LEAP-SE funds collaborative research and innovation projects that advance clean energy technologies, systems, and policies aligned with the Africa–Europe energy transition agenda. The call is open to consortia of organizations, including universities, research institutes, companies, NGOs, and public bodies, from African Union Member States and European countries. Funding amounts vary by country and partner, with a maximum funding of €500 thousand per partner. Proposals must be submitted in two stages, with pre-proposals due by 05 February 2026. Details
universities
ETH Zurich — Faculty Exchange Grants
ETH for Development (ETH4D) provides grants for visiting scientists who belong to academic institutions in low and lower-middle-income countries. The visiting scientist may visit ETH Zurich to conduct a short research stay or to attend a conference or workshop organized by ETH Zurich scientists. The grant covers expenses up to a maximum of CHF 10 thousand. The main applicant has to be a senior scientist or professor of ETH Zurich and invite colleagues from lower-income countries. The application deadline is 30 March 2026. ETH Faculty Exchange Grants
ETH Zurich — Doctoral Mentorship Program
The ETH for Development (ETH4D) provides grants for mentoring doctoral candidates from low- and lower-middle-income countries. Doctoral candidates profit from research stays of up to 3 months at ETH Zurich. The grant covers expenses up to a maximum of CHF 15 thousand. Eligibility extends to doctoral candidates who are registered at a university or research institute in any low- or middle-income country. The next application deadline is 30 March 2026. ETH4D Doctoral Mentorship Program
European Commission — Improving Climate and Weather Models
The European Commission supports projects that enhance climate and weather data, modeling, and forecasting systems to improve resilience and decision-making across the African continent. The call is open to for-profit companies, startups, research institutions, NGOs, and consortia with strong technical capacity in climate science, data analytics, AI, or weather modeling. Selected projects may receive grant funding ranging from approximately US$250 thousand to US$1 million, depending on project scope and impact. The application deadline is 15 April 2026. Know more
Enterprise Singapore — Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge
The Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge invites industry partners and creative innovators to co-develop sustainable solutions in key areas such as renewable energy, offshore wind, greener industries, sustainable agrifood and sustainable materials. Participants have the chance to collaborate with major partners and access funding to develop their solutions. Prizes include potential grant support (US$100 thousand from Hexagon Group), as well as funding and real-world testing facilitated by industry pioneers. The challenge is open to startups, small to medium enterprises, institutes of higher learning, and research institutes across the world. The application deadline is 30 January 2026. Details here
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Award for Innovation
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recognizes individuals, institutions, or organizations that have developed innovative approaches, technologies, or practices with a clear and positive impact on food security, sustainable agrifood systems, natural resource management, or rural livelihoods. The award includes a cash prize of US$10 thousand and an official certificate of recognition. Eligible nominees may come from the public or private sector, civil society, academia, or international organizations, and nominations must be endorsed by an FAO Representative or FAO senior official. The deadline to submit nominations is 15 February 2026. FAO Award for Innovation
Earth Journalism Network — Seed Grants for Media Outlets in Nepal
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) offers grants of €4,500 to media outlets in Nepal to support new media programming on natural resource management and green growth. The grants are intended to seed new programs, columns, or sections that focus on providing innovative and solutions-oriented information on green growth and natural resource management to the public and policymakers. Eligibility extends to media outlets in Nepal – including newspapers, online media, radio, television, multimedia platforms, and social media channels. The application deadline is 15 February 2026. Seed Grants for Media Outlets
UNESCO — Blue Schools Training for Africa and the Caribbean
The Blue Schools Training for Africa and the Caribbean is a capacity-building initiative aimed at teachers, educators, and education stakeholders working with schools in Africa and the Caribbean. The training focuses on integrating ocean literacy, climate change, and sustainability into school curricula through the Blue Schools methodology, combining online sessions with collaborative learning and practical tools. Participation is free of charge, and selected participants gain access to training materials, peer networks, and ongoing support to implement Blue Schools activities locally. The call is open to eligible education professionals from the target regions, with the application deadline 15 February 2026. Link to Ocean Literacy program
Embassy of Japan — Grants for Grassroots Projects in Uganda
The Embassy of Japan in Uganda provides financial assistance to non-profit, development-oriented organizations in support of community development projects in Uganda. Any projects geared towards grassroots assistance are eligible for financing, including water and sanitation, disaster relief, and agricultural development. The grant amount per project is generally under 10 million yen (approx. US$100 thousand). Potential recipients are international or local NGOs, community-based organizations, educational institutions, and local governments. The Embassy receives concept papers anytime throughout the year, but the selection process is conducted twice a year with deadlines on 15 February and 31 July. More about this opportunity
Fondation Egis — Climate Challenge
Fondation Egis invites students and young graduates from around the world to submit innovative solutions on the topic: adapting and living together in the face of climate risks. Participants gain access to a range of support to help shape their projects, e.g., workshops and mentors. The top three teams will be awarded €4,000 per team member, along with additional funding to help bring their projects to life during the first 6 months. Projects must be submitted by 28 March 2026. Link to Climate Challenge