The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs supports innovative, locally grounded solutions that strengthen resilience to climate-driven extreme events such as floods, landslides, heatwaves, droughts, and glacial hazards in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region. The call is open to local organizations, NGOs, research institutions, social enterprises, startups, and community-based groups working in or with communities in HKH countries. Selected innovators can receive up to US$100 thousand in grant funding, along with technical assistance, and mentoring. Applications are accepted until 15 January 2026. Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs
social enterprise
Halcyon — Global Climate Fellowship
The Halcyon Global Climate Fellowship is a six-month fellowship designed to support climate-focused startups and social enterprises working on mitigation, adaptation, or resilience solutions, particularly those led by entrepreneurs from underserved or historically marginalized communities worldwide. The program is open to for-profit or nonprofit ventures with a market-ready solution and at least one dedicated founder, and provides up to US$25 thousand in funding, along with tailored business support, mentorship, leadership training, and investor access. The application deadline is 15 January 2026. Global Climate Fellowship
Bridges for Enterprise — Business Incubation Program for Social Enterprises
Bridges for Enterprise (BfE) works with social impact startups from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. The Incubation Program supports entrepreneurs seeking to solve some of the world’s most urgent challenges. The program is open to for-profit and non-profit social enterprises and startups at the pre-seed or seed stage. Participating entrepreneurs receive 3 to 4 months of professional advice and mentorship. Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis year-round. However, social entrepreneurs must submit their application before specific deadlines to be considered for specific cohorts: 01 April (Autumn Cohort) and 01 October (Spring Cohort). Link
Social Shifters — Global Innovation Challenge
Social Shifters announces the Global Innovation Challenge to help young leaders and founders solve the social or environmental issues that matter to them. The challenge seeks creative ideas, projects, and business solutions to the problems that matter to local communities and welcomes ideas from anywhere in the world. Participants compete for awards of up to US$10 thousand to deliver activities that improve lives, help communities, and protect the planet. All ideas must be led by young people aged between 18-30 years old. The application deadline is 12 December 2025. Link to Social Shifters
Mangrove Breakthrough — Mangrove Conservation and Restoration
Mangrove Breakthrough seeks projects worldwide that protect, restore or support mangrove ecosystems. Eligible proposals include mangrove restoration or conservation; blue-carbon finance; biodiversity or climate-linked crediting mechanisms; community-based livelihood or stewardship initiatives; nature-tech or monitoring tools for mangrove health; and sustainable businesses tied to mangrove landscapes (e.g. fisheries, coastal agriculture, eco-tourism). Successful submissions gain visibility, exposure at global climate events, and access to investors or funders. The deadline to submit the Expression of Interest is 30 December 2025. Link to more details
Global Water Intelligence — Global Water Awards 2026
Nominations are open for the annual Global Water Awards 2026. Global Water Intelligence seeks technologies, plants, projects, and companies that make significant contributions to the development of the water sector. Focus areas include water or wastewater treatment, water conservation and management, ecologically sustainable industry technologies, and commercial solutions, among others. Nominations are open to everyone (including individuals, companies, organizations, or initiatives etc.). Nominations close on 27 February 2026. Find the call
Rockefeller Foundation — Fellowship for a Better Future
The Rockefeller Foundation supports African leaders who are creating bold, systemic solutions to critical challenges across the continent. Projects can range from social innovation and policy work to tech-driven and community-based efforts. Key focus areas include renewable energy access, resilient health systems, transformed food systems, and regional economic integration. The pre-application deadline is 01 December 2025. Big Bets Fellowship
South Asian Network for Development and Environmental Economics — Environmental and Resource Economics in South Asia
SANDEE invites research concept notes in any area of environmental and resource economics relating to the development of South Asia and the Hindu Kush Himalaya, including environmental issues faced by people living in the plains, hills, and mountains. Examples of research previously supported by SANDEE include: renewable energy subsidies that target the poor; analysis of possible payments to farmers for ecosystem services; and research on the economics of climate change. Proposals must include a strong economics component. Grants will be in the range of US$20-30 thousand over a two-year period. Concept notes have to be submitted by 31 December 2025. SANDEE Research Grants
Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation — Start-up Support for Social Enterprises
The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation supports early-stage, high-impact social enterprises and seeks projects and innovations that dramatically improve the lives of people and the world. Eligibility extends to non-profit, for-profit, and hybrid organizations in the early stages of their development that have scaling potential. The DRK investments are distributed twice a year over a three-year term, totaling $300 thousand. The Foundation has a rolling online application process throughout the year; there is no deadline. Click here
Halcyon — Climate Fellowship LAC
The Halcyon Climate Fellowship helps entrepreneurs across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) addressing climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. Fellows receive expert training, and critical resources to accelerate their venture. Fellows accepted into this program will receive US$6 thousand equity-free living stipend per venture. Eligibility extends to for-profit startups with scalable climate solutions from across Latin America and the Caribbean. The application deadline is 20 November 2025. Halcyon Climate Fellowship