Non-dilutive startup grants, pitch competitions, accelerators and incubator programmes for founders.
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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
Other Benefits:
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.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Jan 30, 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 RestorLife Awards 2026, presented by Restor, Ma Earth, and the G20 Global Land Initiative, celebrates the incredible efforts of local communities and NGOs worldwide who are protecting nature, restoring biodiversity, and building sustainable livelihoods. These awards exist to recognize, support, and amplify the stories of those making a real difference on the ground. This year, the awards will run a global call for applications, open from May 7 – 31, 2026, inviting non-profit organizations actively restoring and protecting nature. From all applicants, the evaluation committee will select 6 - 10 finalists across 6 regions (see below), each receiving between $2,000 and $15,000 in match funding from Ma Earth to help scale and amplify their restoration projects.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: May 31, 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
Other Benefits:
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.
Other Benefits:
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.
Other Benefits:
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.
Other Benefits:
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 R&D MAP Creative Content Exchange Pilot: Early Adopters Fund is an innovation grant established by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) under UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The programme is designed to encourage organisations within the creative and cultural sectors to become early users of the Creative Content Exchange (CCE) platform. The Creative Content Exchange is being developed as a trusted marketplace where digitised cultural and creative assets can be licensed, bought, sold and shared more efficiently. Through this funding, organisations can test new digital business models, improve access to creative content, and strengthen the UK's creative economy while contributing to the development of the CCE ecosystem
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Jun 30, 2026
The Female Voices Short Film Fund 2025 is an international film grant established by First Flights, a UK-based platform dedicated to supporting underrepresented filmmakers. The fund aims to help female-identifying filmmakers create a short film that serves as a proof of concept for their first or second feature film. The selected filmmaker receives funding, mentorship, and access to industry opportunities, including a potential development deal with one of the UK's leading independent production companies, Goldfinch.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Jun 30, 2026
The Music Australia Export Development Fund supports Australian contemporary music artists and businesses seeking to expand into international markets through live performances and touring. The program provides matched funding to help artists undertake international tours, festival appearances, and showcase performances that build sustainable global careers and audiences.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Jul 7, 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
Other Benefits:
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 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
The Goethe-Zentrum Kampala Open Call for Proposals is an ongoing cultural funding initiative designed to support artists and creative organizations working in Uganda. Unlike programs with rigid themes and fixed grant sizes, this call provides flexible support to projects that demonstrate creativity, innovation, and meaningful contributions to the country's arts ecosystem. Open to disciplines ranging from literature and fashion to film and theatre, the program prioritizes projects that expand artistic practice, encourage experimentation, and strengthen Uganda's cultural landscape. Funding amounts are determined according to project needs rather than predetermined limits.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Jul 20, 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 Creative Fund is a new initiative supporting Nigerian creative-sector organizations that need technical expertise to deliver innovative projects. Rather than providing unrestricted grants, it finances clearly defined technical gaps, such as hiring specialists, implementing digital tools, or improving production capacity. The programme also encourages knowledge transfer by requiring a "give-back" commitment that benefits the wider creative ecosystem.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Jul 30, 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
Other Benefits:
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.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Aug 11, 2026
Connections Through Culture (CTC) supports collaborative artistic projects between the UK and eligible partner countries. Grants are available for artists, creative organisations, festivals, biennials, architects, designers, and cultural professionals working together on cross-cultural projects.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Aug 12, 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.
Other Benefits:
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
Other Benefits:
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.
Other Benefits:
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 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.
Other Benefits:
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 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 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
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))
Other Benefits:
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.
Other Benefits:
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.
Other Benefits:
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.
Other Benefits:
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 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 RCDIJ Africa Fund is a grant program established by the Ripples Centre for Data and Investigative Journalism (RCDIJ), a Nigerian non-profit organization founded by Ripples Nigeria. The fund supports small- to medium-scale data-driven and investigative journalism projects that promote accountability, transparency, and social change across Africa. The fund aims to strengthen investigative journalism by providing financial support and editorial guidance to journalists working on stories of public interest. Successful projects are published through Ripples Nigeria with full editorial support.
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
Berlinale Talents is one of the world's most respected development programs for emerging filmmakers. Every year, hundreds of filmmakers, producers, writers, editors, and creative professionals are selected to participate in masterclasses, workshops, project labs, and networking sessions during the Berlin International Film Festival.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 2, 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 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.
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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.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 6, 2026
This virtual workshop is designed for African journalists and media practitioners reporting on the intersection of mining, environmental issues and human rights. Participants receive training and practical guidance on investigative and evidence-based environmental reporting.
Other Benefits:
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 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
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 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.
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
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.
Other Benefits:
Deadline: Sep 10, 2026
The Learning Through Making Fund supports UK-based visual arts organisations that want to increase opportunities for hands-on creative practice through art education. The programme encourages projects that explore materials, experimentation, collaboration, and creative learning. Funding is intended for organisations looking to pilot new approaches, improve access to making activities, or integrate material exploration into existing educational programmes
Other Benefits:
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
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 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 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
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
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 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
A 12-month storytelling initiative supporting African storytellers who can create compelling narratives around climate justice. Selected participants receive training, mentorship, content amplification and grants to develop stories exploring the relationship between climate change, debt, gender, fossil fuels and African communities.
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Deadline: Sep 25, 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 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
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 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
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 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
The Creative Projects Grant supports visual artists in creating new work for public presentation. Funding can be used for exhibitions, installations, public art, video art, performance art, curatorial projects, and art writing. Projects must take place after the grant is awarded and within one year of receiving funding.
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Deadline: Oct 15, 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).
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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
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
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
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
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.
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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.
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Deadline: Nov 9, 2026
The Adobe Creative Residency Community Fund commissions creators to produce creative projects, tutorials, workshops, and community-focused content. The programme supports visual artists, photographers, designers, filmmakers, illustrators, and other creative professionals.
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Deadline: Nov 15, 2026
The Creative Leadership Conference (CLC) 2026 is a two-day international leadership and innovation conference taking place in Islamabad, Pakistan, on 18–19 November 2026. It focuses on AI, technology, e-commerce, startups, leadership and innovation and is open to both national and international participants. The conference offers fully funded, partially funded and self-funded participation options.
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Deadline: Nov 19, 2026
The Canva Innovation Grant supports nonprofit organizations and social-impact teams using design and visual storytelling to create positive change. The programme provides funding and design resources to help organizations expand their impact.
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Deadline: Nov 20, 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 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
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
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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
The Canva Create Grants Program supports designers, educators, nonprofits, and community creators developing creative projects that promote accessibility, education, and social impact using Canva's platform.
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Deadline: Dec 30, 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.
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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.
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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
Supports women-led deep-tech startups with grant funding and business acceleration.
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Deadline: Jan 14, 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.
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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.
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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.
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Deadline: Mar 1, 2027
Recognizes innovative startups creating social impact through technology in Africa and the Middle East.
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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.
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Deadline: Jun 1, 2027
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