Kickstart 2025 with this curated list of funding, fellowship, and acceleration opportunities is tailored to help these businesses thrive and expand their positive influence in the region, January 2025 edition.
The landscape of opportunities for impact businesses in Asia is more vibrant than ever. In a world increasingly focused on sustainable and socially responsible growth, impact businesses play a crucial role. This curated list of funding, fellowship, and acceleration opportunities is tailored to help these businesses thrive and expand their positive influence in the region.
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
Asia Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) Youth Forum 2025
The Asia Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) Youth Forum 2025 will be organised ahead of APFSD 2025 by co-conveners, Asian-Pacific Resource & Research Centre for Women (ARROW), Youth LEAD, Y-PEER Asia Pacific Centre, and the Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY), in partnership with the Right Here Right Now Global Partnership, Asia Pacific Regional CSOs Engagement Mechanism (APRCEM) and United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP), and in co-collaboration with the Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP.
In 2025, the Youth Forum will be held in a hybrid modality from 19-21st February with the theme, “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for leaving no young person behind in Asia and the Pacific.”
The forum will bring together young people representing diverse age-groups of adolescents and youth, under the age of 30, to discuss and deliberate on the theme of the 12th APFSD.
We are also looking forward to abstracts submission (Link to Abstract Submission) and innovation proposals (Link to Innovation Proposal Submission) on climate action, gender equality and human rights, health and wellbeing, young people’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information and services, Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), decent work, and partnerships to realise SDGs in the Asia and Pacific.
Young people are encouraged to apply and showcase their work at the APFSD Youth Forum 2025.
Application deadline: December 31, 2024
Annual Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge
IFT and the Seeding the Future Foundation are calling on all scientists, engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and multidisciplinary teams from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), non-profits, social enterprises, universities, research institutions as well as small and emerging for-profit enterprises to submit game-changing innovations that will help transform the food system.
IFT and the Seeding the Future Foundation are calling on all scientists, engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and multidisciplinary teams from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), non-profits, social enterprises, universities, research institutions as well as small and emerging for-profit enterprises to submit game-changing innovations that will help transform the food system.
Application deadline: January 6, 2025
RE!Granting
RE!Granting supports community-driven projects tackling some of today’s biggest climate challenges: restoring ecosystems, addressing climate injustices, and empowering youth to lead change.
This grant program focuses on restoration, preservation and empowering young people and frontline communities to be the change our world desperately needs.
Who is eligible to apply for the RE!Granting Program?
Eligible applicants include individuals, nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, and grassroots initiatives focusing on one or more areas: climate action, environmental conservation, sustainability, or social equity. Applicants need not address all areas but must demonstrate a clear and impactful focus on at least one. Priority is given to first-time applicants, underrepresented groups, and those benefiting marginalized communities.
Eligible applicants include individuals, nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, and grassroots initiatives focusing on one or more areas: climate action, environmental conservation, sustainability, or social equity. Applicants need not address all areas but must demonstrate a clear and impactful focus on at least one. Priority is given to first-time applicants, underrepresented groups, and those benefiting marginalized communities.
Priority is given to projects addressing:
- Climate change mitigation or adaptation
- Biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, or sustainable agriculture
- Empowerment of youth, women, and marginalized communities
- Social justice linked to environmental issues
- Innovative, scalable, or replicable solutions
Application deadline: January 6, 2025
MIT CLIMATE & ENERGY PRIZE
The MIT Climate & Energy Prize competition seeks to move the world closer to net zero carbon emissions by empowering ambitious entrepreneurs to solve the world’s most difficult climate-related challenges.
The MIT Climate & Energy Prize (MIT CEP) is the longest running and largest climate tech & energy startup competition for university students all over the world. MIT CEP teams compete for more than $100,000 in Grand Prize and other monetary prizes
Team eligibility (read full criteria here):
- A team must be comprised of at least two individuals.
- At least 50% of formal team members must (1) be enrolled as half-time or full-time student, or (2) be a postdoctoral fellow at a college or university (Student Member) from somewhere in the world.
Application deadline: January 10, 2025
BeVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship
The non-profit organization The DO School Fellowships developed the concept for beVisioneers and is also responsible for the implementation. beVisioneers is aimed at creative, committed people between 16 and 28 years of age, who have promising ideas for projects in the areas of environmental protection and decarbonization. The participants are selected by The DO School and come from different countries and walks of life.
