Grants, prizes and residencies for early-career professionals, researchers and artists building their track record.
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The Acumen Fellowship is a fully funded, cohort-based leadership program designed for entrepreneurs, executives, and changemakers tackling poverty and social inequality. Founded by Acumen, the fellowship focuses on developing moral leadership, systems thinking, and adaptive leadership skills while connecting Fellows to a lifelong global community. Unlike startup accelerators, the Fellowship does not provide direct investment or grants. Instead, participants receive: Leadership and personal development training. Coaching and mentorship. Access to Acumen's global alumni network (The Foundry). In-person immersions and virtual learning experiences.
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Deadline: Nov 24, 2024
Seedstars supports high-growth startups in emerging markets through acceleration, mentorship, investor connections, and access to funding opportunities.
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Deadline: Nov 30, 2025
The Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge is regarded as one of the world's premier competitions for deep-tech startups. Unlike traditional startup competitions that focus on software businesses, Hello Tomorrow specifically supports ventures built on scientific discoveries and advanced technologies. Previous finalists have collectively raised more than US$3 billion after participating in the programme. Selected startups become Deep Tech Pioneers, receiving invitations to the Hello Tomorrow Global Summit, direct meetings with hundreds of venture capital firms and corporate innovation teams, and opportunities to pitch to an international jury. The programme is particularly valuable for founders commercializing university research or breakthrough technologies.
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Deadline: Jan 5, 2026
The Villgro Africa Fellowship supports entrepreneurs and innovators developing scalable healthcare and life sciences solutions that improve the lives of underserved communities in Africa. The program combines mentorship, business incubation, technical support, leadership development, and access to investors
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Deadline: Jan 14, 2026
The Sundance Institute Screenwriters Lab is a prestigious 4–5 day intensive development program for emerging filmmakers working on first or second fiction feature films. It is part of the Sundance Feature Film Program and focuses on helping writers develop their screenplays through deep mentorship, script sessions, and creative feedback from established filmmakers and advisors.
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Deadline: Jan 30, 2026
Jackson's Art Prize is an international art competition celebrating excellence in two-dimensional fine art. Selected artists receive cash prizes, global exposure, and exhibition opportunities.
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Deadline: Feb 13, 2026
Phare à Lucioles offers professional artist residencies at Le Milieu, a creative centre in rural southern France. The programme supports research, artistic creation and public engagement across multiple disciplines, providing artists with accommodation, workspace and professional support.
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Deadline: Mar 31, 2026
The Einstein Fellowship is one of Europe's most distinctive interdisciplinary fellowships. It supports exceptional young thinkers who wish to pursue a project outside their primary field of expertise, reflecting Albert Einstein's spirit of intellectual curiosity. Fellows spend five to six months living in Einstein's historic summer house in Caputh, near Berlin and Potsdam, while developing an original project. Unlike traditional academic fellowships, applicants do not need a PhD, and the fellowship is not intended to complete a dissertation. Instead, it rewards originality, interdisciplinary thinking, and intellectual promise.
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Deadline: May 15, 2026
The Lumen Prize is one of the world's leading awards for digital and technology-based art. It celebrates artists using AI, virtual reality, code, photography, animation, and other digital media to produce innovative creative work. Winning or being shortlisted often leads to international exhibitions, commissions, and collaborations with museums, galleries, and technology partners.
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Deadline: May 27, 2026
The Life in My City Art Festival Competition is an annual international visual arts competition that supports emerging artists by providing cash prizes, exhibitions, mentorship, and professional recognition. The 2026 theme is "Open Letter."
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Deadline: May 31, 2026
The Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative, now known as the Rolex Mentoring Programme, is a prestigious international arts mentorship program established by Rolex in 2002. It pairs emerging artists with world-renowned masters in their disciplines for a two-year creative relationship. The aim is to preserve artistic heritage through intergenerational collaboration and cultural exchange.
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Deadline: Jun 1, 2026
Google for Startups Accelerator Africa is a three-month hybrid, equity-free accelerator designed for Seed to Series A technology startups across Africa. The program provides founders with technical mentorship from Google engineers and industry experts, strategic guidance, AI and cloud resources, workshops, and access to Google's global startup ecosystem. The accelerator helps startups tackle technical challenges, refine products, scale operations, and accelerate growth.
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Deadline: Jun 18, 2026
The Zeitz MOCAA & UWC Museum Fellowship Programme 2027 is a prestigious year-long, fully funded fellowship jointly offered by the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) and the University of the Western Cape (UWC). The program is designed to cultivate the next generation of museum professionals, curators, and researchers across Africa.
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Deadline: Jun 30, 2026
The Nature-First Innovation Lab is a 12-month accelerator created by FSD Africa to support African enterprises whose business models generate revenue directly from protecting or restoring biodiversity. Unlike most climate accelerators, NFIL focuses on commercially viable businesses where nature-positive products or services: not carbon credits: are the primary source of income. Selected ventures receive intensive business support and introductions to investors focused on sustainable finance
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Deadline: Jul 8, 2026
The RMB Latitudes CuratorLab is a professional development and mentorship initiative created by RMB Latitudes and Art School Africa to support emerging curators across Africa. The programme provides practical curatorial training, peer engagement, and one-on-one mentorship with established art professionals. Participants conceptualize and curate their own online exhibitions featuring artists from their communities. The programme is conducted through weekly online sessions and culminates in curated exhibitions hosted on Latitudes Online
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Deadline: Jul 10, 2026
The ARUA Early-Career Research Fellowship supports promising African researchers by placing them at ARUA Centres of Excellence for six months. The fellowship is designed to strengthen research capacity, encourage collaboration, and build internationally competitive research careers. Up to 42 fellows are supported.
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Deadline: Jul 15, 2026
The NSIA Prize for Innovation supports innovative Nigerian startups that address critical national challenges. It provides equity-free funding and business support.
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Deadline: Jul 15, 2026
The CANEX Entrepreneurship Program is an initiative of Afreximbank aimed at supporting African businesses in the creative and cultural industries. The program identifies promising entrepreneurs and provides grant funding, mentorship, technical assistance, networking opportunities, and access to investors. Winners also participate in the CANEX WKND event, which brings together leading African creatives and business leaders.
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Deadline: Jul 15, 2026
Y Combinator (YC) is one of the world's most prestigious startup accelerators. It provides early-stage startups with seed funding, mentorship, access to an extensive founder network, and investor introductions. The program runs four times per year and culminates in Demo Day, where founders pitch to investors.
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Deadline: Jul 27, 2026
The TED & POSCA Global Artist Residency supports artists whose work explores ideas, creativity, innovation, and social impact. Residents are given time, resources, and an international platform to develop projects while engaging with a global creative community. The opportunity is open to artists from around the world.
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Deadline: Jul 31, 2026
The Advanced Connectivity Technologies: New Innovators competition supports UK micro and small businesses developing innovative products and services in advanced connectivity technologies. The programme aims to help businesses create affordable, adoptable, and investable innovations with commercial potential.
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Deadline: Aug 5, 2026
Elevate 1M Incubator is an entrepreneurship programme designed for African founders, startup entrepreneurs, small-business owners and innovators seeking to strengthen their businesses. Cohort III combines virtual business training, mentorship, networking, business tours and an investor-facing Demo Day in Ibadan. The programme runs through training, growth and follow-up phases and is designed to help participants build more sustainable and scalable businesses.
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Deadline: Aug 10, 2026
The Next Wave: Breakthrough Wave 1 competition provides funding for ambitious industrial research projects that can accelerate innovation in the UK's Createch sector. It is aimed at UK-registered businesses developing commercially viable technologies and products with strong growth potential.
