The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) invites applications for the fourth cohort of its NewGen Renewable Energy Accelerator, a program designed to support young entrepreneurs driving the global energy transition. The initiative provides youth-led start-ups and growth-stage businesses with four months of technical mentorship, business model consolidation, and access to investment matchmaking. Eligible applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old and working on innovative solutions in renewable energy, climate adaptation, or climate mitigation. While the program does not provide a direct cash grant, participants compete for the IRENA Rising Stars Award and gain access to IRENA-backed financing platforms such as the Energy Transition Accelerator Financing (ETAF) facility. The deadline for applications is 03 May 2026. Renewable Energy Accelerator
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Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund — Photo and Video Contest
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) invites submissions for its 2026 Photo and Video Contest to showcase the impact of biodiversity conservation efforts within its priority hotspots. This competition is open to employees and volunteers of current or former CEPF grantee organizations who are at least 18 years old. Participants are encouraged to submit high-quality images and short videos that document project activities, local communities, and the unique wildlife found in the regions where they work. The deadline for submissions is 04 May 2026. CEPF
UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program — Young Scientist Awards 2026
The UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme offers the Young Scientists Awards to support early-career researchers conducting interdisciplinary studies on ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainable development. The program prioritizes research carried out in biosphere reserves and projects that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Eligible applicants must be 35 years or younger and must have their applications endorsed by their National MAB Committee, which can nominate up to two candidates per year. Individual research grants are awarded up to a maximum of US$5,000 to cover project-related costs for a two-year period. The deadline for applications is 07 May 2026. Young Scientist Awards
International Water Association — Bio-Cluster Award 2026
The International Water Association (IWA) invites nominations for the ISME-IWA Bio-Cluster Award. This award recognizes interdisciplinary research at the intersection of water wastewater management and microbial ecology, specifically honoring clinicians, engineers, or scientists who have made significant contributions to the field. Individuals or representative groups from any country are eligible, with one award typically granted to a mid-career researcher and another to a senior professional. The prize includes a travel grant to attend the IWA World Water Congress or the ISME Symposium, though the specific monetary value is not disclosed. The deadline for nominations is 08 May 2026. Bio-Cluster Award
National Geographic Society — Illuminating Climate Solutions
The National Geographic Society invites proposals for its Illuminating Climate Solutions program to support projects that combine science and storytelling to address climate change. This grant is open to individual researchers, conservationists, and storytellers from any country, though the program emphasizes projects that focus on community-led solutions and the communication of local climate impacts. Funding tiers range from US$1 thousand to US$100 thousand depending on the project’s scope and the applicant’s experience level. The deadline for applications is 25 May 2026. Know more
Mangrove Action Project — Mangrove Photography Awards 2026
The Mangrove Action Project invites entries for the 12th annual Mangrove Photography Awards, a competition dedicated to spark conservation through visual storytelling. The contest is open to photographers of all levels and ages globally, featuring categories such as Wildlife, Underwater, Landscape, People, and Conservation Stories. A total of US$7 thousand in prize money is available, including US$1,000 for the overall winner and US$500 for each of the eleven category winners. Participation is free, and photographers can submit up to 12 images. The deadline for submissions is 01 June 2026. Mangrove Photography Awards
Sony — Women in Technology Award with Nature
Sony invites applications for the Sony Women in Technology Award to recognize outstanding women researchers whose work drives positive impact for society and the planet. The award is open to women in early- to mid-career stages—defined as being within 25 years of completing an undergraduate degree—who work in academia, research institutions, or university spinout companies globally. Three winners will each receive US$250 thousand to support and accelerate their research, along with opportunities to showcase their achievements on nature.com. The deadline for applications is 05 June 2026. Technology Award with Nature
D-Prize — Funding Entrepreneurs to Alleviate Poverty
The D-Prize funds pilot projects that more widely distribute relatively low-cost products and services in the fight against poverty. The current challenges include social enterprises for innovations in specified themes of agriculture; energy; WASH; and several other categories. The D-Prize will award 30 teams with up to US$20 thousand each to launch nonprofits or social ventures that can distribute proven poverty interventions to people in need. Eligibility to compete extends to entrepreneurs anywhere in the world and of any age or background. The D-Prize invites concept notes before 17 May (early deadline); 07 June (regular deadline); or 28 June 2026 (limited extension). Link to D-Prize
MDPI — Climate Best Paper Award 2026
The journal Climate, published by MDPI, presents the Best Paper Award to recognize outstanding research and review articles that contribute significantly to the field of climate science. All papers published in the journal during 2024 are automatically eligible for consideration, including both regular submissions and those within Special Issues. The award is divided into two categories: one for a research article and one for a review paper. Each winner receives a prize of CHF 500 and a voucher to waive the Article Processing Charges (APCs) for a future submission in the journal, valid for one year. Winners will be announced on 30 June 2026. Climate Best Paper Award
King Baudouin Foundation — Ernest Solvay Fund
The Ernest Solvay Fund provides grants to individuals and organizations implementing a non-commercial project that is intended to promote scientific and technological training and development, both in Belgium and abroad. Projects may focus on both education and entrepreneurship in areas such as chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and earth sciences. Financial support of up to €10 thousand will be provided. The deadline for submitting proposals is 30 September 2026. Link to Ernest Solvay Fund