Grants, accelerators and prizes for founders who want capital without giving up equity.
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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.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Nov 24, 2024
Seedstars supports high-growth startups in emerging markets through acceleration, mentorship, investor connections, and access to funding opportunities.
Other Benefits:
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.
Other Benefits:
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 WE Empower UN SDG Challenge recognizes women entrepreneurs whose businesses advance the Sustainable Development Goals. Five regional awardees participate in leadership training and high-level networking during Climate Week and the UN General Assembly.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Mar 8, 2026
Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) is widely regarded as one of Africa's most prestigious entrepreneurship competitions. Established by the Jack Ma Foundation, the program identifies exceptional African founders who are solving major problems, creating jobs, and building scalable companies. Every year, the top 10 finalists compete for a share of a US$1.5 million grant pool. Beyond the funding, participants receive mentorship, global publicity, investor introductions, leadership coaching, and long-term access to the ABH ecosystem. The competition is sector-agnostic, meaning startups from technology, agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, education, logistics, and other industries can apply
Other Benefits:
Deadline: May 7, 2026
The Techstars Accelerator Program is one of the world's leading startup accelerators. Founded in 2006, Techstars has invested in more than 4,800 startups across over 50 accelerator programs worldwide. The program is designed to help founders rapidly build, scale, and fundraise through mentorship, capital, and access to a global network of entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate partners. The accelerator follows Techstars' philosophy of "Give First", emphasizing collaboration and mentorship. Startups participate in a highly intensive 13-week program involving one-on-one mentoring, workshops, founder meetups, and investor preparation. The program concludes with Demo Day, where companies pitch to a global audience of investors and ecosystem partners
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Jun 10, 2026
Cartier Women's Initiative is an international entrepreneurship program supporting women impact entrepreneurs through grants, leadership training, and networking
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Deadline: Jun 16, 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.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Jun 18, 2026
The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize is one of Africa's largest agribusiness competitions. It rewards innovative young founders who are transforming food systems. Winners receive funding, mentorship, international exposure, and access to investors.
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Deadline: Jun 28, 2026
The Youth Agripreneur Award recognizes young African entrepreneurs who are transforming agriculture through innovative businesses, technologies and services. It is particularly useful for Loretta because it targets young African founders working in agriculture and food systems, rather than traditional academic applicants.
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Deadline: Jun 28, 2026
Africa's Business Heroes is the flagship entrepreneurship competition of the Jack Ma Foundation. Ten African entrepreneurs are selected yearly and share US$1.5 million in grant funding while receiving training, mentorship, publicity, and investor access.
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Deadline: Jun 30, 2026
The Global Good Fund Fellowship is a year-long leadership development program designed for founders and executive leaders of mission-driven social enterprises. The fellowship equips leaders with executive coaching, leadership assessments, targeted business support, and access to a global community of entrepreneurs working to solve pressing social and environmental challenges.
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Deadline: Jun 30, 2026
The Global Good Fund Fellowship supports leaders of mission-driven businesses through one-on-one executive coaching, leadership assessments, peer learning, and business growth support. The fellowship focuses on developing entrepreneurs who are creating measurable social impact.
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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 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.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Jul 15, 2026
Accelerate Africa is a founder-focused accelerator designed specifically for African startups. The program helps early-stage founders build scalable businesses through intensive mentorship, operational guidance, fundraising preparation, and access to investors. The accelerator culminates in a Demo Day where startups can receive investment consideration from the Accelerate Africa Fund and Future Africa. The program does not take equity upon admission.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Jul 26, 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.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Jul 27, 2026
The Frame Fellowship is a 10-week accelerator for creators producing educational content about artificial intelligence and its societal impact. Selected fellows receive accommodation, meals, flights, mentorship, workspace, and, where available, a stipend to develop high-quality public-facing content in San Francisco
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Deadline: Aug 1, 2026
The Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) is a Nigerian government initiative designed to increase access to finance for businesses and organizations in the creative and cultural industries. It supports growth, innovation, job creation, and market expansion across sectors such as film, music, fashion, publishing, gaming, art, and cultural tourism.