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Deadline: Aug 11, 2026
The Connect & Create Collaboration Grant supports teams of visual artists and cultural professionals to create and present finished artistic works. It encourages - Cross-border collaboration. - Peer learning and exchange. - Equal partnerships between African and European practitioners. - Public exhibitions and audience engagement. - Production of completed artistic outputs rather than research or training. Projects should result in: 1. A jointly developed concept. 2. Production of a final artwork. 3. Public presentation (physical or digital). 4. Audience engagement activities. The programme emphasizes creativity, cultural dialogue, and sustainable partnerships
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Deadline: Aug 12, 2026
British Council Arts Grants are a collection of funding programmes administered by the British Council to support artists, creative practitioners, cultural organizations, and international collaborations. Rather than a single grant, these programs include opportunities such as Connections Through Culture (CTC), Creative Commissions, mobility grants, festivals, and collaborative projects.
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Deadline: Aug 12, 2026
The Misk Art Institute Curatorial Internship 2026 is a fully funded 10-week professional training program organized by the Misk Art Institute in partnership with the MAXXI Museum Curatorial Office in Rome, Italy. The program immerses participants in the research, interpretation, and development of exhibitions and curatorial projects within one of Europe's leading contemporary art and architecture institutions. Interns work alongside professional curators and contribute to active exhibitions, strengthening their skills in curatorial writing, critical thinking, archival research, and exhibition development
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Deadline: Aug 15, 2026
ASIF Ignite supports African founders building AI-powered solutions for climate adaptation and agriculture. The programme is designed for early-stage startups with a working prototype and offers mentorship, technical support, and access to an international community of AI entrepreneurs.
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Deadline: Aug 17, 2026
The FUJIFILM GFX Challenge Grant Program supports photographers and videographers with innovative visual storytelling projects. Applicants submit a creative project proposal, and selected recipients receive funding, equipment support, mentorship, and opportunities to showcase their work internationally
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Deadline: Aug 17, 2026
Founder Institute is one of the largest startup incubators globally. It helps entrepreneurs turn ideas into fundable companies through structured training, mentorship, and access to investors
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Deadline: Aug 19, 2026
The Innovandi Open Challenge connects startups with leading global cement and concrete companies to pilot innovative AI-driven solutions. Selected startups receive the opportunity to work directly with GCCA member companies through an accelerator programme and industry partnerships.
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Deadline: Aug 20, 2026
The Adobe Creative Residency programme partners with leading museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) to support emerging artists and creative practitioners. Residents receive mentorship, studio access, professional development, and the opportunity to create public-facing work while engaging with museum collections and communities.
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Deadline: Aug 21, 2026
Berkeley SkyDeck combines the resources of UC Berkeley with a global network of investors and advisors. It is regarded as one of the world's top university accelerators.
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Deadline: Aug 21, 2026
The Officially Green Leaders Fellowship is a fully funded national leadership programme organized by The Green Institute to identify and develop one outstanding sustainability leader from each of Nigeria's 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Fellows participate in an intensive residential programme focused on climate leadership, environmental advocacy, collaboration, and project development.
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Deadline: Aug 26, 2026
Creative Business Cup is a global platform for creative entrepreneurs and SMEs. National winners compete internationally for funding, investor access, partnerships, and worldwide exposure
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Deadline: Aug 26, 2026
ASEF LinkUp 2026 is a professional development and cultural diplomacy programme connecting arts and cultural practitioners with government and public-sector representatives from Asia and Europe. The 2026 edition focuses on reimagining inclusive, ethical and sustainable cultural relations, including who has access to international cultural exchanges and what makes cross-border collaboration sustainable.
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Deadline: Aug 27, 2026
Africa Writes Festival Artist Support is part of the Africa Writes Festival, an annual celebration of African and African diaspora literature organized by the Royal African Society (RAS) in the United Kingdom. The support program assists selected writers, poets, performers, and literary artists with participation in the festival through travel grants, accommodation support, performance opportunities, networking, and international exposure. The festival showcases contemporary African storytelling and provides a platform for artists to connect with publishers, readers, cultural institutions, and fellow creatives. Support may vary by edition, but the goal is to ensure diverse African voices are represented at the festival. The program is not a startup accelerator or business grant; it is primarily an artist and literary participation support initiative.
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Deadline: Aug 28, 2026
The True Blue Fellowship supports young people around the world who are using creative arts to address ocean, waterways or climate-change challenges in their communities. Fellows receive project funding, mentorship and capacity-building support while developing and implementing their projects over the fellowship year. Applications can be submitted by individuals, groups or organisations, making this particularly useful for young creatives working on environmental storytelling and advocacy. ([bowseat.org](https://bowseat.org/programs/true-blue-fellowship/apply/?utmsource=chatgpt.com))
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Deadline: Aug 30, 2026
The Impart & Nalli Fellowships support independent research and creative projects exploring underexplored textile histories, practices and traditions across South Asia. For the 2027–28 cycle, two Research Fellowships will be awarded, each providing INR 5.5 lakh to support one year of independent research and project development. The fellowship runs from January to December 2027.
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Deadline: Aug 31, 2026
AIR in Tainan's Tsung-yeh Artist-in-Residence Programme provides an international residency opportunity for artists to develop site-specific creative projects at the historic Tsung-yeh Arts and Cultural Center in Tainan. The 2027 programme is built around the theme “Site-Specific Art”, encouraging artists to respond to Tainan's hydrology, terrain, ecology, humanities and the historical context of the Tsung-yeh site. The programme promotes international artistic exchange and interaction with local communities
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Deadline: Aug 31, 2026
The Mozart International Music Competition is an online international classical music competition open to musicians, singers, ensembles, composers, conductors and music-video creators worldwide. Participants submit video recordings of their performances for evaluation by an international jury. The competition has a Preliminary Round followed by a Final Round for selected participants. ([mozart-competition.com](https://mozart-competition.com/?utmsource=chatgpt.com))
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Deadline: Aug 31, 2026
The UNESCO-UNEVOC Skills in Action Photo Competition 2026 invites amateur and professional photographers to capture inspiring examples of how Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) equips young people with skills for the future. The 2026 competition focuses on equity and inclusion, green skills and sustainability, digital transformation and artificial intelligence, and innovation and excellence.
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Deadline: Aug 31, 2026
The Liu Shiming Artist Grants are annual awards established by the Liu Shiming Art Foundation to support emerging visual artists during the first decade of their careers. The grants are intended to help artists create or complete new projects that engage with the relationship between traditional, cultural, or historical influences and contemporary artistic practices. The Foundation aims to encourage multicultural dialogue and foster artistic innovation inspired by the legacy of renowned Chinese sculptor Liu Shiming. Each year, up to five artists are selected by a panel of curators, artists, and art professionals
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Deadline: Aug 31, 2026
The Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ Future Leaders Fellowship is an eight-week leadership development programme designed for outstanding young leaders from Africa, the Caribbean, and the global diaspora. Through virtual sessions, mentorship, leadership training, and collaborative learning, the fellowship aims to equip participants with ethical leadership skills inspired by the legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolọwọ.
