The Free Electrons Program is a global open-innovation accelerator that connects energy startups with leading utilities and energy system operators to pilot and scale breakthrough solutions for the energy transition. The program is open to startups worldwide with mature, market-ready technologies addressing areas such as grid digitalization, renewables integration, energy storage, flexibility, electrification, and climate resilience. Selected startups receive non-dilutive support, including paid pilot opportunities, access to utility partners, technical validation, mentoring, and global exposure (rather than a fixed cash grant). The application deadline is 31 January 2026. Free Electrons Program
worldwide
Mountaintop International — Fellowship for Community Leaders
The Mountaintop Fellowship is a paid, one-year, full-time fellowship for local leaders to stay in or return to their home communities and contribute to systems change in lower-income places around the world. Fellows receive a US$3,600 grant paid in 12 installments and have the opportunity to apply for the Catalyst Fund, which funds up to US$2,500 for fellows to implement a project in their community. The fellowship is open to individuals worldwide. The application deadline is 08 February 2026. Mountaintop Fellowship
Honnold Foundation — Solar Energy Funding
The Honnold Foundation provides funding to organizations or projects that use solar energy to serve underserved or marginalized communities. Both domestic and international organizations may apply. Grant awards typically range from US$25 thousand to US$150 thousand. Organizations must have 501(c)3 status or equivalent status within their country of operation. The application deadline is 12 February 2026. Solar Energy Funding
Reuters Institute — Journalist Fellowship Program
The Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowship Program at the University of Oxford is a full-time residential fellowship for mid-career journalists from around the world who want to step back from daily reporting to research a journalism-related topic of their choice. Successful applicants get their fees covered and receive a monthly stipend of £2,000, which will be enough to cover the cost of accommodation, food, and general living expenses. The fellowship is open to journalists from all over the world with at least five years of professional experience across print, broadcast, and digital media. The application deadline is 13 February 2026. Journalist Fellowship Program
Blue Ocean — Student Entrepreneur Competition
The Blue Ocean Competition is a global entrepreneurship competition for high school students aged 14–18 that challenges participants to develop innovative business ideas to address real-world problems in areas such as sustainability, social impact, and economic development. Students can compete individually or in teams, progressing through written pitches and virtual presentations, with finalists gaining access to mentorship, training, and networking opportunities. The competition awards cash prizes and scholarships, helping winners further develop or launch their ideas. It is open to students worldwide. The application deadline is 22 February 2026. Blue Ocean Competition
Swedish Institute — Scholarships for Global Professionals
The Swedish Institute (SI) provides fully-funded international scholarships for master’s studies in Sweden. The scholarship for global professionals aims to develop future global leaders who will contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and contribute to positive and sustainable development in their home countries. The scholarship is intended for full-time one-year or two-year master’s programs. SI fully covers tuition fees and makes regular payments of SEK12 thousand to cover living expenses throughout the scholarship. The application portal will close on 25 February 2026. SI Scholarships for Global Professionals
RESCO — Master’s Programme Resources, Environment and Sustainability
The RESCO Master’s Program offers an interdisciplinary, two-year graduate program focused on sustainable resource management, environmental policy, circular economy, and climate transitions. The program is delivered by a consortium of European universities, and is open to students of all nationalities who hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree in fields such as environmental studies, engineering, economics, geography, or social sciences. Admitted students may apply for Erasmus Mundus scholarships that typically cover full tuition fees, travel costs, insurance, and a monthly living allowance (around €1,400 per month) for the duration of the program. The application deadline for scholarship consideration is 28 February 2026. Details here
International Foundation for the Law of the Sea — Training Program Law of the Sea
The Tribunal runs an annual capacity-building and training program on dispute settlement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The nine-month program is aimed at junior to mid-level government officials and researchers mainly from developing countries who are currently working on issues related to the law of the sea, maritime law, or dispute settlement. All participants’ costs, including travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and a monthly allowance, are covered by the Nippon Foundation. The application deadline is 06 March 2026. Link to the Training Program Law of the Sea
ETH Zurich — Faculty Exchange Grants
ETH for Development (ETH4D) provides grants for visiting scientists who belong to academic institutions in low and lower-middle-income countries. The visiting scientist may visit ETH Zurich to conduct a short research stay or to attend a conference or workshop organized by ETH Zurich scientists. The grant covers expenses up to a maximum of CHF 10 thousand. The main applicant has to be a senior scientist or professor of ETH Zurich and invite colleagues from lower-income countries. The application deadline is 30 March 2026. ETH Faculty Exchange Grants
ETH Zurich — Research to Action Grants
ETH for Development (ETH4D) supports ETH bachelor students, master students, doctoral candidates, post-docs, and senior scientists to develop prototypes. The grant sum is up to CHF 5 thousand. Preference is given to activities in lower-middle-income countries with direct involvement of collaborating institutions or agencies from said countries. The application deadline is 30 March 2026. ETH Research to Action Grants