UNDP Climate Catalysts Programme 2026 – Applications Now Open

The UNDP Climate Catalysts Programme 2026 is now accepting applications from young innovators in the Asia-Pacific region who are developing creative solutions to tackle climate challenges. This programme targets initiatives that ensure clean water access, renewable energy adoption, improved air quality, and sustainable food systems, enabling young leaders to turn environmental ambition into action.

Delivered as an online fellowship from April to May 2026, the programme offers structured capacity-building, peer learning, and access to a regional ecosystem of climate innovators. Participants gain the skills, networks, and guidance needed to strengthen their solutions and scale their impact in ways that are inclusive, resilient, and locally grounded.

This initiative is led by UNDP in partnership with Microsoft, with additional support from Youth Co:Lab (UNDP & Citi Foundation), YECAP (Sweden), and ICIMOD.

Who Should Apply?

The programme is designed for early-stage, youth-led startups, social enterprises, non-profits, and community initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region that:

• Are piloting climate or environment-focused solutions beyond the idea stage

• Are led by founders aged 18–35

• Demonstrate early community or user impact

• Can fully participate in online fellowship sessions and regional engagement activities

Initiatives with women co-founders or those serving underserved communities are particularly encouraged to apply.

Focus Areas

The Climate Catalysts Programme welcomes innovations across six key areas:

1. Water & Energy Solutions:

   • Clean energy access, water conservation, renewable energy systems, energy efficiency, and resource optimization

2. Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture:

   • Climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable aquaculture, food waste reduction, and climate-smart farming practices

3. Clean Air & Emission Reduction:

   • Air quality monitoring, emission reduction technologies, clean cooking alternatives, and urban pollution mitigation

4. Nature-Based Solutions & Ecosystem Restoration:

   • Biodiversity protection, ecosystem-based adaptation, sustainable land and water management

5. Climate Tech & Digital Tools:

   • AI, IoT, or digital platforms for emission tracking, water quality monitoring, air quality measurement, risk mapping, early warning, or citizen science

6. Climate Resilience & Youth Mobilization:

   • Community preparedness, behavior change initiatives, campaigns that amplify youth climate voices

Expected Impact

Participants are encouraged to track and measure early-stage outcomes, including:

• Carbon impact: CO₂ emissions reduced or offset

• Nature restoration: Trees planted, species protected, areas improved

• Water impact: Water saved or safe access provided

• Energy access: Renewable energy deployment enabled

• Waste management: Waste reduced, recycled, or diverted

• Green jobs: Environmental jobs or livelihoods created

• Environmental education: People trained or educated on sustainability

• Community impact: Individuals or communities served or empowered

Formal metrics are not required; the programme provides guidance to help innovators develop their impact measurement capabilities.

What Participants Will Gain

Selected fellows will join an 8-week online Regional Fellowship (April–May 2026) featuring:

• Weekly learning sessions to build investment readiness and ecosystem intelligence in climate entrepreneurship

• Peer learning and networking with young climate innovators across Asia-Pacific

• Access to the Climate Opportunity Network, connecting participants with leading incubators, accelerators, fellowships, and ecosystem partners

• Regional visibility and recognition through UNDP platforms and high-profile channels

• Ongoing support via a dedicated online hub, including coaching sessions, learning content, resources, and over 1,000 global opportunities

• Priority consideration for future grants, partner programmes, in-person events, and ecosystem support

Programme Benefits

By participating in the Climate Catalysts Programme, young innovators will:

• Strengthen the design, scalability, and sustainability of their solutions

• Gain skills in climate entrepreneurship, impact measurement, and ecosystem engagement

• Expand professional networks with fellow innovators, mentors, and ecosystem partners

• Receive exposure to investors, incubators, and climate-focused support programmes

• Build credibility and visibility for their initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region

Application Details

Fellowship Duration: April–May 2026 (8 weeks)
Location: Online, with regional engagement opportunities
Eligibility: Youth-led initiatives (founders aged 18–35) from the Asia-Pacific region, piloting climate/environmental solutions
APPLY HERE

Why Apply?

The Climate Catalysts Programme is more than a fellowship—it is a launchpad for youth-led climate innovation. Participants gain knowledge, networks, mentorship, and visibility to scale impact, drive sustainable change, and contribute to resilient communities across Asia-Pacific.

Turn your climate innovation into action. Join the UNDP Climate Catalysts Programme 2026!

FOR MORE OPPORTUNITIES CLICK HERE