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Deadline: Aug 31, 2026
The K4GGWA Innovation Facility is seeking practical innovations that can improve land restoration, soil health and resilience across the Great Green Wall region. This particular call focuses on tools, implements, machines and technologies that make land preparation, planting, soil improvement, water harvesting, erosion control and vegetation restoration more effective and affordable. The programme is particularly interested in solutions that can be locally manufactured, maintained and scaled. ([landscapealliance.org](https://www.landscapealliance.org/k4ggwa/innovation-facility/sustainable-tools-for-land-preparation-and-soil-health/))
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Deadline: Aug 31, 2026
The International Portrait Photographer of the Year Awards celebrate outstanding portrait photography from professionals and amateurs worldwide. Winners receive cash prizes, global recognition, and publication opportunities.
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Deadline: Aug 31, 2026
The AI Builder Global Challenge is an international innovation competition for high school students, university students, graduate students, and professionals. Teams build AI-powered software, hardware, or integrated solutions during a 72-hour challenge. Finalists pitch to investors and industry leaders for potential commercialization opportunities.
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Deadline: Aug 31, 2026
The Creative Individuals Fund supports individual artists and creative practitioners across the United Kingdom who are developing artistic projects or advancing their creative practice. The fund is open across all creative disciplines and is intended to help artists bring new ideas and projects to life
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Deadline: Aug 31, 2026
The Researcher–Sciencepreneur Collaboration Grant supports collaborations between Swiss researchers and African researchers or science-based entrepreneurs to develop innovations with a credible path toward real-world impact. Projects can focus on activities such as prototyping, co-design, market discovery and pilot testing. The programme is designed to bridge academic research and entrepreneurship and help science-based ventures move closer to implementation and commercialisation. ([research.swiss](https://research.swiss/researcher-sciencepreneur-collaborationgrant-rscg-2026/?utmsource=chatgpt.com))
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Deadline: Aug 31, 2026
The Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program supports creative entrepreneurs operating for-profit creative businesses through business training, mentorship, and micro-grants to strengthen and grow their enterprises.
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Deadline: Aug 31, 2026
The Merck Research Grants Programme supports innovative scientific research addressing future challenges in healthcare, life sciences, biotechnology, chemistry, artificial intelligence, and sustainability. Researchers first submit a non-confidential proposal. Selected applicants advance to a second-stage collaborative "Deep Dive Workshop" with Merck scientists before final funding decisions are made
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Deadline: Aug 31, 2026
The timbuktoo CreativeTech Launchpad is a pan-African incubation programme for CreativeTech startups developing technology-enabled solutions for Africa's creative economy. The programme is designed for entrepreneurs building scalable products or businesses across areas such as digital content, animation, gaming, music, film, design, creator-economy platforms, immersive technologies and AI-powered creative solutions. Selected startups receive incubation support and access to a wider African entrepreneurial ecosystem
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Deadline: Aug 31, 2026
The Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge supports young founders who are already running projects or startups creating measurable social or environmental impact. Selected founders compete for grant funding while gaining access to a global network, founder support, pitch coaching and visibility. The 2026 challenge is open to youth-led ventures worldwide.
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Deadline: Aug 31, 2026
The Best in Rural Writing Contest is an international writing competition celebrating fiction and nonfiction connected in some way to rural life, places or experiences. The 2026 contest is the fourth annual edition and is judged by author Will Weaver. Ten shortlisted entries will be selected, with finalists having the opportunity to be published by The Milk House.
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Deadline: Sep 1, 2026
Achterhaus offers two fully funded three-month residencies in Hamburg for international visual artists living outside Germany. The programme provides artists with dedicated time, accommodation, financial support and access to Hamburg's artistic community while they develop their practice.
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Deadline: Sep 1, 2026
Orange Corners Innovation Fund supports young entrepreneurs through funding, technical assistance, and business development support. It complements Orange Corners incubation and acceleration programs and helps startups access capital that traditional lenders often consider too risky.
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Deadline: Sep 1, 2026
The National Grant Program for Culture and Creativity supports emerging and established UAE creatives through grants that strengthen the country's cultural and creative sectors. The programme funds projects that preserve cultural heritage, promote innovation, and contribute to the UAE's creative economy.
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Deadline: Sep 1, 2026
The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship supports entrepreneurs from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. Participants receive intensive business training, mentorship, and a fully funded residential program in the UK designed to help founders scale innovative businesses.
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Deadline: Sep 1, 2026
Kimmel Harding Nelson provides residency opportunities for artists and writers seeking uninterrupted time to focus on creative work. Residents work independently within a supportive artistic community and can develop new or existing projects.
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Deadline: Sep 1, 2026
The AI for Good Innovation Factory supports startups using artificial intelligence to solve global challenges in healthcare, agriculture, education, climate, accessibility, and digital inclusion. Selected startups receive mentorship, investor exposure, and the opportunity to pitch their solutions before global industry leaders during the AI for Good Global Summit.
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Deadline: Sep 1, 2026
The Creation & Transitions Residency Programme supports emerging and established artists developing research and creative projects connected to contemporary artistic practices and social, environmental or technological transitions. Residents work from Casa de Velázquez in Madrid, benefiting from a multidisciplinary artistic and research environment, interaction with other residents and access to the institution's facilities and professional network. Casa de Velázquez confirms that it runs calls for artistic creation residencies and short-term grants
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Deadline: Sep 3, 2026
Epic MegaGrants is an equity-free funding program supporting creators, indie developers, startups, and innovators using Unreal Engine or creating open-source tools that benefit the real-time 3D ecosystem. It supports projects in games, film, animation, virtual production, architecture, simulation, education, and immersive experiences
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Deadline: Sep 4, 2026
The Scuola Piccola Zattere International Fellowship is a 3-month fellowship in Venice for artists and cultural practitioners working outside the Venetian area. The 2027 fellowship forms part of the institution's third season, “Living Document,” and provides selected fellows with dedicated time and space to develop ongoing artistic or research practices while engaging with Venice's artistic community and the programme's interdisciplinary research themes. Two fellows will be selected.
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Deadline: Sep 4, 2026
The European Commission Blue Book Traineeship is a five-month paid traineeship offering practical experience inside the European Commission and its agencies. Trainees work in areas such as EU policymaking, public administration, communication, economics, law, technology, international relations and other policy fields. For the March 2027 session, applicants who pass the eligibility and pre-selection stages enter the Virtual Blue Book, where they can apply for specific positions offered by Commission departments and agencies.
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Deadline: Sep 4, 2026
R.A.R.O. Buenos Aires is an international artist residency built around a network of more than 28 local artists' studios and cultural spaces, rather than a single studio. The six-week October–November 2026 Macro-Residency gives participants four weeks to develop their creative processes across selected studios, followed by a final exhibition. Residents also receive curatorial meetings, workshops, advisory sessions and opportunities to connect with artists and the Buenos Aires cultural scene.
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Deadline: Sep 4, 2026
FORMAT27 invites photographers, artists, curators, and collectives worldwide to submit exhibition and event proposals around the 2027 festival theme, "Play." Selected projects will be exhibited during the FORMAT International Photography Festival in Derby, UK.
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Deadline: Sep 6, 2026
The Aesthetica Creative Writing Award is an internationally recognized literary competition celebrating outstanding poetry and short fiction. Open to writers worldwide, the award seeks original works that demonstrate excellence in form, creativity, and storytelling. Winning and shortlisted entries are published in the Aesthetica Creative Writing Annual 2027, providing significant international exposure alongside cash prizes and professional development opportunities.
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Deadline: Sep 6, 2026
KNOWCASE is an opportunity for creators working at the intersection of digital culture, technology and creative practice. Selected work is presented within an international digital-culture environment, giving creators visibility among artists, technologists and innovation professionals.
