The World Economic Forum runs the Transforming Water Systems Challenge to accelerate innovative solutions for global water security. The program searches for early-stage startups and growth-stage enterprises that offer technological, financial, or policy-driven innovations to modernize water utilities and improve freshwater infrastructure. Winners will gain access to a global network, visibility and engagement opportunities to support deployment, and will each receive a CHF 175 thousand prize. The deadline to submit an application is 04 June 2026. Transforming Water Systems Challenge
partnerships/collaboration
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives — Community Projects in China
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives supports small-scale, high-impact projects in China. The priorities under this call include environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as on water management. The average contribution is C$30 thousand to C$60 thousand per project. Eligibility extends to local community organizations, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. Expressions of Interest have to be submitted by 26 June 2026. CFLI China
Microsoft — Climate Innovation Fund
Microsoft invests in initiatives to accelerate technology development and deployment of new climate innovations through equity and debt capital. Microsoft focuses on areas such as direct carbon removal, digital optimization, advanced energy systems, industrial materials, circular economy, water technologies, sustainable agriculture, and business strategies for nature-based markets. Inquiry can be submitted anytime. Know more
Campus France — Program SIAM 2027
France and Thailand administer SIAM to promote French-Thai research collaboration in subject areas that include energy, ecology and biodiversity, agriculture, and others. SIAM is a program of mobility grants to cover air transportation and related travel expenses up to a maximum of €12 thousand. Project proposals must be presented by at least one Thai partner and one French partner. The active participation of young researchers (doctoral and postdoctoral students) is a priority assessment criteria. The application deadline is 31 July 2026. Find details
La Caixa Foundation — International Cooperation Projects
The La Caixa Foundation invites applications for projects that contribute to the eradication of poverty and the fight against inequality in developing countries. The program supports initiatives focused on basic health, education and training, and socio-economic development, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable populations. Eligible applicants are Spanish non-profit organizations that work in partnership with local entities in countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Grants provide up to €50 thousand per project, covering up to 75% of the total project cost for initiatives with a duration of up to two years. The deadline for applications is 20 May 2026. Know more
CCAS Center of Excellence — Climate Change Research Fellowships
The CCAS Center of Excellence (CCAS CoE) invites applications for its fellowship programs focused on climate change research and atmospheric sciences. These fellowships are open to PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers who are affiliated with academic or research institutions in any country. The program provides financial support to cover travel expenses and research-related costs for projects aligned with the Center’s mission to address environmental challenges. While specific grant amounts are not listed on the website, the funding typically supports short-term research stays and collaborative projects. Applications must be submitted by 31 May 2026. Details here
Digital Energy Facility — Digital Energy Challenge for Startups
The Digital Energy Facility invites applications for the Digital Energy Challenge to support innovative projects in the energy sector across Africa. Start-ups must be in the early stages of development and propose digital solutions that address energy access, grid management, or the integration of renewable energy. Eligible applicants must be registered in an African country or collaborate with local partners. Winners receive a financial award of up to €150 thousand, along with technical assistance and visibility within the digital energy ecosystem. The deadline for applications is 17 June 2026. Digital Energy Challenge
Global Biodiversity Information Facility — Publishing DNA-derived Data
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) invites proposals for projects that facilitate the publication of DNA-derived biodiversity data through its network. This program is open to institutions and organizations worldwide that aim to develop or improve technical pipelines for sharing molecular data, such as metabarcoding or environmental DNA results. The initiative offers grants of up to €20 thousand to support technical developments, documentation, and training that enhance the flow of genetic information into the GBIF platform. Applications must be submitted by 03 August 2026. Publishing DNA-derived Data
Global Biodiversity Information Facility — DNA Reference Libraries for Biodiversity Research
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) invites proposals for projects that support the creation and integration of DNA reference libraries to enhance biodiversity monitoring. This program is open to research institutions, universities, and non-governmental organizations worldwide that aim to bridge gaps in taxonomic coverage by linking genetic sequences to voucher specimens and publishing the resulting data through the GBIF network. The initiative provides grants of up to €10 thousand to cover costs related to specimen sequencing, data curation, and technical workflows. The deadline for applications is 03 August 2026. More information
European Commission — Alleviating Household Energy Poverty
The European Commission invites proposals for the LIFE program to address energy poverty and protect vulnerable consumers in Europe. The initiative supports projects that implement practical solutions, such as small-scale energy efficiency renovations, improved access to renewable energy, and the establishment of local advisory services for energy-poor households. Eligible applicants include legal entities such as non-profit organizations, public authorities, and private companies established in EU member states or associated countries. Funding is provided as a co-financing grant covering up to 95% of eligible project costs, with individual project budgets typically ranging from US$1 million to US$2 million. The deadline for applications is 16 September 2026. Link