Applications are now open for the 2025 Mercedes-Benz beVisioneers Fellowship. Designed and implemented by The DO School Fellowships and funded by Mercedes-Benz, beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship launched in 2023 to equip thousands of young people around the world with the tools and resources to implement environmental projects for a sustainable planet. In its first year, we launched with over 100 Fellows, our second cohort expanded to 500 Fellows in 2024 and we are now expanding to include 1000 young eco-entrepreneurs across Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and South America for the 2025 cohort.
Eligibility Requirements
- Be between the ages of 16 and 28 at the time of applying (Only applicants who were born between October 14, 2008 and January 13, 1996 will be considered.)
- Strong command of English, as all program materials and interactions require working English.
- Have identified an environmental problem you want to tackle with concrete action.
- Reside in one of the following countries:
Albania 🇦🇱, Andorra 🇦🇩, Åland Islands 🇦🇽, Austria 🇦🇹, Belgium 🇧🇪, Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦, Bulgaria 🇧🇬, Chile 🇨🇱, Costa Rica 🇨🇷, Croatia 🇭🇷, Cyprus 🇨🇾, Czechia 🇨🇿, Denmark 🇩🇰, Estonia 🇪🇪, Faroe Islands 🇫🇴, Finland 🇫🇮, France 🇫🇷, Germany 🇩🇪, Gibraltar 🇬🇮, Greece 🇬🇷, Guernsey 🇬🇬, Hong Kong 🇭🇰, Hungary 🇭🇺, Iceland 🇮🇸, India 🇮🇳, Indonesia 🇮🇩, Ireland 🇮🇪, Italy 🇮🇹, Japan 🇯🇵, Jersey 🇯🇪, Kenya 🇰🇪, Kosovo 🇽🇰, Latvia 🇱🇻, Liechtenstein 🇱🇮, Lithuania 🇱🇹, Luxembourg 🇱🇺, Malta 🇲🇹, Malaysia 🇲🇾, Mexico 🇲🇽, Monaco 🇲🇨, Montenegro 🇲🇪, North Macedonia 🇲🇰, Netherlands 🇳🇱, Norway 🇳🇴, Panama 🇵🇦, Poland 🇵🇱, Portugal 🇵🇹, Romania 🇷🇴, Rwanda 🇷🇼, San Marino 🇸🇲, Serbia 🇷🇸, Singapore 🇸🇬, Slovakia 🇸🇰, Slovenia 🇸🇮, South Africa 🇿🇦, South Korea 🇰🇷, Spain 🇪🇸, Svalbard and Jan Mayen 🇸🇯, Sweden 🇸🇪, Switzerland 🇨🇭, Tanzania 🇹🇿, Thailand 🇹🇭, Turkey 🇹🇷, Uganda 🇺🇬, United Kingdom 🇬🇧, United States 🇺🇸, and Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 - Not work for, or have a parent or guardian who works for Mercedes-Benz
Types of Financial Support
There are 2 types of financial support that you have the option to apply for
1. Financial support for LIVING COSTS
- This support covers a basic income equivalent to 24 hours of work, adjusted to the cost of living in your country
- It also includes funds for local transportation to attend in-person meet-ups
2. Financial support for ONLINE ACCESS
- This support helps cover costs for internet access and technical equipment
- It ensures you have what you need to participate in the virtual aspects of the program
- You can use these funds for things like internet data, cables, electricity, a laptop, or repairs
- Note: It is IMPORTANT to agree to the terms of acceptance of this type of financial support – You must upload receipts to verify your purchases
You can choose to receive only the Financial support for LIVING COSTS or both LIVING COSTS and ONLINE ACCESS support.
Application deadline: January 12, 2025
Women in the Digital Economy Fund
In a bold move to accelerate digital inclusion for women in India, the Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF) launched its first round of funding on November 12, 2024. The initiative, backed by USAID, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Reliance Foundation, aims to address the gender digital divide by offering grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 to eligible organizations tackling critical barriers to women’s digital access and participation.
WiDEF funding will focus on scaling solutions that can demonstrate evidence-based results in closing the gender digital gap. Projects must address at least two of the following priorities:
- Improved Access: Providing affordable, reliable, and secure internet and devices for women.