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Deadline: Sep 7, 2026
The EPPO 75th Anniversary Photography Contest celebrates EPPO's 75th anniversary by inviting photographers to submit images illustrating the diversity, importance and impact of plant protection across the EPPO region. Twelve winning photographs will be selected for inclusion in the EPPO 2027 Calendar.
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Deadline: Sep 7, 2026
Platform Dalí's 2027 residency is an international art-and-science research and creation programme built around the question “What is real?”. Five artists will be selected to undertake residencies within leading scientific research institutions in Barcelona, developing new artistic work through direct interaction with scientists and researchers. The programme encourages artists to use scientific research environments as spaces for experimentation, enquiry and creative development.
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Deadline: Sep 7, 2026
The OASIS Accelerator Programme supports startups and SMEs developing innovative energy transition solutions. The programme provides technical and commercial training, expert mentoring, networking opportunities, and participation in the OASIS "Pressure Cooker" innovation event to help businesses accelerate market adoption of their technologies.
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Deadline: Sep 7, 2026
The KNOWCASE Digital Culture Open Call seeks an original, previously unexhibited digital-culture installation to occupy KNOWCASE, a street-level exhibition space at Fundación Cotec's headquarters in Madrid. The selected proposal will combine art, technology, science, research, knowledge and data with social impact, while encouraging public participation, critical thinking and reflection. The winning installation is expected to be exhibited from 2027 onwards for a minimum of 24 months.
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Deadline: Sep 7, 2026
The Presidential Digital Talent Programme develops young African digital professionals through intensive technical training, professional development and practical exposure. It is particularly suitable for applicants building careers in software, data, digital products and emerging technology.
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Deadline: Sep 7, 2026
The Africa Prize supports African innovators developing engineering-based solutions with potential for commercialisation and social or economic impact. Up to 16 innovators receive an eight-month programme focused on business development, commercialisation and technical mentoring, with finalists competing for prize money.
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Deadline: Sep 8, 2026
The Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation is the Royal Academy of Engineering's flagship entrepreneurship programme for African innovators. It supports engineering entrepreneurs with mentoring, business training, technical support, and networking to help commercialize innovations that address local challenges.
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Deadline: Sep 8, 2026
The Yale Peace Fellowship is a professional development and leadership fellowship for individuals working on the frontlines of peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Fellows join Yale's International Leadership Center and engage with practitioners, scholars and other peace leaders while developing their work and expanding their international networks. The programme is particularly focused on people working to build peace in divided societies
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Deadline: Sep 9, 2026
The Housing Innovation Network Grants Program supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) developing innovative solutions for social and affordable housing. The programme funds pilot projects that improve housing delivery, affordability, sustainability, construction productivity, and government service efficiency.
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Deadline: Sep 9, 2026
Eurostars funds international collaborative research and innovation projects led by innovative SMEs. The programme supports the development of new products, processes, and services through partnerships between businesses, universities, and research organisations across participating countries.
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Deadline: Sep 10, 2026
The MacDowell Fellowship (commonly called the MacDowell Residency) is one of the oldest and most prestigious artist residencies in the United States. Founded in 1907, it provides artists with fully funded, uninterrupted time and space to focus on their creative work in a rural retreat in Peterborough, New Hampshire, USA. MacDowell supports artists working across disciplines, including: Literature (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, playwriting) Visual arts Music composition Selected fellows receive private studios, accommodation, meals, and complete creative freedom. The program is designed to remove all financial and logistical distractions so artists can focus entirely on producing new work. MacDowell has hosted many influential artists, including winners of Pulitzer Prizes, MacArthur “Genius Grants,” and Nobel Prizes
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Deadline: Sep 10, 2026
The IAA Photography Awards recognize exceptional photographers from around the world across professional, amateur, student, and special photography categories. Winners receive international recognition, award certificates, promotional opportunities, and cash prizes in selected categories.
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Deadline: Sep 10, 2026
The Dezi Art Prize is a global juried competition for visual artists. It provides unrestricted grants to support artists' practice, along with professional promotion, portfolio visibility, and career support.
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Deadline: Sep 10, 2026
The OECD Co-operative Research Programme offers research fellowship grants to scientists working in agriculture, forestry and fisheries. Fellows can conduct research projects abroad in another participating OECD programme country for 6–26 weeks, allowing them to develop international research collaborations and exchange scientific knowledge
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Deadline: Sep 10, 2026
The Fondazione Prada Film Fund is an annual funding programme supporting independent feature films with strong artistic, intellectual and cultural value. The 2026 call supports projects at the development, production and post-production stages, with €1.5 million in total funding available for up to 14 projects. There are no restrictions based on geography, genre, theme or language.
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Deadline: Sep 10, 2026
Brave New Visions: Creativity as Rebellion is a global open call by PhotoVogue inviting photographers, video makers, and multimedia artists to submit original visual storytelling projects. Selected artists receive grant funding, international recognition, exhibition opportunities, and potential publication across Vogue's global editions
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Deadline: Sep 11, 2026
MORE HEALTH for Africa supports post-revenue African social enterprises developing innovative solutions that improve access to healthcare. Selected enterprises participate in a 12-month programme combining business incubation, capacity building and catalytic funding to help them strengthen operations and scale across Africa.
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Deadline: Sep 11, 2026
The Martin Roth-Initiative provides temporary relocation and protection stays in Germany for artists and cultural actors who face threats, persecution or restrictions because of their work or other circumstances. Selected participants are hosted by a non-profit cultural organisation in Germany, allowing them to continue their artistic or cultural work in a safer environment. The 2027 funding round supports stays beginning as early as 1 March 2027
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Deadline: Sep 11, 2026
A Pan-African fellowship supporting emerging women nonfiction writers developing original nonfiction projects. The programme combines virtual development, mentorship and an in-person residency in Lagos.
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Deadline: Sep 12, 2026
The Defra Research and Development (R&D) Fellowship Programme provides scientists and analysts with the opportunity to work at the intersection of research, evidence and government policy. Fellows join Defra for a short-term placement of 6–12 months, working on research and policy challenges across areas including environmental science, agriculture, food, climate, biodiversity and analytical policy. Approximately 65 fellowships are available for the 2027–28 cohort.
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Deadline: Sep 14, 2026
The Canon Foundation in Europe Research Fellowship promotes academic exchange between Europe and Japan by supporting outstanding researchers undertaking projects abroad. Up to 15 fellowships are awarded each year across all disciplines. Applicants are free to choose their host institution, making the fellowship highly flexible and attractive for interdisciplinary research.
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Deadline: Sep 15, 2026
OBORO's Residency Program supports artists working in visual arts, media arts and digital arts through a research-focused residency. The programme is designed for artists whose practices engage with contemporary social, philosophical and technological questions and encourages diverse perspectives and experimentation
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Deadline: Sep 15, 2026
Tara’s Circle 2026 is an international programme supporting women-led, early-stage projects that create social, environmental and/or economic impact. The 2026 edition provides funding, strategic mentorship, international visibility and access to a global network. It is open to women founders and co-founders worldwide.
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Deadline: Sep 15, 2026
The Global Young Academy invites outstanding early-career researchers to join an international network of young scientists and scholars. Members participate in interdisciplinary projects, science-policy discussions and initiatives designed to strengthen the voice of young researchers globally.
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Deadline: Sep 15, 2026
The Centre of International Excellence at the University of Bayreuth offers short-term research grants for international scholars to conduct research in collaboration with researchers at the University. The programme supports international academic exchange and collaborative research.
