The Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) is a global competition that empowers young researchers (ages 18–35) to advance applied research into real-world agrifood solutions. The challenge focuses on projects with a tested proof of concept that are ready to be refined for piloting. For the 2026 cycle, prizes are offered in categories such as forest restoration, protein diversification using native crops, and One Health-driven rural transformation. Winning teams receive up to US$10 thousand for prototype validation, with an additional US$10 thousand awarded to the overall global winner. The current application window closes at the end of April 2026. Transformative Research Challenge
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Global Environmental Education Partnership — Youth Innovation Challenge 2026
The Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC) invites applicants from 15 to 30 years of age to propose innovative solutions to protect marine resources and support people of all ages to be engaged stewards for marine conservation. Global Environmental Education Partnership seeks solutions that are innovative, feasible, and informed by research. Three solutions will be awarded a US$1000 prize. The deadline to submit proposals is 31 May 2026. Find the challenge
UNESCO MGIEP — Youth Fellowship
The UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) offers a fellowship to empower young leaders to address global issues through peacebuilding and social innovation. The program invites Indian citizens under 30 years of age who have completed an undergraduate degree and currently reside in India to participate in an intensive ten-day residency in South Korea. This fully funded opportunity covers the cost of international airfare, visas, accommodation, and meals for the duration of the fellowship. Selected fellows engage with case studies and digital tools to develop leadership skills aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. The deadline for applications is 25 April 2026. Know more
Youth4Climate — Solutions and Climate Action
Youth4Climate supports youth-led projects that address climate change across six thematic areas: sustainable energy, food and agriculture, climate peace and security, oceans and the blue economy, sustainable fashion and textiles, and architecture for adaptation. Individuals aged 18 to 29 and youth-led non-profit or for-profit organizations from 158 eligible countries may apply for seed funding of up to US$30 thousand. In addition to financial support, selected awardees receive technical mentorship and capacity-building opportunities to help scale their innovations. The application deadline is 30 April 2026. Link to Youth4Climate
NewGen — Renewable Energy Accelerator
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) invites applications for the fourth cohort of its NewGen Renewable Energy Accelerator, a program designed to support young entrepreneurs driving the global energy transition. The initiative provides youth-led start-ups and growth-stage businesses with four months of technical mentorship, business model consolidation, and access to investment matchmaking. Eligible applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old and working on innovative solutions in renewable energy, climate adaptation, or climate mitigation. While the program does not provide a direct cash grant, participants compete for the IRENA Rising Stars Award and gain access to IRENA-backed financing platforms such as the Energy Transition Accelerator Financing (ETAF) facility. The deadline for applications is 03 May 2026. Renewable Energy Accelerator
UNESCO — Visual Storytelling Competition
UNESCO invites young people to participate in a visual storytelling competition “Capture the Future: Global Youth Storytelling Initiative for People and Nature”. The program seeks original photography and video submissions from individuals aged 18 to 35 from all countries. Participants should submit visual stories about the relationship between people and nature in UNESCO biosphere reserves. All winners will receive a smartphone designed for high-quality photography and an invitation to join an intensive visual storytelling training camp. The deadline for submissions is 31 May 2026. Know more
Stiftung Entrepreneurship — Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition 2026
The Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition (CEC) invites entrepreneurs from all around the world to submit innovative answers and ideas to solve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Young entrepreneurs (age 15-35) submit their ideas and projects in the Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship category. Entrepreneurs over 30 years apply to the Adult Citizen Entrepreneurship category. The winners receive a certificate and international recognition. The deadline for entries is 05 June 2026. About the competition
Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area — Young Innovators Award 2026
The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) invites young entrepreneurs and researchers to apply for its 2026 Young Innovators Award. The program recognizes outstanding digital and technological solutions that address sustainability challenges in the Mediterranean region, particularly in the fields of water management, sustainable farming, and the agrifood value chain. Eligible applicants must be under 35 years old and be citizens or residents of a PRIMA participating country, which includes various nations across the European Union and the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean. The award provides a financial prize of €10 thousand to the winner in each category to support the further development or scaling of their innovation. The application deadline is 22 May 2026. Young Innovators Award
Egis Foundation — Climate Challenge
The Egis Foundation invites applications for the Team Up for Climate challenge to develop innovative solutions for climate change adaptation and resilience. This global competition is open to teams of two to five members consisting of current students or recent graduates from any country and academic discipline. Participants must propose an actionable project focused on a specific local area they know well. The first-place team receives €4,000 plus a €5,000 boost prize after six months of development and a study trip to Paris, while second and third-place winners receive €3,000 and €2,000 respectively in total funding. The deadline for applications is 28 March 2026. Climate Challenge
OPEC Fund for International Development — Young Professional Development Program
The Young Professional Development Program (YPDP) is a two-year program designed to prepare young professionals from OPEC Fund member countries for a career in global development. The themes include poverty reduction, energy and sustainable development, environment, and other related science and technology fields. YPDP offers training, coaching and mentoring, the opportunity to experience different departments and access to professional networks. To be selected for the program, applicants must be 30 years of age (or younger) and hold a Master’s degree. The deadline for applications is 11 April 2026. More about the YPDP