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Deadline: Aug 4, 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
The Supercell Developer Grants Program is a new equity-free funding initiative designed to support promising African game development studios. The programme provides financial support to help studios build, launch, and scale original games without giving up equity. Beyond funding, selected studios gain exposure to Supercell's expertise and ecosystem
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Aug 9, 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.
Other Benefits:
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
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
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
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 Building the Future Workforce Challenge is a global funding competition that supports organizations developing innovative solutions to prepare people for the future of work. The challenge seeks scalable projects that improve workforce readiness, skills development, and employment pathways, particularly in response to technological and labor market changes. Selected organizations receive substantial funding to expand their impact.
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Deadline: Aug 25, 2026
The Fresh Perspectives Open Call funds cross-sector collaborations that use design, architecture, and digital culture to address societal challenges such as climate change, migration, housing, inequality, and social cohesion.
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Deadline: Aug 25, 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
Entrepreneurs First invests in talented individuals before they have even formed a company. Participants receive support to find co-founders, build startups, and raise venture capital.
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Deadline: Aug 30, 2026
This call provides small grants to organisations working to conserve biodiversity in the Guinean Forests of West Africa Biodiversity Hotspot. The current call is specifically seeking Letters of Inquiry from NGOs, community groups, private enterprises, independent public institutions and other civil-society organisations working on eligible biodiversity priorities. Nigeria is explicitly included among the eligible countries
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Aug 31, 2026
The UNICEF Venture Fund invests in early-stage, open-source technology startups that improve the lives of children and young people. The Fund supports companies developing frontier technologies with the potential to create large-scale social impact. Priority areas include artificial intelligence, blockchain, data science, drones, digital public goods, assistive technologies, and climate resilience
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Aug 31, 2026
The NEB Academy Skills Infrastructure Call supports organisations developing education and skills programmes for sustainable construction, architecture, design, and cultural and creative sectors under the New European Bauhaus initiative. The programme funds collaborative projects that build training infrastructure and equip professionals with green and digital skills needed for Europe's built environment transition.
Other Benefits:
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/))
Other Benefits:
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.
Other Benefits:
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 Alibaba Netpreneur Masterclass provides entrepreneurs with practical insights into digital transformation, leadership, and innovation inspired by Alibaba's business ecosystem.
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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
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Aug 31, 2026
Plug and Play is one of the world's largest innovation platforms, connecting startups with corporations, investors, and governments. It operates over 60 accelerator programs globally and has helped companies such as PayPal, Dropbox, and Honey.
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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.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Aug 31, 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.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 1, 2026
The PESOSE programme funds organisations that are building sustainable, secure open-source ecosystems around research software, hardware, AI models, datasets, and digital infrastructure. Rather than funding individual software projects alone, the programme supports long-term governance, community building, cybersecurity improvements, and translation of research outputs into widely adopted open-source technologies.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 1, 2026
The Commercialising Knowledge Assets Fund (CKAF) supports eligible UK public sector research organisations in moving research discoveries and public-sector knowledge assets toward commercial readiness. The programme helps transform innovative research into products, services, and economic impact.
Other Benefits:
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.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 1, 2026
Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub supports startups with cloud credits, AI resources, technical support, and access to Microsoft partners. Founders at all stages can apply without requiring venture capital backing.
Other Benefits:
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.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 1, 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
Other Benefits:
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.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 4, 2026
The Digital Twin Adoption Accelerator 2026 is a nine-month accelerator programme supporting partnerships between UK technology SMEs and industry adopters to develop and deploy digital twin solutions. The programme focuses on accelerating innovation across sectors such as manufacturing, clean energy, aerospace, maritime, agriculture, life sciences, and the creative industries. Selected partnerships receive grant funding, technical support, mentoring, and access to specialist facilities.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 6, 2026
The microgrant supports grassroots organisations, youth movements, community educators and civil-society groups in the Global South developing projects that use Pulitzer Center-supported journalism to strengthen civic engagement and public understanding of climate and environmental issues.