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Deadline: Sep 15, 2026
The World Grand Prix Photography Awards is an international photography competition open to professional photographers, amateurs, enthusiasts and students. The Autumn 2026 season accepts individual photographs across architectural, fine-art, commercial, documentary, nature, experimental and mobile photography categories. Photographers can submit multiple works, with each image entered separately.
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Deadline: Sep 15, 2026
The SHAPE Involve and Engage programme supports researchers who want to create innovative public engagement projects based on humanities and social sciences research. Rather than funding new research, it helps researchers collaborate with galleries, libraries, archives, museums (GLAM organisations), or performing arts organisations to make research accessible and meaningful to wider audiences through exhibitions, performances, workshops, and other engagement activities.
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Deadline: Sep 15, 2026
The Council of the European Union offers five-month paid traineeships in Brussels for graduates who want practical experience in EU policymaking and administration. Around 110 traineeship positions are available each year, covering areas such as policy, law, administration, communications, translation and IT. Trainees work alongside Council officials and advisers, contribute to the institution's daily activities and gain first-hand experience of how EU policies and decisions are developed.
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Deadline: Sep 15, 2026
The 25th Andreu World International Design Contest is an international design competition celebrating 25 years of supporting emerging design talent. The 2026 special edition, “Manufacturing the Future,” challenges students and professional designers to create innovative seating and/or table designs that address contemporary challenges through responsible manufacturing, circular-economy principles and conscious material use.
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Deadline: Sep 16, 2026
Pavilion Atlas is an international ideas competition inviting architects and designers to propose innovative pavilion concepts. Winning entries receive monetary awards, certificates, and the possibility of further development through the organizer's network.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 16, 2026
Jobtech Alliance is looking for founders building startups, apps and digital services that help people in Mombasa, Kenya find work, earn income or grow businesses. Selected founders join a network of more than 600 African startup founders and may receive investment and technical support.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 18, 2026
Young Africa Innovates is a Nigerian entrepreneurship programme focused on identifying, incubating and scaling youth-led solutions to socioeconomic challenges. Cohort 2 will include a bootcamp followed by an incubation period where selected innovators receive support to strengthen their ventures and develop solutions with potential for wider impact.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 20, 2026
A nine-month, non-residential leadership programme designed for high-potential African women working in agricultural sciences. Participants receive leadership training, mentoring, networking opportunities and support to strengthen their research communication and professional visibility
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 20, 2026
Yennenga Academy is a professional development programme for young African filmmakers and filmmakers from the African diaspora. The programme forms part of the 30th edition of FESPACO and gives emerging filmmakers an opportunity to interact with experienced film professionals, discover the industry environment and build professional relationships. The 2027 edition will take place from 28 February to 5 March 2027 in Ouagadougou.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 20, 2026
The Brahms International Online Music Competition is an international online classical music competition open to musicians of all ages and nationalities. Season 4/2026 accepts applications from soloists, composers, conductors and chamber ensembles. The preliminary round is completely free, with selected participants invited to a paid final round.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 20, 2026
FESPACO 2027 is accepting film submissions from African filmmakers and filmmakers from the African diaspora for its 30th edition. The festival provides an important platform for African cinema, with opportunities for visibility, recognition, professional networking and engagement with the African and international film industry. Eligible works include feature films, documentaries, short films, series and animation.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 20, 2026
The Miles Morland Foundation Writing Scholarships support African writers by providing financial assistance to complete the first draft of a new book in English. The programme is open to writers of fiction and non-fiction and is designed to give recipients the time and financial freedom to focus on writing. Scholars are expected to produce at least 10,000 new words each month during the scholarship period.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 22, 2026
The Olympic Studies Centre Research Grant Programme supports high-quality research examining the Olympic Movement from humanities and social-science perspectives. It is designed specifically for PhD students and early-career academics undertaking research projects relevant to Olympic studies.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 22, 2026
The Buildner's Unbuilt Award is an international architecture and design competition celebrating visionary projects that have not yet been built. It provides a global platform for architects, designers, students, and creative professionals to showcase innovative concepts and gain international recognition.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 23, 2026
The Boosting Creative Startups for Disruptive Innovation programme supports startups developing innovative solutions for the cultural and creative sectors. Selected startups participate in an acceleration programme designed to strengthen their business models, connect with investors, and prepare for international growth through tailored mentoring and innovation support
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 23, 2026
The GCSP Prize for Innovation in Global Security recognises innovative projects, initiatives, research, inventions and organisations that address global security challenges in creative and impactful ways. The competition is open across disciplines and sectors, with projects expected to have relevance beyond a single country
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 23, 2026
The Cullman Center Fellowship is a prestigious nine-month residential fellowship in New York City for outstanding scholars, writers and other creative professionals whose projects would benefit directly from the research collections at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. The fellowship supports academics, independent scholars, journalists, novelists, playwrights, poets, translators and visual artists working on book projects. Fellows spend the academic year researching and developing their projects while participating in the intellectual community of the Cullman Center
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 25, 2026
un/fund 04 is an international funding initiative designed to support underrepresented, unrepresented, and emerging lens-based visual artists worldwide. The program seeks photographers, filmmakers, cinematographers, directors, and videographers who have strong creative ideas but limited access to traditional funding and representation. The initiative provides four distinct opportunities: direct project funding, an artist residency, a publishing award, and a year-long mentorship. The goal is to help promising visual artists create ambitious work, gain industry exposure, and develop sustainable creative career.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 25, 2026
The Foundwork Artist Prize recognizes outstanding contemporary artists working in any visual art discipline. The winner receives an unrestricted cash grant and an interview published by Foundwork.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 25, 2026
The Allingham Flash Fiction Competition is an international writing competition for adult writers, held as part of the 2026 Allingham Arts Festival in Ballyshannon, County Donegal. Writers are invited to submit original flash fiction of no more than 700 words. The competition is open internationally, with a €300 first prize and the opportunity for the winner to read their work at the festival's awards ceremony.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 27, 2026
A fully funded ArtXScience residency bringing artists, designers and creative collectives into direct collaboration with scientists. The programme explores ecological futures and environmental challenges including climate change, sustainable agriculture, water resources and geoengineering.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 28, 2026
The iDEX Open Challenge invites startups, MSMEs, innovators, and technology companies to propose cutting-edge defence and aerospace solutions. Selected innovators receive grant funding and the opportunity to work directly with India's defence ecosystem.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 30, 2026
Jesus College Cambridge is inviting applications for two Arts Research Fellowships. The fellowships provide an opportunity for researchers in the arts and humanities to pursue independent research within the Cambridge academic environment.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 30, 2026
The EAN Fellowship is an African Union startup acceleration programme designed to help promising African businesses grow through structured training, expert mentorship, intellectual-property support and access to markets across Africa and beyond. Cohort 2 will support 100 fellows from all 55 African Union Member States.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 30, 2026
The Moth Nature Writing Prize is an annual international literary competition that celebrates exceptional nature writing. The prize recognizes unpublished poetry and prose that explore the writer's relationship with the natural world through outstanding literary craftsmanship. Winners receive cash prizes, a writing retreat, and publication in The Irish Times online. The competition is judged anonymously each year by a distinguished writer.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 30, 2026
This fellowship provides scientists from Africa with hands-on training in life sciences, pathogen detection and biological-threat response. It is intended to strengthen technical capacity in areas related to biosecurity and infectious-disease detection.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 30, 2026
The MEST Africa Training Program is a fully sponsored entrepreneurial training and incubator program that equips African founders with technical, business, and leadership skills to build globally scalable software startups. Top teams may receive seed funding and incubation support.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 30, 2026
Halcyon Fellowship empowers impact-driven entrepreneurs through residency programs, mentorship, and business development support to help scale solutions to global challenges.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 30, 2026
