The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) recognizes young researchers worldwide working at the intersection of digitalization and sustainability. Awardees receive a fully funded three-month research stay in Germany. Eligible applicants are Master’s students in their final year or current PhD candidates (or recent graduates within three months), under 30 years old, with strong academic records. Past winners include many in renewable energy, water management, and environmental engineering. The deadline is 15 June 2026. Green Talents
biotechnology
Association of Commonwealth Universities — Fellowships
The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) provides fellowships for the academic and professional staff to facilitate collaboration at a distance and the creation of valuable new partnerships between ACU member universities across the Commonwealth. ACU provides financial support of up to £5,000 per fellowship. Applications close on 25 June 2026. ACU Fellowships
World Academy of Sciences — Samira Omar Innovation for Sustainability Award
The Samira Omar Innovation for Sustainability Prize recognizes woman scientists from least-developed countries with scientific achievements in clean and renewable energy; sustainable agriculture and agro-biodiversity; plastic pollution and microplastics, water purification and sanitation, climate change, waste management, biodiversity conservation, and other themes related to sustainability. The winner will receive a cash award of US$4 thousand. Candidates should be working and living in an LDC country for at least two years prior to nomination. The deadline for nominations is 30 June 2026. Innovation for Sustainability Award
Stiftung Entrepreneurship — Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition 2026
The Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition (CEC) invites entrepreneurs from all around the world to submit innovative answers and ideas to solve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Young entrepreneurs (age 15-35) submit their ideas and projects in the Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship category. Entrepreneurs over 30 years apply to the Adult Citizen Entrepreneurship category. The winners receive a certificate and international recognition. The deadline for entries is 05 June 2026. About the competition
SVG Ventures — Global Impact Challenge 2026
The Global Impact Challenge is a global competition for early-stage startups aimed at discovering breakthrough technologies that advance sustainable and resilient agrifood systems. Focusing on critical pillars such as soil health, water management, food waste reduction, and decarbonization, the challenge offers finalists the opportunity to secure up to US$1 million in investment from SVG Ventures. Beyond financial support, participants benefit from expert pitch coaching, a dedicated exhibition booth at the Global Impact Summit in Silicon Valley (October 2026). The application window for this cycle closes on 15 May 2026. THRIVE Global Impact Challenge
Swedish Institute — Global Executive Program
The Swedish Institute invites applications for its Global Executive Programme, which focuses on integrating sustainability into core business strategies. This initiative is open to senior executives, such as CEOs and top managers, from medium to large companies in 24 participating countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. The program covers all training fees, as well as accommodation and meals during a one-week onsite module in Stockholm; however, participants or their companies are generally expected to cover their own travel costs to Sweden. Applicants must be at least 30 years old and lead companies within or transitioning toward green industries, such as renewable energy or sustainable transport. The application deadline is 25 March 2026. Global Executive Program
Village Capital — Reshaping Food LATAM
Village Capital supports startups tackling food loss and waste across Latin America. The 2026 program specifically targets eight early-stage startups using data and AI to optimize food distribution, prevent loss in production, or empower consumers to reduce waste. Eligible applicants must be legally incorporated as for-profit entities in at least one Latin American country. While the primary value of the program lies in intensive investment-readiness training, mentorship, and access to a Mexico City summit, participants also receive milestone-based funding, which in previous cycles has been approximately US$4,400 per startup. The application deadline for the 2026 cohort is 27 March 2026. Link
OPEC Fund for International Development — Young Professional Development Program
The Young Professional Development Program (YPDP) is a two-year program designed to prepare young professionals from OPEC Fund member countries for a career in global development. The themes include poverty reduction, energy and sustainable development, environment, and other related science and technology fields. YPDP offers training, coaching and mentoring, the opportunity to experience different departments and access to professional networks. To be selected for the program, applicants must be 30 years of age (or younger) and hold a Master’s degree. The deadline for applications is 11 April 2026. More about the YPDP
World Academy of Sciences — TWAS-CSIR Postdoctoral Fellowships in India
India’s Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) offers postdoctoral fellowships to young scientists from developing countries (other than India) to pursue postdoctoral research at CSIR’s laboratories and institutes. The duration of the fellowships is six to twelve months. Subject areas range across the physical and natural sciences, including agricultural sciences. CSIR will provide a monthly stipend to cover living costs, food, and health insurance. The application deadline is 06 May 2026. Details
Google.org — Impact Challenge: AI for Science
Google.org invites applications for its AI for Science Impact Challenge, a US$30 million global initiative to accelerate scientific breakthroughs using artificial intelligence. The program focuses on two primary domains: health and life sciences, and climate resilience and environmental science. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, academic and research institutions, and for-profit social enterprises with a clear social impact purpose. Selected organizations will receive grants ranging from US$500 thousand to over US$3 million, alongside participation in a six-month Google.org Accelerator providing pro bono technical expertise and Google Cloud credits. The deadline for applications is 17 April 2026. Link to the Impact Challenge