The Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge invites industry partners and creative innovators to co-develop sustainable solutions in key areas such as renewable energy, offshore wind, greener industries, sustainable agrifood and sustainable materials. Participants have the chance to collaborate with major partners and access funding to develop their solutions. Prizes include potential grant support (US$100 thousand from Hexagon Group), as well as funding and real-world testing facilitated by industry pioneers. The challenge is open to startups, small to medium enterprises, institutes of higher learning, and research institutes across the world. The application deadline is 30 January 2026. Details here
universities
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Award for Innovation
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recognizes individuals, institutions, or organizations that have developed innovative approaches, technologies, or practices with a clear and positive impact on food security, sustainable agrifood systems, natural resource management, or rural livelihoods. The award includes a cash prize of US$10 thousand and an official certificate of recognition. Eligible nominees may come from the public or private sector, civil society, academia, or international organizations, and nominations must be endorsed by an FAO Representative or FAO senior official. The deadline to submit nominations is 15 February 2026. FAO Award for Innovation
Earth Journalism Network — Seed Grants for Media Outlets in Nepal
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) offers grants of €4,500 to media outlets in Nepal to support new media programming on natural resource management and green growth. The grants are intended to seed new programs, columns, or sections that focus on providing innovative and solutions-oriented information on green growth and natural resource management to the public and policymakers. Eligibility extends to media outlets in Nepal – including newspapers, online media, radio, television, multimedia platforms, and social media channels. The application deadline is 15 February 2026. Seed Grants for Media Outlets
UNESCO — Blue Schools Training for Africa and the Caribbean
The Blue Schools Training for Africa and the Caribbean is a capacity-building initiative aimed at teachers, educators, and education stakeholders working with schools in Africa and the Caribbean. The training focuses on integrating ocean literacy, climate change, and sustainability into school curricula through the Blue Schools methodology, combining online sessions with collaborative learning and practical tools. Participation is free of charge, and selected participants gain access to training materials, peer networks, and ongoing support to implement Blue Schools activities locally. The call is open to eligible education professionals from the target regions, with the application deadline 15 February 2026. Link to Ocean Literacy program
Embassy of Japan — Grants for Grassroots Projects in Uganda
The Embassy of Japan in Uganda provides financial assistance to non-profit, development-oriented organizations in support of community development projects in Uganda. Any projects geared towards grassroots assistance are eligible for financing, including water and sanitation, disaster relief, and agricultural development. The grant amount per project is generally under 10 million yen (approx. US$100 thousand). Potential recipients are international or local NGOs, community-based organizations, educational institutions, and local governments. The Embassy receives concept papers anytime throughout the year, but the selection process is conducted twice a year with deadlines on 15 February and 31 July. More about this opportunity
Fondation Egis — Climate Challenge
Fondation Egis invites students and young graduates from around the world to submit innovative solutions on the topic: adapting and living together in the face of climate risks. Participants gain access to a range of support to help shape their projects, e.g., workshops and mentors. The top three teams will be awarded €4,000 per team member, along with additional funding to help bring their projects to life during the first 6 months. Projects must be submitted by 28 March 2026. Link to Climate Challenge
Convergence — Asia Climate Solutions Design Grant
The Asia Climate Solutions (ACS) Design Grant awards grant funding for the design and launch of innovative blended finance solutions for climate transition and resilience in Asia. The grant will target critical climate mitigation and adaptation sectors in Asia including nature-based solutions, clean energy transition, and sustainable cities and infrastructure. Feasibility study grants range between US$50 thousand to US$200 thousand. Proof-of-concept grants range between US$200 thousand to US$400 thousand. Proposals will only be accepted from organizations or consortiums of organizations. The next application deadline for concept notes is 11 January 2026. Asia Climate Solutions Design Grant
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Ecosystem Profile Update: Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites consulting firms, NGOs, research institutions, or consortia with strong regional experience to lead the update of the Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands biodiversity hotspot ecosystem profile, which guides CEPF’s future conservation investment strategy in the region. The assignment involves technical analysis, stakeholder consultations, and synthesis of biodiversity, climate, and socio-economic data to identify conservation priorities. The selected applicant will receive up to US$150 thousand to carry out the work over a defined project period. The call is open internationally, with preference for teams demonstrating experience in biodiversity conservation and familiarity with the region. The deadline to submit proposals is 26 January 2026. Ecosystem Profile Update
Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa — Indigenous and Alternative Knowledge
The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) invites African researchers and institutions to submit project proposals that advance social science knowledge and policy dialogue on pressing African issues, including development, governance, inequalities, gender, youth, and climate change. Eligible applicants are African scholars, research centres, universities, NGOs, and think tanks based in Africa. Selected projects receive research grants (amounts vary by project scope) along with opportunities for networking, and capacity building. The deadline for submitting concept notes is 15 February 2026. AFRIAK Call for Proposals
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Partnership Award
The FAO Partnership Award recognizes institutions or organizations that have demonstrated outstanding cooperation with FAO to advance global food security and sustainable agrifood systems. It includes a cash prize of US$10 thousand and a scroll of recognition. Eligible nominees include FAO Member countries, UN agencies, international institutions, academic/research entities, civil society organizations, private sector partners, and media outlets that can show meaningful collaboration and impact aligned with FAO’s strategic goals. Nominations must be endorsed by an FAO Representative or Director to be valid. The deadline to submit nominations is 15 February 2026. FAO Partnership Award