MICROHOME 2026 is an international architecture competition challenging architects and designers to develop innovative, sustainable micro-home concepts. Winning designs receive cash prizes and worldwide recognition from leading architecture professionals
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 30, 2026
The Hammond House International Scriptwriting Prize is part of the 2026 Hammond House International Literary Prize, an international writing competition open to writers worldwide. The scriptwriting category accepts one original script of up to 10 pages in theatre, radio, short film, television or comedy sketch formats.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 30, 2026
The World Bank Group Young Professionals Program (WBG YPP) is a highly competitive two-year entry-level professional programme for talented young professionals interested in international development. Participants begin with an intensive development programme and then work in professional assignments across the World Bank Group. The programme is designed to build a long-term career within the World Bank Group.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 30, 2026
MassChallenge is one of the world's leading zero-equity startup accelerators. It helps founders scale through mentorship, expert support, and access to partners and investors.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 30, 2026
The Tom Stoddart Award for Excellence supports an established photographer working on a long-form documentary photography project that is nearing completion. The selected photographer receives the opportunity to work with renowned publisher GOST Books to turn the project into a professionally produced photobook. The award honours the legacy of British photojournalist Tom Stoddart and his contribution to photojournalism.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 30, 2026
La Manchoza's 2027 residency, “Living with the Land,” is designed for artists and writers seeking focused time, space and inspiration in an off-grid environment in Jalisco, Mexico. Residents work independently while engaging deeply with the surrounding landscape, local knowledge, materials and community.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 30, 2026
The IATSS Forum is an 8-week leadership development programme in Japan for young professionals from selected Asian countries. The programme develops collaborative leadership, cross-cultural understanding and the ability to create practical solutions for sustainable and peaceful development. Participants take part in leadership workshops, seminars, field studies and group research.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 30, 2026
The Hayama Artist Residency is a 4-week international visual arts residency in Hayama, Kanagawa, Japan. The June 2027 programme aims to introduce artists from around the world to Japanese culture while providing them with an opportunity to exhibit their work in Japan. Residents live in a small coastal Japanese town and participate in a group exhibition during their stay.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 30, 2026
The WFOLIO Photo Awards 2026 is a free international photography competition open to professional and amateur photographers. The competition features 25 categories and 75 winners, covering areas ranging from portraits, weddings and landscapes to wildlife, reportage, fashion, mobile photography and AI-generated photography
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 30, 2026
Connect & Create: Professional Mobility supports international organisations and events in Africa and Europe that host delegations of cultural professionals working in the performing arts and music sectors. The programme facilitates professional exchanges through tailored programmes involving networking, training, conferences, B2B meetings and exposure to local and international artistic scenes.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 30, 2026
The Hammond House International Poetry Prize is part of the 2026 Hammond House International Literary Prize, an annual international writing competition open to writers worldwide. The 2026 poetry category asks entrants to submit one original poem of no more than 40 lines based on this year's theme, “Destiny.” Shortlisted poems are published in the Hammond House annual anthology.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 30, 2026
TechTrinity Africa Pitch2Launch is a nationwide AI startup programme that helps innovators transform startup ideas into investor-ready businesses. Successful applicants receive mentorship, build an MVP during an AI-powered sprint, and pitch to investors during Demo Day in Lagos
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Oct 1, 2026
The Whiting Award is one of the most prestigious awards for emerging writers in the United States. Established in 1985 by the Whiting Foundation, it recognizes exceptional promise and early achievement in: Fiction Nonfiction Poetry Drama Each year, 10 writers receive US$50,000 in unrestricted prize money to support their literary careers. The award is designed to give writers the freedom to devote more time to their craft. Many recipients later go on to win major honors such as the Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, and MacArthur Fellowship. Importantly, writers cannot apply directly; candidates are nominated confidentially by invited experts
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Oct 1, 2026
The Working Grant supports composers and sound artists developing new music and experimental sound projects. Funding is intended to provide time and resources for artistic exploration and creation.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Oct 1, 2026
The Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship is a one-year academic fellowship for a recent law graduate who has demonstrated a strong interest in legal scholarship and is preparing for a career in law teaching. The selected fellow will conduct research and prepare at least one major article for publication, while also having opportunities to audit courses and attend workshops at Harvard Law School.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Oct 1, 2026
GHA-SciEx supports junior and early-career researchers undertaking short-term research visits abroad. The programme is particularly focused on strengthening African research capacity in genomics, diagnostics and health sciences, with research placements of up to three months in African and European research groups.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Oct 1, 2026
The Luxembourg City Film Festival Young Audience competition is part of the 17th edition of the Luxembourg City Film Festival, taking place from 4–14 March 2027. The Young Audience programme focuses on films suitable for children and teenagers and forms part of the festival's wider film-education programme. Selected films compete for the Young Jury Prize – by Kinepolis, worth €2,000.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Oct 2, 2026
Mesa Refuge offers two-week residencies for writers and activists who need dedicated time and space to develop projects addressing pressing issues such as nature, climate, social justice, economic equity and related contemporary issues. The residency takes place in Point Reyes Station, California, where three residents live together in a house with private and shared spaces. International applicants are welcome
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Oct 4, 2026
The Chevening OCIS Fellowship is a five-month fully funded research fellowship at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies for mid-career professionals and academics. Fellows undertake self-directed research relating to the culture and civilisation of Islam and contemporary Muslim societies, while participating in OCIS's multidisciplinary academic community.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Oct 6, 2026
The Creative Accelerator Fund (CAF) is a professional development grant designed to strengthen the creative workforce by supporting individual artists in expanding their artistic practice and careers. The program invests in artists through direct funding that can be used for career advancement, skill development, and creative growth
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Oct 14, 2026
Founders Factory Africa (FFA) is a venture development and accelerator platform that helps early-stage African startups build, grow, and scale across the continent. Founded in 2018, FFA combines capital with hands-on operational support from a team of experts in product, engineering, growth, partnerships, and fundraising. Unlike traditional accelerators, FFA works closely with founders over several months, acting as "co-founders" to help startups achieve product-market fit, raise capital, and expand across Africa. Programs are tailored to each startup's needs and focus on long-term growth rather than fixed curricula.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Oct 15, 2026
The WSA Young Innovators Award is a global competition recognising young entrepreneurs and teams using digital technology to create positive social or environmental impact. Eligible solutions can include apps, websites, software, AI solutions, games, interactive products and other digital innovations aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Oct 15, 2026
MIASA offers residential research fellowships for scholars working in the humanities and social sciences. Fellows spend 3–6 months at the University of Ghana developing independent research connected to sustainable governance in Africa. The programme encourages interdisciplinary research on areas including sustainable peace, democracy, sustainability transformation, migration, human rights and African cities.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Oct 15, 2026
The Miller Center Global Social Benefit Accelerator is a world-renowned accelerator for impact-driven enterprises addressing poverty, climate resilience, food security, healthcare, education, and economic inclusion. Selected ventures receive intensive executive mentoring, investor readiness support, business strategy coaching, and access to a global network of mentors and partners to help scale their social enterprises.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Oct 16, 2026
The Aesthetica Art Prize is an international award celebrating excellence in contemporary art. Selected artists gain exhibition opportunities, publication in Aesthetica Magazine, and international exposure.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Oct 18, 2026
The Harris Social Impact Fellowship supports emerging leaders working on major social-policy challenges. Fellows develop their leadership and policy skills while engaging with the University of Chicago Harris community.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Oct 19, 2026
The Echoing Green Fellowship is a prestigious global fellowship that supports early-stage social entrepreneurs building organizations that address pressing social, environmental, economic, and human rights challenges. Founded in 1987, Echoing Green invests in leaders rather than projects, providing seed funding, leadership development, wellness support, expert resources, and access to a lifelong global community. The Fellowship lasts 18 months and is designed to help founders turn innovative ideas into sustainable organizations. Fellows receive intensive capacity-building support, mentorship, networking opportunities, and unrestricted seed capital. Funding for for-profit organizations is structured as a recoverable grant.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Oct 22, 2026
