The Africa Energy Innovation Challenge (AEIC) invites young African energy entrepreneurs to submit early-stage prototypes that address energy needs across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, transport, or AI-powered energy management. Applicants (aged between 18 and 35) form teams to co-develop and pitch their innovations, competing for support that may include funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Proposals have to be submitted by 15 September 2025. Link to AEIC
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African Development Bank — Japan–Africa Dream Scholarship
The Japan–Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program supports African nationals (aged 35 or younger) to pursue two-year master’s degrees in fields like energy, agriculture, health, environmental sustainability, and engineering. To be eligible, candidates must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in relevant disciplines. The scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly living stipend (approximately ¥150,000 JPY, including housing), round‑trip airfare, health insurance, and may include additional support—such as research grants, internship allowances, and preparatory courses. The deadlines for enrollment applications for April 2026 are 16 September 2025, and for September 2026 enrollment, 12 November 2025 or 9 January 2026. Link
European Energy Communities Facility — Support for Energy Communities
The European Energy Communities Facility offers emerging or evolving energy communities across 31 European countries a grant of €45 thousand to develop a solid business plan, along with access to a tailored capacity-building program and peer-to-peer exchanges. Eligible applicants are legally registered energy companies that are based in eligible countries (EU-27, Iceland, Moldova, North Macedonia, or Ukraine). All materials must be submitted before the deadline on 30 September 2025. Details here
Earth Company — Impact Hero 2026
Each year, Earth Company selects one Impact Hero that has the potential to transform the future of developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Impact Heroes are visionary leaders who tackle some of the most pressing social and environmental challenges and make transformative changes to the communities they serve. Earth Company provides 3 years of support through leadership coaching, fundraising, marketing, and business development. Eligibility extends to everybody and all forms of organizations. Applications have to be received no later than 06 October 2025. Find details here
CETPartnership — Clean Energy Transition
The Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETPartnership) invites transnational consortia from a minimum of three countries (at least two must be EU Member States or Horizon Europe associated countries) to submit research and innovation projects in renewable energy technologies and clean energy integration. The Call is designed to support projects lasting between 12 and 36 months, with requested funding typically ranging from €0.5 million to €5 million. The deadline for pre-proposal submission is 09 October 2025. Clean Energy Transition Partnership
World Summit Awards — Young Innovators Award
Nominations are open for the World Summit Awards (WSA) and the WSA Young Innovators Awards (young social entrepreneurs under 26 years of age). Start-ups and social entrepreneurs are asked to submit their local digital innovations with high social impact. The 8 award categories include one on Environment & Green Energy (climate, sustainable resources, agriculture). The winner does not receive a monetary award but does benefit from partnerships and integrations. Applications are accepted from companies, organizations, or individuals. The deadline to apply for WSA and WSA Young Innovators is 31 October 2025. (Deadlines for national submission of applications for WSA may vary locally.) Find out more
Pulitzer Center — Local Letters for Global Change
Local Letters for Global Change is a Pulitzer Center writing contest for students. Students are encouraged to write a letter to a local elected representative that explains the global issue they want them to prioritize (e.g., Climate and Environment), shows how it connects to their local community and proposes a solution. The Pulitzer Center welcomes entries from all current K-12 students across the globe. First-place winners will receive US$300 to support global community engagement. Educators working with groups of 50 or more students can also schedule a free, virtual workshop facilitated by a member of the Pulitzer Center Education team. The application deadline is 14 November 2025. Letters for Global Change
EnAccess Foundation — Innovations for Energy Access
The EnAccess Foundation funds Innovation Pilot projects and Moonshot concepts focusing on providing energy access. EnAccess provides up to US$250 thousand for projects that are ready to be built and prototyped (e.g., hardware, software, business models) and US$50 thousand for ambitious research ideas in the conceptual stage (e.g., analysis and modeling). Eligibility extends to start-ups, companies, non-profits, individual innovators, investors, and researchers. Moonshot concepts and Innovation Pilot proposals can be submitted anytime. Energy Access
Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation — Changemakers Innovation Challenge
The Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation seeks applications for the Changemakers Innovation Challenge. The challenge is open to non-profits and social enterprises across Africa who are using technological/digital tools to create innovative social solutions. Focus areas include health, environment, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Proposed projects must have a maximum life cycle of 12 months and benefit African communities. The challenge is open to non-profits and social enterprises across Africa. The application deadline is 22 August 2025. Changemakers
UNU Global AI Network — Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition
The Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition invites individuals, teams, organizations, and startups from around the world to submit AI-driven solutions focused on the theme “AI for the Environment: Ecological Sustainability and the Green Transition.” Applications are open for proposals that address one or more of four tracks: climate change adaptation; environmental protection and conservation; clean energy; and AI for less developed countries.The application deadline is 15 September 2025. AI Future Innovation Competition