VivaTech organizes the Next Startupper Award to celebrate student entrepreneurs driving positive change through technological innovation. The competition is open to current students from any country who have founded a tech-oriented startup or project less than three years ago that demonstrates a clear social or environmental impact. Finalists receive four-day VIP speaker passes to the event in Paris and the opportunity to pitch their solutions to industry experts. The grand prize winner receives a €5,000 cash prize and a dedicated startup corner at the 2027 edition of VivaTech. The deadline for applications is 09 March 2026. More information
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Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform — Local Solutions for Coral Conservation
The G20 Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) invites applications for the Coral Local Innovation Program (CLIP) to support research and development for coral conservation and restoration. This small grants program is open to organizations based in low- and middle-income countries, including non-profits, for-profit businesses, research institutes, and government agencies. The program provides up to US$100 thousand for projects lasting one to two years, with a requirement that the majority of funding be allocated to local individuals. The deadline for concept note submissions is 10 March 2026. Coral Local Innovation Program
World Bank Group — Youth Summit 2026
The World Bank Group hosts the Youth Summit Pitch Competition to support young innovators developing solutions for the future of work. Individuals or teams of up to five members, aged 18 to 35, from World Bank member countries are eligible to apply with projects focused on education, entrepreneurship, or agriculture. While there is no direct cash prize, finalists receive travel support to present their ideas at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C., along with specialized coaching and post-summit mentoring from International Finance Corporation (IFC) experts. The deadline for applications is 11 March 2026. Know more
Government of Ireland — International Education Scholarships 2026
The Government of Ireland invites applications for International Education Scholarships to support high-achieving students from non-EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The program is open to individuals who have secured an offer for a master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD program at an eligible Irish higher education institution. Each of the 60 annual scholarships provides a stipend of €10,000 for one year of full-time study, and the host institution provides a full tuition fee waiver for that year. The deadline for applications is 12 March 2026. International Education Scholarships
greenCHEM — Green Chemistry Innovation Program
greenCHEM invites applications to the Green Chemistry Innovation Program to fast-track the validation of green chemistry technologies and business models. The program is open to innovators worldwide, including early-stage scientific spinouts, researchers with unexploited patents, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Participants receive equity-free funding for up to 12 months, including monthly stipends of €2,500 for master’s degree holders or €3,000 for those with a PhD, plus up to €40 thousand for material and investment expenses. The program provides laboratory access in Berlin, mentorship, and support for housing and visas. The deadline for applications is 15 March 2026. Know more
Water Research Foundation — Tailored Collaboration Program
The Water Research Foundation (WRF) invites its subscribing utilities to submit pre-proposals for the Tailored Collaboration Program, which funds research projects addressing regional or utility-specific challenges. This matching grant program allows subscribers to partner with research institutions, consultants, or other technical organizations to conduct applied research on “One Water” topics such as water reuse, asset management, and emerging contaminants. To be eligible, a project must be sponsored by a utility with an active WRF subscription, and the utility must provide a cash match for the funds requested. WRF provides a one-to-one match of up to US$150 thousand per project. Pre-proposals for the 2026 funding cycle must be submitted by 17 March 2026. Click here
Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Clean Energy for Development
The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Norad invite applications for the Clean Energy for Development program to support renewable energy projects in developing countries. This call is specifically for commercial enterprises in the renewable energy sector focusing on on-grid and mini-grid solutions. Eligible projects include development studies and the construction of basic public infrastructure, such as grid equipment or access roads, which must be transferred to public ownership upon completion. The grant covers up to 50% of eligible project costs and is disbursed in arrears, requiring the applicant to finance the remaining 50% and manage initial expenses. While no fixed grant amount is specified, applicants must demonstrate technical and administrative capacity and a deep understanding of the local context. The deadline for applications is 24 March 2026. Link to Norad
International Water Association — Project Innovation Award
The International Water Association (IWA) invites entries for its 2026 Project Innovation Awards, which recognize excellence in water management, research, and technology. The awards are open to organizations and teams worldwide that have delivered impactful projects across six categories, including drinking water supply, wastewater treatment, and water resources management. While the program does not provide a direct cash grant, winners receive global recognition, with gold, silver, and bronze medals awarded at the IWA World Water Congress in Glasgow. Preliminary applications must be submitted by 27 March 2026. Project Innovation Award
Earth Journalism Network — Biodiversity Media Grants 2026
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) offers grants to strengthen biodiversity reporting and increase public awareness of environmental threats. These grants support projects that produce in-depth journalism, such as investigative series or podcasts, and may include capacity-building activities like journalist training and field reporting trips. Eligibility is open to media organizations, journalist networks, and journalism-focused institutions based in low- and middle-income countries. The program provides three to four grants, each valued between €10,000 and €12,000. Applications must be submitted by 28 March 2026. Biodiversity Media Grants
United Nations Environment Program — Young Champions of the Earth
The Young Champions of the Earth honors environmental entrepreneurs with innovative ideas for the planet. Individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 from all global regions are eligible to apply, provided they have at least six months of experience working on their environmental project. Winners receive US$10 thousand in funding, along with mentorship, workshops, and a smartphone multimedia production kit to document their progress over a one-year period. Additionally, winners may compete in a pitch competition for a Planet A grant of up to US$100 thousand. The deadline for applications is 31 March 2026. Young Champions of the Earth