The WCSJ2027 Travel Fellowship/Travel Grant will support selected science journalists who would otherwise face financial barriers to attending the 14th World Conference of Science Journalists, taking place in London from 6–9 September 2027. The organisers have confirmed that travel fellowships and scholarships will be available to help make the conference accessible to participants globally.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Oct 23, 2026
The AEGIX Emerging Scholars Program supports advanced students and early-career professionals working at the intersection of AI, policy, ethics, and societal impact. The 2026/27 programme runs from November 2026 to April 2027 and combines mentorship, supervised research, online seminars, publication opportunities, and access to selected AEGIX events. Global South applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Oct 25, 2026
NGI Mobifree Open Call 7 provides funding to developers, startups, SMEs, researchers, universities, and nonprofit organizations building open-source mobile technologies that improve privacy, security, interoperability, and digital freedom. The programme supports innovative projects that contribute to an open internet ecosystem.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Oct 30, 2026
The National Poetry Competition is an annual international poetry competition run by The Poetry Society since 1978. It is one of the UK's major competitions for a single unpublished poem, welcoming poets at every stage of their careers. The 2026 competition is judged by Niall Campbell, Malika Booker and Luke Kennard.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Oct 31, 2026
The Hope Prize is an international short story competition that celebrates stories exploring the theme of hope in its broadest sense. The competition seeks original, unpublished fiction that reflects resilience, courage, kindness, or optimism. Winning stories receive substantial cash prizes, publication in an anthology published by Simon & Schuster Australia, and international recognition.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Oct 31, 2026
Bido is a Nigeria-first venture studio designed to identify promising Nigerian founders and work with them to build, structure and scale real businesses. Unlike a conventional grant or accelerator, bido provides capital, infrastructure, strategic support, systems and governance in exchange for an equity stake in the supported venture. Cohort 1 is targeting six ventures, with applications opening in September 2026.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Oct 31, 2026
An international digital art and computer graphics competition recognizing outstanding work in animation, VFX, game art, concept art, character design, and digital illustration. The competition is open to both students and professionals worldwide.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Oct 31, 2026
An international art competition inviting creators to produce original work around the theme "Around the World." Participants compete across multiple award categories and country-level awards, with international recognition and travel prizes available.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Oct 31, 2026
Norrsken Evolve invests in founders and visionaries who will redefine how we generate energy, rebuild manufacturing, move goods, construct buildings, produce food, treat our sick, secure our information, protect democracy, and safeguard our societies from climate disruption. Europe stands at a defining moment. In the face of unprecedented risks, our economies, industries, and ways of living, must evolve.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Nov 1, 2026
HENNGE's Global Internship Program is an on-site software engineering internship in Tokyo, Japan, designed for students, recent graduates and early-career engineers. The programme lasts approximately 4–6 weeks and provides hands-on training in software development, cloud technologies, DevOps and modern web development under the guidance of experienced HENNGE engineers. The programme has Full-Stack and Front-End pathways and is conducted in English; Japanese is not required. HENNGE also describes the programme as part of its hiring process, meaning outstanding interns may have opportunities to transition into full-time employment
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Nov 1, 2026
The UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships (FLF) is one of the United Kingdom's flagship fellowship programmes for emerging research and innovation leaders. Rather than funding a single research project alone, it invests in individuals with exceptional potential to become future leaders in academia, industry, charities, government, or other research-intensive sectors. The fellowship enables researchers and innovators to pursue ambitious, long-term programmes while establishing research independence, building international collaborations, and developing leadership capacity. Applicants from any nationality may apply, provided they secure the support of an eligible UK host organisation
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Nov 4, 2026
Creatives For Our Future is a global education and grant programme supporting emerging creatives who use their creative practice to develop solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The programme supports young creatives working across areas such as fashion, design, art, architecture and engineering, combining financial support with education, mentorship and access to an international creative network. The fifth edition opens for applications on 9 September 2026.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Nov 9, 2026
The Creatives for Our Future programme is a global grant and education initiative created by the Swarovski Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnerships. It supports young creatives who are developing innovative solutions that advance one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Selected participants receive a substantial grant, one-to-one mentoring, educational masterclasses, and access to an international network of creative leaders.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Nov 9, 2026
The FoodTech 500 is a global ranking and recognition programme for startups and scale-ups operating at the intersection of food, technology and sustainability. The 2026 edition is the eighth edition of the programme. Selected companies are ranked using a methodology covering business viability, innovation & differentiation, and sustainability, with additional due diligence carried out by Forward Fooding.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Nov 15, 2026
The Hopper Prize is an international grant for emerging and established visual artists. It supports artists working across all media and provides unrestricted grants to help them produce new work and advance their careers.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Nov 17, 2026
The African Faculty Fellowship supports African university faculty developing research at the intersection of AI, science and engineering. Fellows spend one year in residence at the University of Michigan as part of a two-year fellowship, developing advanced AI skills and research collaborations.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Nov 23, 2026
Global competition for amateur and professional songwriters across multiple music genres.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Nov 23, 2026
The African Faculty Fellowship supports African university faculty conducting research in collaboration with researchers at the University of Michigan. Fellows spend one year in residence at Michigan as part of a two-year programme and receive research, professional-development and financial support.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Nov 23, 2026
One of the world's most prestigious photography competitions, recognizing professional, student, youth, and open-category photographers. Winners gain international exposure, prizes, exhibitions, and career opportunities.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Nov 27, 2026
The Earthshot Prize identifies and supports breakthrough environmental solutions with the potential to address climate change and environmental challenges at scale. Innovators, startups, NGOs, researchers, and social enterprises can be nominated through Official Nominators.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Nov 30, 2026
D-Prize funds entrepreneurs who want to launch organizations that distribute proven solutions to poverty. Rather than funding new inventions, D-Prize supports founders who can scale existing evidence-based interventions such as vaccines, agricultural inputs, education programs, and health technologies
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Nov 30, 2026
The MDPI Young Women in Engineering Award recognises young women researchers who have made significant contributions to engineering research. The award aims to celebrate the achievements of women engineers and encourage more young women to pursue research and careers in engineering. The 2026 edition is the second edition of the award.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Nov 30, 2026
The Anzisha Prize supports very young African entrepreneurs aged 15–22 who are running and growing businesses. Participants join a venture-building fellowship that provides training, mentorship, and access to funding opportunities. The program aims to nurture job creators across Africa.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Nov 30, 2026
The Emergency Grants programme provides urgent, project-based funding to contemporary and experimental artists who have a sudden opportunity to present completed work publicly or who face unexpected/unbudgeted expenses for a project close to completion. Support is available for visual and performing artists and poets, with projects taking place in the U.S. or abroad
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Dec 1, 2026
The McDonald Fellowship supports early-career multiple sclerosis (MS) researchers from low- and middle-income countries to undertake a two-year research placement at an institution outside their home country. Fellows gain specialist research expertise and international experience, with the expectation that they will use these skills to strengthen MS research and/or patient care in their home countries
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Dec 1, 2026
The Wellcome Early-Career Awards support researchers from any discipline who are ready to establish their independent research careers. The scheme funds ambitious projects that improve understanding of human life, health, and wellbeing. Applicants are encouraged to pursue innovative and interdisciplinary research while developing as independent researchers. The award provides flexible funding for research expenses, salaries, training, public engagement, and collaboration activities.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Dec 1, 2026
The Women in Innovation Awards support outstanding women entrepreneurs leading innovative businesses with high-growth potential. Winners receive grant funding, tailored business coaching, networking opportunities, and business support.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Dec 10, 2026
The André B. Lalonde Bursary supports Canadian medical students and early-career physicians who want to work, or are already working, with underserved Canadian communities, Indigenous populations in Canada, or populations in low-resource international settings. The bursary promotes greater knowledge and interest in national and international women's health issues among Canadian healthcare professionals who are members of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC).