- Relevant Products and Tools: Developing digital tools tailored to the specific needs of women.
- Digital Literacy and Skills: Strengthening digital skills to enable women’s participation in the digital economy.
- Safety and Security: Enhancing online safety by addressing harassment and improving security measures.
WiDEF funding is open to Indian entities, including SMEs with fewer than 250 employees and non-profits holding valid FCRA licenses. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to gender equality and underserved group inclusion.
Application deadline: January 13, 2025
AVANT NOW ACCELERATOR FEM TRACK PROGRAM 2025
Applications are open for the Avant Now Accelerator Fem Track Program 2025,. At Avant Now Accelerator and Avant Now Accelerator fem track, they’re all about empowering high-impact startups ready to tackle social and ecological challenges of their time. They equip you with the tools, skills, and network needed to accelerate your venture and create a significant impact on the world.
Their program is 6-12 month-long journey with equity-free funding, empowering you to stay focused on what truly matters – launching and growing your startup.
Success at Avant Now Accelerator and Avant Now Accelerator fem track is not a one-(wo)man show; it’s a collective achievement. They have been thrilled to see many of their previously supported startups secure substantial, up to seven-figure, funding for their ventures. Thea re not just about launching startups, they are about launching successful, sustainable businesses ready to change the world.
Benefits:
- They support startups tackling today’s societal and ecological challenges with equity-free funding up to €105,000 per team) and a one-of-a-kind, skill-based training program.
- Open to companies : in Diversity, Healthcare, IT, Women’s Health, Sustainability, Urban Regeneration, Water, Green Building, Elder Care, Carbon Markets, Carbon Reduction, Women Accelerator, Women Founders, Women Startup, Carbon Capture, Healthcare Services. Carbon Neutral.
- Located in Germany
- incorporated or not
- prototype or users stage
- Angel, Pre-seed or Seed
- have raised funding or not
- currently raising or not raising funds
- have revenue or not
- This opportunity is for you, if :
- you are based in Berlin or ready to move here
- you are either about to ready to incorporate, eg. proven by tested MVP or if your startup already exists it did not yet generate revenue and is not yet economically active
- you did not yet receive other startup funding/grant (this means, they cannot support you, if you received eg. Berlin Startup Grant or Exist before)
- For fem track; founders team must be majority female/diverse.
Application deadline: January 15, 2025. Program Start: March 1st, 2025
Keeling Curve Prize : A Global Warming Mitigation Project
The Keeling Curve is a graph that represents the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in Earth’s atmosphere over time, measured at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii. Initiated by scientist Charles David Keeling in 1958, this graph shows a clear, long-term upward trend in CO2 levels, illustrating the significant impact human activities have on our planet’s atmosphere.
The Keeling Curve Prize is more than a financial award – it jumpstarts growth for countless deserving climate leaders at the pace required to achieve meaningful and lasting emissions reductions across the planet.
Applicants come from more than 109 countries worldwide and represent emerging markets, BIPOC- and women-led organizations, and some of the world’s most under-resourced, vulnerable communities. After a rigorous review process led by our diverse and talented group of experts, 10 winners are awarded $50,000 each to scale and succeed.
Important Information:
- Application Cap: We have a cap of 500 applications. Our system will allow applications to be submitted until the deadline, but only the first 500 submissions that meet all the requirements will be eligible for the prize. We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible to ensure it is considered for the prize.
- Eligibility Requirements: Before applying, please review our Eligibility Requirements to ensure your project aligns with our criteria.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): For more details on the application process, deadlines, and more, visit the FAQ page.
Application deadline: January 15, 2025.
International Climate Initiative (IKI) Grants
The International Climate Initiative (IKI), a program established by the German Government in 2008, is now accepting applications for Small and Medium Grants aimed at promoting climate action and biodiversity conservation in the Global South.
The IKI supports projects that address global environmental challenges, particularly in low-income and lower-middle-income economies. By focusing on climate action and biodiversity, the initiative contributes to sustainable development in ODA-eligible countries.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA :
To qualify for funding, projects must meet the following requirements:
- Scope: The project must implement climate and biodiversity actions.
- Location: Projects must be conducted in ODA-eligible countries.
