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
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Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation — Changemakers Innovation Challenge
The Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation seeks applications for the Changemakers Innovation Challenge. The challenge is open to non-profits and social enterprises across Africa who are using technological/digital tools to create innovative social solutions. Focus areas include health, environment, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Proposed projects must have a maximum life cycle of 12 months and benefit African communities. The challenge is open to non-profits and social enterprises across Africa. The application deadline is 22 August 2025. Changemakers
UNU Global AI Network — Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition
The Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition invites individuals, teams, organizations, and startups from around the world to submit AI-driven solutions focused on the theme “AI for the Environment: Ecological Sustainability and the Green Transition.” Applications are open for proposals that address one or more of four tracks: climate change adaptation; environmental protection and conservation; clean energy; and AI for less developed countries.The application deadline is 15 September 2025. AI Future Innovation Competition
European Union — Europe–Africa Partnerships
The Joint Innovation Facility provides funding of €100 thousand to €250 thousand to consortia led by African organizations from 14 target countries—including Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and others. Eligible proposals must leverage digital technologies to scale climate‑focused innovations in areas like climate mitigation, adaptation, blue tech, smart cities, energy, or mobility. Applicants must form cross‑border consortia (Africa–EU or intra‑Africa). The deadline for submission is 15 September 2025. Joint Innovation Facility
International Finance Forum — Global Green Finance Award
The IFF Global Green Finance Award seeks innovative green finance solutions worldwide. The award targets applicants who offer green financial solutions that promote the transformation of economic growth modes, contribute to pollution prevention, and control and address climate change, as well as improve energy efficiency, energy conservation, and emission reductions. Any institution that carries out activities that foster green finance development and produce real benefits is eligible to apply. The application deadline is 05 August 2025. Visit the International Finance Forum
Eugenio Garza Lagüera Entrepreneurship Institute — Climate Acceleration Program
The Eugenio Garza Lagüera Entrepreneurship Institute invites applications for an acceleration program to develop capabilities and provide resources to startups with high business potential and climate impact. Entrepreneurs must have a product or service that aligns with at least one of the following impact areas: Energy access and generation; Low emission transport; Buildings, cities, industries, and appliances; Forestry and land use resources. The program includes a grant without dilution from equity to €100 thousand and mentorship from experts. Businesses located in Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, or the Dominican Republic are eligible to apply. The application deadline is 08 August 2025. Details
Worthington Enterprises — West Africa Clean Cooking Fund
The West Africa Clean Cooking Fund supports community-based clean cooking projects across Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. The fund seeks proposals from NGOs and impact-driven organizations and includes an initial up to US$1 million commitment from The Worthington Companies Foundation to drive impactful clean cooking proof of concept pilot projects across the region. Clean Cooking Fund
Climate & Clean Air Coalition — National Policy & Mitigation Projects
The Climate & Clean Air Coalition invites proposals to support national strategies and action plans addressing short‑lived climate pollutants across six thematic areas: agriculture, cooling & refrigeration, heavy‑duty transport, household energy, waste management, and national policy & planning. Grants cover project design and implementation tailored to country priorities, including methane and black‑carbon reduction strategies, clean cooking transitions, refrigerant phase‑down, organic waste pipelines, and improved air quality regulation. Target countries currently include Cambodia, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Madagascar, Mexico, Uzbekistan, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Nigeria, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, and others. Applicants may include national or subnational government bodies, public agencies, or consortia with civil society and technical partners. The deadline for submissions is 29 August 2025. Know more
SmartCity Expo World Congress — World Smart City Awards
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
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