeling Curve Prize offers micro-funding and recognition to individuals or organizations with active or ongoing projects that reduce CO2 emissions or increase CO2 uptake. Each year, US$50 thousand will be awarded to up to 10 winners, chosen by internationally recognized climate scientists and energy experts, for innovative ideas that generate, conserve, or design clean energy solutions. This may include a concept, a plan, a product, a technology, or a strategy. Entries are accepted from anywhere in the world. The closing date for applicants is 15 January 2027. More about the Keeling Curve Prize
KU Leuven — PhD Scholarships for Students from the Global South
KU Leuven is the largest university in Flanders, Belgium. As one part of its cooperation to advance international development, KU Leuven offers PhD scholarships to candidates from developing countries. The university offers sandwich scholarships, which means that 50% of the research takes place at KU Leuven and 50% at the home institution of the scholar, as well as full-time research at KU Leuven. The scholarships are offered to proposals that deal with a development-relevant research topic, preferably linked to the Sustainable Development Goals. Online applications have to be completed before 04 February 2027. PhD Scholarships for Researchers
Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement — Student Ambassador Program
The Tyler Prize recruits undergraduate and postgraduate students from anywhere in the world to serve as 2027 Student Ambassadors. Ambassadors promote the laureates’ work on social media and in their communities. Ambassadors receive skills training in storytelling, social media and event delivery. Applicants must be proficient in English and interested in themes such as climate, oceans, economics, policy, pollution, food and agriculture, water, health and equality. Applications close 30 October 2026. Tyler Prize Student Ambassador Program
Earth Journalism Network — Story Grants for Reports on Renewable Energy in India
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) funds journalists, communicators and social media content creators based anywhere in India to produce in-depth reports on the renewable energy transition. Themes include generation, finance, transmission, storage, agrivoltaics, decentralized energy and community empowerment. Selected fellows receive financial support and one-to-one editorial mentorship. Budgets are expected to stay within Rs 1 lakh for text and multimedia stories and Rs 3 lakh for video or joint stories, with larger requests considered for innovative or investigative work. The application deadline is 15 November 2026. Story Grants for Reports on Renewable Energy