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Deadline: Sep 6, 2026
The Fast Forward Accelerator supports technology nonprofits using digital tools to address major social challenges. Selected organisations receive intensive accelerator support designed to strengthen their technology, fundraising, leadership and organisational capacity.
Other Benefits:
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.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 7, 2026
A 12-month enterprise-development programme for established black women-owned, product-based businesses in South Africa. Selected businesses receive intensive support to strengthen operations, improve market and financial readiness, access larger buyers and prepare for regional and international expansion.
Other Benefits:
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.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 8, 2026
This programme funds collaborative research partnerships between UK and Japanese researchers working on advanced connectivity technologies, including next-generation communications, networking, and digital infrastructure. The objective is to establish long-term international research partnerships between institutions in both countries.
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Deadline: Sep 8, 2026
NANS Innovate is a national entrepreneurship summit for Nigerian tertiary students who are already running businesses or have strong business ideas. The programme combines mentorship, networking and a national pitch competition where the top 20 finalists compete for business funding.
Other Benefits:
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.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 8, 2026
The Farming Innovation Programme: Feasibility Round 5 provides grant funding for early-stage feasibility projects that develop innovative solutions to improve productivity, sustainability, and resilience in the UK agriculture sector. The programme supports collaborative research and development that can lead to commercially viable innovations.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 9, 2026
The New Leaders Programme is designed to equip emerging leaders in New Zealand's arts and creative sector with leadership skills, strategic thinking, and professional development. Participants receive structured learning experiences, mentorship, and opportunities to strengthen leadership within creative organisations and communities
Other Benefits:
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 CyberSafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship is a fully funded, nine-month advanced training and certification programme designed for experienced African women in cybersecurity who want to specialise in securing AI systems and applications. The programme provides SANS OnDemand training, hands-on labs, mentorship and preparation for two GIAC certifications.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 10, 2026
This programme supports innovators and startups developing solutions for agriculture and agrifood systems. It provides an opportunity for early-stage innovators to develop their ideas, connect with experts and strengthen their ventures within the African innovation ecosystem.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 10, 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.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 11, 2026
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship programme of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). It brings exceptional young African leaders to the United States for intensive leadership institutes, networking, mentoring, and professional development designed to strengthen leadership across business, civic engagement, and public management.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 12, 2026
The United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (UNNF OALOS) is a nine-month advanced training and research fellowship for mid-level professionals and government officials from developing countries. Fellows receive specialised training at the UN Headquarters in New York and then undertake a six-month research placement at a participating academic host institution.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 13, 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.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 15, 2026
MMoCRA is an EU-funded academic mobility programme supporting African students pursuing Master's and doctoral studies related to climate resilience. The programme provides 44 Master's scholarships, 12 doctoral scholarships and 20 short-term traineeships across partner universities in Africa.
Other Benefits:
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.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 15, 2026
This funding opportunity supports the establishment of a national optical wireless communications research and testing facility in the UK. The programme aims to accelerate next-generation communications technologies by funding cutting-edge infrastructure and collaborative research that will benefit academia and industry.
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Deadline: Sep 15, 2026
The DRIVE35 Innovation Fund supports collaborative research and development projects that accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles and strengthen the UK's automotive innovation ecosystem. Projects should focus on developing commercially viable technologies with significant economic impact.
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Deadline: Sep 16, 2026
The Mitacs Globalink Research Internship is a competitive 12-week research internship in Canada for eligible international undergraduate students. Selected students work on research projects supervised by professors at Canadian universities. Projects span STEM as well as humanities and social sciences, making this broader than a purely technology-focused internship.