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Dec 15, 2026
The Hult Prize is widely regarded as one of the world's most prestigious entrepreneurship competitions. Founded by the Hult Prize Foundation and supported by global partners, the competition challenges entrepreneurs to develop businesses that address pressing social and environmental issues. Teams progress through campus programs, national and regional summits, an accelerator, and finally compete for US$1 million in seed funding.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Dec 15, 2026
AI2 Incubator helps entrepreneurs build AI-first companies through capital, compute resources, and technical guidance.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Dec 31, 2026
Hyperallergic is an independent publication focused on contemporary art, visual culture and the social and political forces shaping the art world. It welcomes concise, original pitches for reported stories, reviews, opinion pieces, remembrances and other forms of arts writing. The publication looks for distinctive perspectives, strong arguments and stories that offer something its audience is unlikely to find elsewhere.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Dec 31, 2026
The Futurefarmers Artist in Residence (AIR) programme provides an interdisciplinary environment for artists, designers, writers and architects to develop independent projects while collaborating with the Futurefarmers studio. The programme encourages research, experimentation and knowledge exchange, with residents able to balance their own work with collaborative Futurefarmers projects. Futurefarmers has hosted more than 25 artists from 13 countries since the programme began.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Dec 31, 2026
The Baobab Network Accelerator is a venture-building programme that invests in early-stage African technology startups. Selected founders receive investment, intensive venture support, product and growth mentorship, fundraising preparation, and access to an international network of investors. Since its launch, the programme has supported startups across multiple African countries in scaling their businesses and raising follow-on funding.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Dec 31, 2026
The Pollock-Krasner Foundation provides unrestricted grants to exceptional professional visual artists to support the continued development of their artistic practice. Funding can be used for materials, studio expenses, exhibitions, professional opportunities and other needs that allow artists to meaningfully pursue their work. The programme supports artists internationally.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Dec 31, 2026
Startupbootcamp is one of Europe's largest accelerator networks. It connects startups with mentors, investors, and corporate partners. Selected founders receive seed funding and gain access to one of the world's most extensive entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Jan 1, 2027
The Jerome Hill Artist Fellowship supports artists who take creative risks and contribute to their artistic communities. Fellows receive unrestricted funding and are encouraged to pursue self-designed creative plans. Forty-five artists are selected every three years.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Jan 1, 2027
The Sony World Photography Awards 2027 Single Image competition celebrates the impact of an individual photograph. Photographers can submit their strongest single images taken during 2026, with entries judged across 10 categories. The competition is international, free to enter, and open to photographers regardless of career stage.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Jan 5, 2027
The Anderson Center Artist Residency Program provides two- to four-week residencies for artists, writers, musicians and performers to create, develop or complete work. The 2027 programme is open to early-career, mid-career and established artists from anywhere in the world, across a broad range of creative and intellectual disciplines. Residents work within an interdisciplinary cohort of approximately five artists.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Jan 12, 2027
Supports women-led deep-tech startups with grant funding and business acceleration.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Jan 14, 2027
The Ucross Fellowship offers uninterrupted time and space for artists, writers, composers, and performers to develop creative projects. The residency is located on a 20,000-acre ranch in Wyoming and is considered one of the most respected artist residencies in North America.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Jan 15, 2027
The IDFA Bertha Fund (IBF) is a funding program of the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) dedicated to strengthening independent, author-driven documentary filmmaking in regions where access to film financing and distribution is limited. Established in 1998, the fund supports emerging and established filmmakers creating bold, artistic, and socially relevant documentaries.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Jan 15, 2027
The Luminarts Fellowship is a prestigious fellowship supporting emerging artists in Visual Arts, Creative Writing, Classical Music, and Jazz Improvisation. Fellows receive unrestricted funding, professional development opportunities, mentorship, public recognition, and access to a strong artistic network to advance their careers.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Jan 15, 2027
MIT Solve seeks innovative technology-driven solutions addressing global challenges in areas such as health, climate, learning, economic prosperity, and sustainability. Selected innovators join the MIT Solve community and gain access to mentorship, investors, strategic partners, and funding opportunities.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Jan 18, 2027
The Milken–Motsepe Prize rewards entrepreneurs building innovative financial solutions that increase access to affordable financial services in emerging markets. It is one of the largest entrepreneurship prize competitions focused on financial inclusion.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Feb 1, 2027
The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme (TEF) is the flagship initiative of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, designed to identify, train, mentor, and fund African entrepreneurs with scalable business ideas or early-stage businesses. Founded in 2010, the programme aims to catalyze economic growth and job creation across Africa through the philosophy of Africapitalism.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Mar 1, 2027
The Bogliasco Fellowship is among Europe's most respected international residencies for artists and scholars. Around 60 fellowships are awarded annually to individuals with significant achievement in their disciplines. Residents spend one month in Bogliasco, Italy, focusing exclusively on their creative or scholarly projects.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Mar 11, 2027
The Communication Arts Photography Competition recognizes outstanding photography in advertising, editorial, institutional, and unpublished categories. Winning entries are featured in the internationally distributed Communication Arts Photography Annual.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Mar 12, 2027
Recognizes innovative startups creating social impact through technology in Africa and the Middle East.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: May 1, 2027
The CEWE Photo Award is a major international photography competition under the theme “Our world is beautiful.” It is open to both amateur and professional photographers worldwide, with photographers able to submit up to 100 images for free across ten categories. The 2027 edition introduces The World in Abstract as a new category and offers approximately €250,000 in total prizes across 1,000 winning positions.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: May 31, 2027
Antler Africa is the African arm of Antler, a global early-stage venture capital firm and startup generator. Antler Africa invests in exceptional founders at the pre-seed stage and supports them through a structured residency program. Entrepreneurs can apply with or without a startup idea and receive support to find co-founders, validate ideas, build products, and secure funding.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Jun 1, 2027
Africa Is a Country is an independent publication offering critical perspectives on African social, political and cultural issues. It welcomes unsolicited submissions from writers and other contributors whose work is timely, compelling, well-researched and accessible. The publication particularly values perspectives that challenge conventional narratives about Africa and its diaspora.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Nov 30, 2027
It’s Nice That accepts creative work from around the world for potential editorial features on its website and social channels. The publication is particularly interested in boundary-pushing creative work and welcomes submissions from all professional levels, from emerging solo creatives to established studios and agencies.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Nov 30, 2027
Brittle Paper is an online literary platform focused on literature from the African continent and its diaspora. Its rolling submissions programme welcomes original literary work across fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, essays, book reviews, literary commentary and other writing with a literary bent. The publication is particularly interested in writing that is short, sharp and exciting.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Dec 31, 2027
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