The World Smart City Awards recognize and support innovative city strategies, projects and ideas that can make an impact on citizens’ lives and turn our cities into better places to live. Proposals and projects from the following categories are eligible to apply: Enabling Technologies, Energy & Environment, Mobility, Governance & Economy, Living & Inclusion, Infrastructure & Buildings. Submissions must only be made by city governments. All entries should be submitted before 30 June 2025. World Smart City Awards
energy
International Federation of Inventors’ Associations — Regenerative Innovation Competition
The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) accepts applications for the prestigious Regenerative Innovation Competition. The initiative aims to unite visionaries from Latin America and the Caribbean, in an effort to generate breakthrough solutions in fields such as Renewable Energy and Urban Sustainability, among others. Participation is open to individuals aged 16 and above, including representatives of academic institutions, third-sector organizations, startups, and traditional businesses. The winners will be awarded medals and official certificates. The application deadline is 30 July 2025. InnovaCities 2025
Worldwide Universities Network — Research Development Fund
The WUN Research Development Fund (RDF) provides grants of up to £10 thousand for one year to foster research collaborations among academic staff (faculty) at WUN member universities. Applications are open to researchers from WUN member institutions. The RDF supports research projects that fall under the network’s principal research theme of sustainable development. The closing date is 17 October 2025. (Note: Most WUN member universities have earlier internal submission deadlines, and prospective applicants should contact their local WUN Coordinator as soon as possible.) Link to guidelines
Tools with a Mission — Tools for Livelihoods in Africa
Tools with a Mission (TWAM) supports livelihood projects in DR Congo, Malawi, Uganda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The program ships tools and school books to registered charities and NGOs either working in Africa or based in Africa. Organizations can apply for different kits, including the Agricultural Tool Kit, the Electricians Kit, and the Plumbers Tool Kit. Tools with a Mission lists the available equipment and books on its website. There is no application deadline. Find out more
ETH4D — Visiting Student Grant
The ETH4D Visiting Student Grant provides ETH professors funding to invite a student from a low- or middle-income country to ETH Zurich for a research stay of 3-6 months. The invited student must be registered as a Master’s (MA/MSc) student in their home institution. The grant covers the following expenses up to a maximum of CHF 16.5 thousand. The next application deadline is 15 October 2025. ETH Visiting Student Grant
Orange Telecom — Tech Entrepreneurship Program
The Orange Summer Challenge 2025 (OSC25) is a tech entrepreneurship program designed to support innovative startups that combine hardware and software solutions with strong social or environmental impact. OSC25 offers participants technical and human support to develop their technological solutions. Winners of the international competition will receive financial support for incubation and other costs related to the development of their solution. Applications are open until 15 June 2025. Know more
SustainE — Young Researchers Award
The SustainE Young Researchers Award aims to recognize and reward outstanding research in sustainability by young scholars. The award includes a $1000 prize for the best paper. Eligibility extends to researchers under 40 years with original, unpublished papers on sustainability issues (including environment and energy). The application deadline is 25 August 2025. SustainE Young Researchers Award
International Organization for Migration — Climate Mobility in Africa
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) launches a call for applications for the initiative “Accelerating Youth-Led Action in Addressing Climate Mobility in Africa.” The program aims to strengthen the capacities of youth and youth-led civil society organizations across Africa by providing technical expertise, resources, and platforms to lead climate mobility solutions. Eligibility extends to youth and youth-led civil society organizations based in Africa. Interested applicants must submit their proposals by 15 June 2025. Know more
YMCA Network Solutions — Youth Empowerment Fund
The YMCA Network Solutions Youth Empowerment Fund is a grant opportunity designed to support youth-led initiatives that address local challenges and advance the Sustainable Development Goals. The grant is open to YMCA National Movements and their local associations in countries eligible. Grants of €10 thousand to €20 thousand are available for national projects, and up to €30 thousand for multi-country collaborations involving at least three countries. Applications close on 18 May 2025. Link to more information
Earth Journalism Network — Awareness About Renewable Energy in India
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) invites fellowship applications to boost video content production and distribution of information to build awareness about renewable energy in India. Applications are open to India-based video content producers. EJN will provide remuneration and mentorship to each selected applicant, depending on the proposal and budget provided by the applicant. The budget should cover reporting and production costs amounting to a maximum of ₹2.75 lakh for a video of around 8 minutes in length. The application deadline is 30 May 2025. Details