The Volvo Environment Prize aims to promote scientific research and innovations that in broad terms fall within the environmental and sustainability field. The Volvo Environment Prize Foundation invites universities, research institutes, scientists, engineers, as well as other individuals and organizations to submit nominations. Priority is given to an individual or to a group of individuals. Past laureates have included leaders in fields such as global change, biodiversity, energy efficiency, and others. The Prize consists of a diploma, sculpture, and cash award for SEK 1.5 million. The deadline for nominations is 20 January 2026. Volvo Environment Prize
energy
Microsoft — Climate Innovation Fund
Microsoft invests in initiatives to accelerate technology development and deployment of new climate innovations through equity and debt capital. Microsoft focuses on areas such as direct carbon removal, digital optimization, advanced energy systems, industrial materials, circular economy, water technologies, sustainable agriculture, and business strategies for nature-based markets. Inquiry can be submitted anytime. Know more
Savvy — Fellowship for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs
The Savvy Fellowship is a 12-week online learning program for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs. Savvy seeks early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs from across Africa working on solving the most pressing problems through innovation. Fellows will receive support, mentorship, and access to a lifelong community in support of their innovative business ideas. Fellows have to be no older than 40 years. The Savvy Fellowship program is open year-round and accepts applications on a rolling basis. More
Government of Luxembourg — Business Partnership Facility
The Government of Luxembourg provides financial support to the private sector in Europe to set up sustainable commercial projects in partnership with private or public organizations in developing countries. Project proposals should focus on one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and may not exceed €200 thousand. Applications can be submitted before 30 April 2025. Details here
North Atlantic Treaty Organization — Women & Girls in Science
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization aims to inspire young women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) by providing a platform for them to share innovative research ideas that impact global security and defence. The Women & Girls in Science 2025 (WGS25) challenge invites young women and girls to submit visionary research proposals addressing pressing challenges in the field of security and defence research. The challenge is open to university students (bachelor, master, PhD), early career researchers, or individuals interested in starting a career in STEM and/or defence. The deadline for submissions is 11 March 2025. Details here
French-African Foundation — Young Leaders 2025
The French-African Foundation invites applications for Young Leaders 2025. The program recognizes and supports young leaders to become true agents of change in relation to global challenges. Candidates must be between 28 and 40 years old and have French nationality or the nationality of an African country. Successful candidates will spend five days in France, five days in Africa, engage in high-level meetings and receive training and mentorship. Flights and accommodation will be provided. The deadline for applications is 30 March 2025. About the program
OPEC Fund for International Development — Grants
The OPEC Fund provides financial assistance to developing countries, particularly low-income countries, in support of their economic and social development efforts. OPEC will consider requests for (i) grants for country-specific activities and projects; (ii) grants for special development initiatives of global or regional scope; and (iii) emergency aid. In the past, the OPEC Fund has financed projects in agriculture, energy, health, transportation, and water and sanitation sectors. The amount of the contribution will vary according to the scope and the nature of the proposed activity. However, except for emergency aid and small grants in amounts of up to US$100 thousand, OPEC’s contribution should not exceed 50% of the total cost. Eligible partners are any government or non-government entity, including co-financing partners, private sector entities, research entities, UN agencies, and international NGOs. There is no deadline. Know more about the OPEC Fund
European Commission — Young Energy Ambassadors Program 2025
The Young Energy Ambassadors (YEA) program offers individuals aged 18 to 35 the opportunity to engage in EU energy policy making and promote a clean, fair energy transition. Ambassadors will participate in the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) from June 10-12, 2025, and contribute to the European Youth Energy Day. The year-long mandate includes mentorship, workshops, policy dialogues, and media features. Eligible applicants are young professionals, students, activists, and researchers committed to sustainable energy. Applications are open until 01 March 2025. Link to the program
Bicester Collection — Award for Women Social Entrepreneurs
The Bicester Collection announces the 2025 Unlock Her Future Prize, targeting women social entrepreneurs from South Asia. This initiative seeks innovative, not-for-profit business ideas or early-stage ventures that align with at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Eligible applicants must be women over 18 years old, citizens and residents of South Asian countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka). Winners will receive up to US$100 thousand in financial capital, university support, mentorship from global experts, and increased visibility through global exposure. Applications close on 10 March 2025. Unlock Her Future Prize
RAISEAfrica — Renewable Energy
RAISEAfrica invites African entrepreneurs aged 18-35 to apply for its 2025 edition, focusing on innovative solutions in the renewable energy sector. The program offers both pre-acceleration and acceleration tracks, providing mentoring, coaching, networking, visibility, and fundraising support. Eligible applicants should have solutions addressing the African market and either possess African citizenship or have a startup registered in Africa. The deadline for applications is 14 March 2025. More information