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Duration:
- Small grants: 1–3 years
- Medium grants: 2–3 years
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Funding Range:
- Small grants: €60,000–€200,000
- Medium grants: €300,000–€800,000
Funding Size:
- US$50,001 to over US$10,000,001, depending on project type and size.
Target Regions:
- Low-income and lower-middle-income economies.
Eligible Organizations:
- Non-profits, civil society organizations (NGOs), and private entities.
Projects must adhere to safeguards based on the Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Responsibility of the International Finance Corporation. Additional grant-specific criteria may apply.
Application deadline: January 14, 2025 for medium grants and January 15,2025 for small grants.
The Circular ClimAccelerator Philippines
The Circular ClimAccelerator Philippines is a program to accelerate the adoption of circular economy and resource efficiency in the country. We are looking for impactful startups based and operating in the Philippines that are committed to adopting circular economy principles and reducing waste and emissions.
This 6-month program seeks to identify, support, and scale startups developing solutions to transition from a linear to a circular economy, addressing critical sustainability challenges and fostering economic growth through resource efficiency and waste reduction.
Circular ClimAccelerator Philippines is designed and implemented by Villgro Philippines in collaboration with EIT Climate-KIC.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA :
We are looking for circular economy startups with market-based models that address climate challenges in the Philippines.
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Solutions focused on transitioning to a Circular Economy or a circular business model:
Circular business models cover a wide range of sectors focusing on retaining the value of resources by maximizing their utility and lifespan. They can source products and materials from the existing economy, create value for customers by adding value to existing products and materials, or create valuable inputs for businesses beyond the customer. Examples of circular business models can be found in the FAQ section below. - Registered with SEC/DTI and/or other local authorities
- Early or growth-stage startups with validated proof of concept, lean experiments / early test validation, and demonstrable growth potential based and operating in the Philippines
- Startups founded or led by women or other minority groups are highly encouraged to apply
Application deadline: January 19, 2025.
Van Tienhoven Foundation
The Van Tienhoven Foundation (co-)sponsors projects with a maximum of €10,000 through an annual call for proposals. For the 2025 project round, only countries on the DAC list from Asia and Latin America will be eligible.
The following application process as follows:
- Grantseekers start the application process by submitting a project proposal through the online application form (only available within the set time frame for the specific call for proposals). Only completed application forms in English will be accepted. To help you prepare your application you may download this pdf document.
- Upon submission, grantseekers agree with the privacy policy of the van Tienhoven Foundation, and agree that (meta) data from the application may be published in the public domain via a Creative Commons license CC-BY-4.0 with proper citation to the grantseekers organization. The Van Tienhoven Foundation will provide the grantseeker with information prior to such publication.
- All applications will be checked in respect to the eligibility criteria. Applications that do not meet these criteria will not be proceeding to the assessment phase.
- All applications that pass the eligibility criteria will be assessed based on assessment criteria. The Board of the Van Tienhoven Foundation performs these assessments unremunerated and may involve unremunerated external specialists in these assessments. After the assessment of applications, the Board may form a set of shortlisted applications.
- The shortlisted applications will be contacted by the Board. Additional information is requested from each applicant at this stage. Applicants are requested to supply the names of two independent referees. The Board may at this stage also seek additional unremunerated referees to appraise applications.
- Based on all information provided the Board makes a final selection of projects to be funded.
- Applicants will receive a decision by the Board within twelve weeks after the submission deadline. Decisions are at the discretion of the Board and arguments will not be given for positive or negative decisions.
Application deadline: January 31, 2025.
The Liveability Challenge (TLC)
Now in its eighth year, The Liveability Challenge (TLC) is on a global quest to find groundbreaking solutions with disruptive impact that can address the most pressing climate issues of our time: Decarbonisation and Cool Earth. The themes for 2025 are Decarbonisation and Cool Earth. More details can be found on the Submissions page here.
The top two finalists will receive S$1 Million in grant funding each with an additional S$500,000 investment opportunities being offered to finalists by our strategic partners and investors.
Submission guidelines:
TLC welcomes all projects or above Technology Readiness Level (TLR) 6 and has already achieved proof of concept. While teams may be based anywhere in the world, the proposed project must be applicable to Singapore and cities along the tropical belt.
We strongly suggest viewing our video guides and commonly asked questions if this is your first time applying.
We strongly suggest viewing our video guides and commonly asked questions if this is your first time applying.
Application deadline: February 9, 2025.
