2026 Climate Catalysts Programme

The 2026 Climate Catalysts Programme is open to applications from youth across the Asia-Pacific region who are developing innovative solutions to ensure clean water access, renewable energy adoption, improved air quality, or sustainable food systems—turning environmental ambition into tangible action.

Delivered as an 8-week online fellowship from April to May 2026, the programme provides structured capacity-building, peer learning, and access to regional networks. It supports innovators working on climate technologies, nature-based solutions, circular-economy approaches, and community-driven initiatives that advance sustainable development outcomes. Participants will strengthen their solutions, engage with ecosystem partners, and explore pathways to scale their impact in ways that are inclusive, resilient, and locally grounded.

The programme is an initiative by UNDP in partnership with Microsoft, with support from Youth Co:Lab (UNDP & Citi Foundation), YECAP (supported by Sweden), and ICIMOD. It welcomes a wide range of climate innovations, including but not limited to:

• Water and Energy Solutions: Renewable energy systems, clean energy access, water conservation, and resource efficiency.
• Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture: Climate-resilient farming, sustainable food production, food waste reduction, or climate-smart practices.
• Clean Air & Emission Reduction: Air quality monitoring, emission reduction technologies, and urban pollution mitigation.
• Nature-Based Solutions & Ecosystem Restoration: Biodiversity protection, ecosystem-based adaptation, and sustainable land/water resource use.
• Climate Tech & Digital Tools: AI, IoT, or digital tools for monitoring emissions, air and water quality, risk mapping, and citizen science.
• Climate Resilience & Youth Mobilization: Solutions reducing climate risks, strengthening community preparedness, or amplifying youth climate voices.

The programme also emphasizes measurable environmental and community outcomes, including carbon impact, nature restoration, water and energy access, waste reduction, green jobs, environmental education, and overall community empowerment. While formal metrics are not required, participants receive support to track, measure, and communicate their impact effectively.

What Participants Will Gain

1. Structured weekly learning sessions to enhance investment readiness and climate entrepreneurship skills.
2. Peer exchange and networking with young climate innovators across Asia-Pacific.
3. Access to the Climate Opportunity Network of incubators, accelerators, fellowships, and ecosystem partners.
4. Regional visibility and recognition through UNDP and partner communications.
5. Ongoing support via an online support hub, offering learning content, coaching, access to global opportunities, and priority consideration for future grants, events, and partner programmes.

Eligibility

1. Early-stage, youth-led startups, social enterprises, non-profits, or community initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region.
2. At least one founder aged 18–35.
3. Solution has moved beyond idea stage, with pilots or MVPs demonstrating early impact.
4. Ability to fully participate in the online fellowship and regional engagement activities.
5. Initiatives with women co-founders and those serving underserved communities are strongly encouraged.