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Deadline: Sep 16, 2026
The Nigeria Leadership Journey is a leadership-development programme designed to strengthen the influence and leadership capacity of women working in health. Participants receive structured leadership training, mentorship, coaching and opportunities to build a strong professional network.
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Deadline: Sep 18, 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
The Harpswell Leadership Residency is a professional development and residential leadership opportunity for international women with university degrees. Leadership Residents live at Harpswell's leadership centres in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where they mentor, teach, support and collaborate with Cambodian Women’s Leadership students and alumnae. The programme focuses on women's leadership, education, social change and cross-cultural exchange.
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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.
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Deadline: Sep 20, 2026
The Stigler Center Journalists in Residence (JIR) Program is a professional development fellowship for experienced journalists interested in strengthening their understanding of business, economics, political economy and public policy. Fellows spend approximately 12 weeks at Chicago Booth, where they audit three courses, attend Stigler Center seminars and workshops, and interact with leading academics and fellow journalists from around the world.
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Deadline: Sep 20, 2026
Horizon Europe Cluster 2 funds collaborative research and innovation projects that strengthen democracy, preserve cultural heritage, support the cultural and creative industries, and promote inclusive social and economic development across Europe.
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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
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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 Indigenous Women’s Program Fellowship 2027 – Cohort V is a year-long fellowship supporting Indigenous women leaders who are developing community-level initiatives focused on Indigenous Peoples’ rights, gender equality and community well-being. Fellows receive mentorship, leadership development, training, networking and financial support to implement a community project.
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Deadline: Sep 24, 2026
The WACA Student Scholars Program selects 25 undergraduate students from communities served by WACA's local World Affairs Councils to attend the WACA National Conference in Washington, D.C. at no cost. Scholars also participate in Student Scholar Day, which includes visits to think tanks, embassies, international organizations and other institutions. WACA supports participants' travel, accommodation and meals.
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Deadline: Sep 25, 2026
The Enioluwa Tech Scholarship provides Nigerians with fully sponsored training in in-demand technology and digital skills through TS Academy. The scholarship covers tuition valued at up to ₦447,000 and also provides mentorship, career development, internship and job-placement support. The programme is designed to accommodate beginners, so applicants do not necessarily need previous experience in technology.
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Deadline: Sep 28, 2026
The InnovateHERs Scholarship Challenge supports female high-school students interested in business, entrepreneurship and innovation. Participants compete through an entrepreneurial challenge designed to develop business thinking and leadership
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Deadline: Sep 29, 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.
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Deadline: Sep 30, 2026
The European Medicines Agency Traineeship Programme offers recent graduates and eligible students the opportunity to gain practical experience working at the EU agency responsible for the scientific evaluation, supervision and safety monitoring of medicines. The current intake begins 1 March 2027 and lasts 10 months, with traineeships available across areas including medicine regulation, life sciences, healthcare, pharmaceutical law, IT, finance, communications and public relations.
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.
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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.
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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.
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Deadline: Sep 30, 2026
The UNFCCC AI for Climate Action Award recognizes innovative AI-driven solutions that help address climate change. It provides global visibility and connects innovators with policymakers, investors, and climate experts.
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.
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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.
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Deadline: Sep 30, 2026
The 500 Global Flagship Accelerator is the signature startup acceleration program of 500 Global, one of the world's leading venture capital firms. Founded in 2010 as 500 Startups, the organization has invested in more than 3,000 companies across over 80 countries and has supported founders through funding, mentorship, and access to international networks. The Flagship Accelerator is designed to help early-stage startups achieve product-market fit, develop scalable growth strategies, and prepare for fundraising. The program combines intensive mentorship, founder workshops, office hours, and direct interaction with experienced investors and entrepreneurs. Over the years, 500 Global has backed notable companies such as: - Canva - Talkdesk
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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.
