The European Commission offers research and innovation grants to support projects that harness the properties of marine organisms to develop sustainable bio-based products. Eligible applicants must form a collaborative consortium consisting of at least three independent legal entities from three different European Union member states or associated countries. Legal entities can include universities, research organizations, small businesses, and for-profit companies. The program allocates a total budget of €10 million for this topic, intending to fund approximately two separate projects at around €5 million each. The deadline for single-stage project submissions is 17 September 2026. Details here
partnerships/collaboration
European Commission — Algae and Marine Microorganisms in Food Systems
The European Commission offers research and innovation grants to develop nutritious, sustainable food and feed products using marine algae and microorganisms. Eligible applicants must form a collaborative consortium consisting of at least three independent legal entities, each established in a different European Union member state or associated country. Eligible organisations include universities, research institutes, small businesses, and for-profit companies. The program provides a total budget of €9 million for this topic, aiming to fund two separate projects at around €4.5 million each over a multi-year period. The deadline for single-stage submissions is 17 September 2026. Link to EC
Japan Science and Technology Agency — Research Partnership 2027
The Japan Science and Technology Agency, in collaboration with the Japan International Collaboration Agency, calls for proposals for the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS). Proposals are invited in the following research fields: environment/energy; bio-resources; and disaster prevention and mitigation. The SATREPS program provides funding of approx. ¥ 100 million per project per year. Researchers external to Japan should consult their national government agency responsible for ODA technical cooperation, the Embassy of Japan, or JICA offices in their resident countries. The deadline for proposals is 19 October 2026. Science and Technology Research Partnership
UNICEF — Sustainable WASH Solutions
The UNICEF Sustainable WASH Innovation Hub invites submissions for proven innovative water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions that have demonstrated evidence in addressing critical global challenges. The program targets individuals, businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and organizations worldwide with scalable technologies or models that align with UNICEF’s strategic problem statements, such as groundwater mapping, climate-sensitive data, or innovative financing. Selected participants gain access to UNICEF’s global network across more than 190 countries, technical guidance from experts, and strategic matchmaking to scale their impact, though specific monetary funding amounts are not disclosed. There is no fixed deadline, as submissions are reviewed on a rolling, quarterly basis. Innovative WASH Solutions
UNIDO — Blue Economy Global Call
The UNIDO-WTCA Blue Economy Global Call 2026 seeks to identify and promote innovative, scalable technologies that support a sustainable and resilient blue economy. The program is open to micro, small, medium, and large enterprises, startups, academic institutions, NGOs, and public-private partnerships globally, with a particular focus on projects benefiting developing countries and small island developing states. Six winners—one for each strategic category ranging from blue renewable energy to marine biotechnology—will receive entry into an acceleration program that includes high-level mentoring, technical cooperation, and international matchmaking services, as well as up to US$3 thousand in travel reimbursement for the award ceremony. Applications are due by 19 June 2026. Blue Economy Global Call
South Pole — Nature-based Climate Action Projects
South Pole offers landowners, community groups, conservation organizations, and other groups the opportunity to develop their own nature-based climate action projects. South Pole seeks conservation and restoration projects in forestry and land use that protect wildlife, empower communities, and create sustainable economies, as well as large-scale nature-based solutions for a post-COVID green recovery. Ecosystem protection projects and restoration projects must focus on creating or protecting the habitat of endangered species. South Pole offers support, short-term financing, technical guidance, and advisory throughout the development process. Proposals will be open until further notice. Know more
World Economic Forum — Transforming Water Systems
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
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