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
energy
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
Honnold Foundation — Solar Energy Funding
The Honnold Foundation provides funding to organizations or projects that use solar energy to serve underserved or marginalized communities. Both domestic and international organizations may apply. Grant awards typically range from US$25 thousand to US$150 thousand. Organizations must have 501(c)3 status or equivalent status within their country of operation. The application deadline is 12 February 2026. Solar Energy Funding
Swedish Institute — Scholarships for Global Professionals
The Swedish Institute (SI) provides fully-funded international scholarships for master’s studies in Sweden. The scholarship for global professionals aims to develop future global leaders who will contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and contribute to positive and sustainable development in their home countries. The scholarship is intended for full-time one-year or two-year master’s programs. SI fully covers tuition fees and makes regular payments of SEK12 thousand to cover living expenses throughout the scholarship. The application portal will close on 25 February 2026. SI Scholarships for Global Professionals
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
Climate Tracker — Climate Journalism Mentorship Program
Climate Tracker invited applications for the Climate Journalism Mentoring Program, exclusive to Latin America. Journalists from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Mexico will publish stories on the impact of the climate crisis in the region, with a focus on the transition to fair energy. Journalists receive a total financial incentive of US$900 (US$$300 for each story published). The application deadline is 01 March 2026. Climate Journalism Mentorship Program
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
Together Women Rise — Empowering Women and Girls living in Extreme Poverty
Together Women Rise (formerly Dining for Women) makes grants to non-profit organizations that support women and girls living in extreme poverty in developing countries. Thematic areas include access to clean water and sanitation, food security, and education, among other themes. Together Women Rise accepts applications in the range of US$35 thousand to $50 thousand. Eligibility extends to US 5.01(c)3 corporations or international organizations with a fiscal sponsor. The grant cycle to submit letters of intent is open from 05 May to 05 June 2026. Find the program
Science Park Graz — Startup Idea Competition 2026
The Science Park Graz invites young inventors to submit their business ideas to the Startup Idea Competition in one of six categories, including Energy & Environment. The winners in each category will be invited to the award ceremony in Graz, Austria and receive €2 thousand each. The deadline for idea submission is 31 January 2026. Find the start-up idea competition
InteRussia — Energy Fellowships
InteRussia announces a Fellowship in the Energy Sector for specialists from Latin America and the Caribbean. The fellowship consists of lectures, seminars, and visits to government agencies, industrial enterprises and major energy infrastructure facilities. The fellowship covers travel costs, accommodation, a monthly stipend, visa support, and insurance, and includes an academic and cultural programme hosted by Russian partner institutions. The deadline to apply for the fellowship is 02 February 2026. Energy Fellowships