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Deadline: Sep 30, 2026
The OTJ Fellowship is a fully funded residential programme for emerging African thinkers, researchers, writers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. Fellows spend a year in an interdisciplinary learning environment developing a major research or impact project while receiving mentorship from leading academics and practitioners.
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Deadline: Sep 30, 2026
The Radical AI Founders Masterclass is a free, four-week virtual programme designed for AI researchers, technical entrepreneurs and students interested in building AI-first companies. The programme features sessions with leading AI researchers and founders, alongside practical training on AI product development, fundraising, go-to-market strategy, team building and commercialization. The 2026 programme runs throughout October 2026.
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Deadline: Sep 30, 2026
The Global Peace Summit Greece 2026 is an international youth leadership summit bringing together young leaders, students, professionals, entrepreneurs and changemakers to explore peacebuilding, diplomacy, governance, human rights, climate security and digital peace. The summit is organized by Global Peace Chain and will take place in Athens over four days
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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
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Deadline: Oct 1, 2026
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is a fully funded, non-degree leadership and professional development programme for accomplished mid-career professionals. Fellows spend approximately one academic year at a U.S. university, combining academic coursework with professional experiences in their field. The programme is designed for leaders committed to public service and creating positive change in their home countries
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Oct 1, 2026
The Hertz Fellowship is one of the most prestigious graduate fellowships in the United States. It supports exceptional PhD students pursuing research in applied science, engineering, and mathematics with flexible funding and lifelong professional development.
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Deadline: Oct 1, 2026
The Software Sustainability Institute Fellowship Programme supports researchers, research software engineers, educators, and innovators who want to improve software practices in research. Fellows receive funding, leadership development, networking opportunities, and become part of a national community that advances sustainable research software.
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Deadline: Oct 5, 2026
This programme supports international interdisciplinary research projects that explore the relationship between expertise, public understanding, and public policy. It encourages collaboration across countries, disciplines, and sectors to address global challenges
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Deadline: Oct 7, 2026
The National AI Innovation Challenge (NAIC) 2026 is a national build-only challenge for Nigerians to develop working AI tools, applications, datasets or fine-tuned models using N-ATLAS, Nigeria's open-source multilingual AI model. Participants can build under three problem areas: Developer Infrastructure, Voice-First Access, or Sectoral Fine-Tuning.
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Deadline: Oct 12, 2026
Visa Everywhere Initiative is a global innovation competition that helps startups solve future payments and commerce challenges while connecting them to Visa's global network and partners.
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Deadline: Oct 12, 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.
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Deadline: Oct 15, 2026
The GIAS Fellowship Programme brings together researchers and practitioners from around the world to pursue interdisciplinary research in a collaborative academic environment. Fellows work on innovative projects while engaging with an international community of scholars.
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Deadline: Oct 15, 2026
This funding opportunity supports collaborative projects that develop practical guidance to improve the commercialisation of research in the creative industries. Projects should address barriers to commercialisation and strengthen innovation across the sector.
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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).
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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.
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Deadline: Oct 16, 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.
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Deadline: Oct 22, 2026
he International Vouchers programme helps designers, architects, and digital culture practitioners build international collaborations, attend international events, and expand their professional networks.
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Deadline: Oct 27, 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.
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Deadline: Oct 30, 2026
The One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026 is One Young World's flagship fully funded scholarship, designed to enable exceptional young leaders from countries that are often underrepresented at global decision-making forums to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3–6 November 2026. The programme recognizes young people creating positive social, economic, or environmental impact through leadership, innovation, and community engagement.
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Deadline: Oct 31, 2026
The Voqal Partners Fellowship is a six-month fellowship for social justice changemakers developing bold, early-stage ideas. It is specifically designed for dream-stage and idea-stage projects, so applicants do not need an established organization, finished product, campaign, or business plan. Selected fellows receive funding, coaching, mentorship, peer support, and opportunities to test and develop their ideas from April to September 2027.