The International Youth Environmental Competition
The International Youth Environment Competition (IYEC) is an annual event dedicated to inspiring and empowering youth to take action on environmental and climate issues for a sustainable future. This competition unites passionate and innovative young people from around the world to share their ideas and projects addressing local environmental challenges with effective solutions. Participants can present their innovative solutions through essays, video presentations, recorded speeches, and other creative formats.
Competition Theme:
Participants can choose to compete in one of the following themes. You must pick a local issue that is related to at least one of these topics:
- Nature and protection
- Air quality improvement
- Bodies of water and associated environmental problems
- Waste reduction and management
- Climate change mitigation
Submission guidelines:
Your submission must be in written or spoken English, or have English subtitles if in video format. Please ensure your project is accessible via digital link.
- Essays must be 500-1000 words in Word format.
- Videos or public speeches must be 1-5 minutes long.
- Include name and category with submission.
- Must be original work with proper accreditation for quotes.
- Identify a local environmental issue and address how the submission tackles it.
- Participants can work individually or in groups.
Age Groups: 13 and below (Junior Category), 14-18 (Senior Category). You will be competing within your age group.
Application deadline: February 15, 2025.
NEW ZEALAND-SINGAPORE BIOTECH IN FUTURE FOODS RESEARCH PROGRAMME
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), New Zealand are launching a second Call for Proposals (‘the Call’) for the New Zealand-Singapore Bilateral Research Programme on Future Foods. The Call will focus on the following priority areas:
- Smart and Sustainable Processes
- Health and Nutrition
New Zealand and Singapore applicants must jointly develop a single proposal that will be submitted to MBIE and A*STAR via email. New Zealand project teams may apply for up to NZ$3 million (excluding GST) of funding from MBIE (through the Catalyst Fund) over three years, and Singapore project teams may apply for up to S$1.25 million (including overheads of 30%) from A*STAR over the same period.
Successful projects shall (in no particular order):
- Lead to research translation of project deliverables into the future food industry, which may include IP licensing or spin-offs
- Develop technologies that enable scalable and sustainable production of future foods
- Deliver impact in human health and longevity through improvements in next-generation future food ingredients
- Deepen research collaborations between Singapore and New Zealand scientists with complementary research capabilities in future foods R&D
- Grow the future food industries of both countries through novel biotechnology innovations and expanded market access
Application deadline: February 28, 2025 12 PM (SG Time) / 5 PM (NZ Time)
P4G Partnerships
P4G is now accepting applications for partnerships working on climate mitigation or adaptation solutions in the areas of food, energy and water. Partnerships must comprise at least one early-stage business and one nonprofit organization implementing in one of P4G’s ODA-eligible partner countries: Colombia, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, South Africa and Vietnam. Applicants must provide services or products that contribute to poverty alleviation, gender equity and economic growth in one of the following sub-sectors: climate-smart agriculture, food loss and waste, water resilience, zero emission mobility and renewable energy.
Applicants must meet all ten eligibility criteria to submit a concept note and be considered for evaluation. You can find more details about the eligibility criteria in the Partnership Guidelines.
- Partnership commitment: Comprise at least one early-stage climate business and one nonprofit administrative partner
- Experience and track record: Demonstrate across their partners country, sectoral, policy & regulatory environment, business, financial, social, environmental development and grant management knowledge, skills and expertise
- Sector and countries: Implement in P4G’s ODA-eligible partner countries and focus sub-sectors including climate smart agriculture, food loss and waste, water resilience, zero emissions mobility and renewable energy
- Investability: Be at the seed or post-seed financing stage with a robust business plan and a defined path to commercialization or raise capital
- Enabling system: Possess a clear understanding of policy, legal/regulatory frameworks in the country of implementation
- Additionality: Climate business solution is innovative in that it is substantially improved when compared to the state of the art in that industry and in the relevant country of operation
- Impact: Show climate, economic growth, poverty reduction, gender and development impact
- Budget: Include cost share of at least 30%, that is not in-kind and must meet mandatory activities and budget line items
- Responsible business conduct: Not have activities that are in P4G’s exclusion list and must either demonstrate their ESG plan or include a plan to develop one
- Due diligence: The two lead institutions demonstrate the ability to meet organizational due diligence requirements
Application deadline: March 7, 2025, 23:59 EST
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