The Rice University (Texas, USA) invites student teams to participate in the Rice Business Plan Competition 2025. Entrepreneurs receive the opportunity to pitch their startups to investors, receive mentoring, network with the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and enhance their startup strategy. Typically, startups have a technology component in Energy/Clean Technology; Life Science/Biotechnology; or Digital Services. The competition is open to degree-seeking students currently enrolled at a college or university anywhere in the world. The grand prize winner receives up to $300 thousand in investments. The application deadline is 31 January 2026. Business Plan Competition
energy
Government of Switzerland — Renewable Energy Promotion in Developing Countries
The independent platform Renewable Energy, Energy and Resource Efficiency Promotion in Developing and Transition Countries (REPIC) supports projects in the field of renewable energies and/or energy efficiency and/or resource efficiency (waste, wastewater, and industrial processes). The project applicant has to be a Swiss organization (companies, NGOs, institutes, etc.) but the project target country must be a developing country. The maximum amount per project is CHF 150 thousand. Applications can be submitted at any time. Application procedure
F. M. Kirby Foundation — Social Impact Prize
- M. Kirby Impact Prize is an annual global prize of US$150 thousand that amplifies and accelerates the work of enterprises working to scale their impact on social or environmental problems around the world. Applicants must have strong evidence of impact over at least 3 years and a plan for how to use the prize to scale that impact in the next 3-5 years. The prize is open to nonprofit, for-profit, or hybrid organizations working anywhere in the world. The deadline for applications is 03 December 2025. Know more
Regional Studies Association — Early-Career Grant
The Regional Studies Association (RSA) covers issues in the fields of climate change, energy, migration, and economic development. RSA makes grants to early-career researchers in support of their regional studies and/or regional science research. Individuals can apply for up to £10 thousand for projects of up to 18 months in duration. Please note that applicants have to be RSA members (non-members may apply and join RSA at the same time). Grants have no geographical limitation, past grant holders come from Egypt, Argentina, China, etc. Expressions of Interest have to be submitted by 03 March 2026. RSA Early-Career Grant
Regional Studies Association — Research Grant
The Regional Studies Association (RSA) supports outstanding individual researchers on topics related to regional studies and regional science. Individuals can apply for up to £5 thousand for projects of up to 18 months in duration. Please note that applicants have to be RSA members (non-members may apply and join RSA at the same time). Grants have no geographical limitation, past grant holders come from Egypt, Argentina, China, etc. Expressions of Interest have to be submitted by 03 March 2026. MeRSA Grants
Global LEAP Awards — Solar Generators
TheGlobal LEAP Awards Solar Generator Competition aims to identify and promote the highest-performing solar-powered generator kits for use in energy-constrained settings, with a total prize pool of US$100 thousand. Eligible products must be commercially available, include solar PV input, battery, inverter and provide AC output. The nomination deadline is 29 October 2025. Solar Generator Competition
East-West Center — Asia Pacific Leadership Program 2026
The Asia Pacific Leadership Program (APLP) invites individuals with a demonstrated commitment to promoting peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region to apply for a 9-month program of leadership training and professional development on emerging issues. Inter-disciplinary interests at the East-West Center include climate change, land use, water and energy demands, etc., — among other social and environmental themes. Supplementary scholarship support is available to help defray the cost of program fees and accommodations. The deadline to apply is 15 November 2025. Asia Pacific Leadership Program
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 23 November (early deadline); 14 December (regular deadline); or 04 January 2026 (limited extension). Link to D-Prize
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis — Young Scientists Summer Program 2026
IIASA invites doctoral students worldwide to participate in its Young Scientists Summer Program held at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis’s headquarters in Laxenburg, Austria. The selected participants work with IIASA’s senior scientists in research on energy, ecosystem services, water, risk policy and vulnerability, and other topics. Scholarships are available from IIASA’s national member organizations. A limited number of scholarships are available from other sources. The deadline for registrations to the 2026 program is 12 January 2026. Young Scientists Summer Program
TED-Ed — Earth School
Earth School consists of 30 days of nature-focused content for learners of all ages. Each Quest includes videos and a quiz, combined with a series of engaging learning resources curated by environmental experts. Teachers and parents are invited to use these lessons and activities to keep their students and kids engaged and connected to the outside world. Lessons are free and accessible anytime. Link to Earth School