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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.
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Deadline: Oct 31, 2026
The Machine Alignment, Transparency & Security (MATS) Residency is a full-time research programme for researchers working on AI alignment, transparency, safety and security. Residents develop their own research agenda with significant independence while receiving mentorship, research support and access to computing resources. The programme is based in London, Berkeley and Washington, DC.
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Deadline: Oct 31, 2026
Harambeans is a pan-African network for ambitious innovators building businesses and social ventures focused on Africa. Successful applicants become part of the Harambe Entrepreneur Alliance and gain access to its entrepreneurial ecosystem, including knowledge-transfer sessions, fellowships and venture-capital opportunities.
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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.
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Deadline: Nov 1, 2026
The Dalai Lama Fellows (DLF) Program is a one-year global leadership fellowship for emerging changemakers working on social innovation projects that address local and global challenges. Selected Fellows receive leadership training through the Head, Heart, Hands curriculum, individual coaching, group learning and membership in a global community of changemakers. The 2027 cohort will select 15–20 Fellows from around the world.
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Deadline: Nov 11, 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.
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Deadline: Nov 15, 2026
The Global Solvers Accelerator (GSA) is a global leadership and peer-learning programme for emerging social entrepreneurs, activists, SDG practitioners, action researchers and other changemakers who are already leading a social-impact project or initiative. The 2027 cohort will bring together 15–20 participants for a ten-month programme focused on leadership development, strengthening existing projects, peer learning and global collaboration.
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Deadline: Nov 15, 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.
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Deadline: Nov 23, 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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Deadline: Nov 30, 2026
A research prize recognizing outstanding undergraduate and postgraduate mathematics research from African students.
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Deadline: Dec 1, 2026
A research prize for outstanding undergraduate and postgraduate research in theoretical and experimental physics.
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Deadline: Dec 1, 2026
The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship is an 8-month virtual entrepreneurship programme for African students and recent graduates who want to develop entrepreneurial skills and build solutions to pressing problems. Participants receive entrepreneurship training, mentorship, networking opportunities and access to financial support. Applicants do not need to already have a business to apply.
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Deadline: Dec 1, 2026
The Partnership Grants scheme supports collaborative STEM projects between schools or colleges and STEM professionals from academia or industry. It aims to inspire young people through hands-on research and investigation.
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Deadline: Dec 1, 2026
The Ford Foundation Global Fellowship Program supports emerging leaders and changemakers committed to advancing social justice, equity, and human rights. Fellows receive leadership training, networking opportunities, mentorship, and financial support to strengthen their impact in their communities and globally.
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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.
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Deadline: Dec 10, 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.
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Deadline: Dec 15, 2026
YTILI is a flagship U.S. Department of State exchange program for emerging entrepreneurs. Participants are placed with American businesses and receive mentorship, leadership training, and opportunities to establish partnerships with U.S. companies.
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Deadline: Dec 31, 2026
AI2 Incubator helps entrepreneurs build AI-first companies through capital, compute resources, and technical guidance.
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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
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.
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Deadline: Jan 1, 2027
The Loeb Fellowship is a prestigious, funded mid-career fellowship at Harvard GSD for experienced professionals working to improve the built and natural environment. It brings practitioners to Harvard for a year of learning, reflection, networking and professional development. The programme is open to professionals from around the world and does not require a university degree.
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Deadline: Jan 5, 2027
Supports women-led deep-tech startups with grant funding and business acceleration.
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Deadline: Jan 14, 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 Young Founders Programme is a six-month international fellowship that supports outstanding entrepreneurs from emerging markets. Participants receive mentorship, peer learning, expert sessions, and access to a global network. Top fellows are invited to a fully funded conference in Berlin.
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Deadline: Jan 31, 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.
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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
Recognizes innovative startups creating social impact through technology in Africa and the Middle East.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: May 1, 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
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