The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with Microsoft and supported by Youth Co:Lab, YECAP, and ICIMOD, has officially opened applications for the Climate Catalysts Programme 2026. This is a high-impact regional fellowship designed to support young innovators across the Asia-Pacific region who are developing real-world solutions to address climate change and environmental challenges.

This programme is not just a training opportunity—it is a structured accelerator designed to help young climate entrepreneurs transform early-stage ideas into scalable, impactful solutions. Participants will gain access to mentorship, ecosystem networks, capacity building, and global visibility through UNDP platforms and partner organizations.

The fellowship will run online from April to May 2026, offering an intensive 8-week learning and collaboration experience focused on climate innovation, sustainability, and youth-led development.

Applications are currently open, and eligible candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

About the UNDP Climate Catalysts Programme

The Climate Catalysts Programme is a flagship UNDP initiative that empowers young people to lead climate action in their communities and regions. It is designed to strengthen youth-led innovation in key environmental sectors and accelerate solutions that contribute to sustainable development across Asia-Pacific.

The programme focuses on supporting innovators working in:

• Clean energy and renewable energy access
• Water security and conservation
• Sustainable agriculture and food systems
• Circular economy and waste reduction
• Climate technology and digital innovation
• Ecosystem restoration and biodiversity protection
• Climate resilience and community adaptation

By supporting these sectors, UNDP aims to empower youth-led initiatives that can generate measurable environmental and social impact.

Key Focus Areas of the Programme

The Climate Catalysts Programme welcomes a wide range of innovative climate solutions, including but not limited to the following thematic areas:

1. Water and Energy Solutions

Participants working on solutions that improve access to clean water and renewable energy are strongly encouraged to apply.

Examples include:

• Clean energy systems
• Water conservation technologies
• Renewable energy adoption models
• Energy-efficient innovations
• Resource management systems

2. Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture

Innovators addressing agricultural sustainability and food systems transformation are key participants in the programme.

Focus areas include:

• Climate-resilient farming
• Sustainable aquaculture
• Smart agriculture technologies
• Food waste reduction
• Climate-adaptive food production systems

3. Clean Air and Emission Reduction

Solutions that help reduce pollution and improve air quality are also prioritized.

Examples include:

• Air quality monitoring systems
• Clean cooking technologies
• Emission reduction innovations
• Urban pollution management tools

4. Nature-Based Solutions and Ecosystem Restoration

The programme supports environmental restoration initiatives such as:

• Reforestation and biodiversity protection
• Sustainable land management
• Ecosystem-based adaptation strategies
• Conservation projects

5. Climate Technology and Digital Tools

Digital innovation plays a key role in climate solutions.

This includes:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) for climate monitoring
• Internet of Things (IoT) for environmental data collection
• Early warning systems
• Risk mapping tools
• Citizen science platforms

6. Climate Resilience and Youth Mobilization

Youth-led initiatives that strengthen resilience and community awareness are highly encouraged.

Examples include:

• Climate education campaigns
• Community preparedness programs
• Youth advocacy tools
• Behavioral change initiatives

What Participants Will Gain

Selected participants will join an 8-week fully online fellowship designed to accelerate their climate solutions and strengthen their entrepreneurial capacity.

1. Structured Learning Experience

Participants will engage in weekly sessions designed to improve:

• Investment readiness
• Innovation development
• Climate solution scaling
• Entrepreneurial strategy

2. Peer Learning and Regional Networking

Fellows will connect with young climate innovators from across Asia and the Pacific, creating opportunities for:

• Collaboration
• Knowledge exchange
• Regional partnerships
• Ecosystem building

3. Access to Climate Opportunity Network

Participants will gain access to a global network of:

• Incubators
• Accelerators
• Fellowship programmes
• Climate innovation hubs

This network is designed to help participants scale their solutions beyond their local contexts.

4. Visibility and Recognition

Selected innovators may receive:

• Features on UNDP platforms
• Media exposure
• Regional storytelling opportunities
• Public recognition of their work

5. Continuous Learning Support

Participants will also gain access to a dedicated online support system offering:

• On-demand learning materials
• Coaching sessions
• Community engagement tools
• Access to over 1,000 global opportunities

6. Future Opportunities

Top participants may also receive:

• Priority consideration for grants
• Invitations to partner programmes
• Access to in-person events
• Ecosystem support opportunities

Impact Areas and Measurement

The programme encourages applicants to demonstrate or develop impact in the following areas:

• Reduction or offset of carbon emissions
• Water conservation and access improvements
• Renewable energy expansion
• Waste reduction and recycling
• Biodiversity and ecosystem restoration
• Job creation in green sectors
• Environmental education and awareness
• Community-level empowerment

Importantly, formal measurement systems are not required at the application stage. Early-stage innovators are encouraged to apply even if they are still developing their impact tracking methods.

Eligibility Criteria

To ensure the programme supports high-impact youth-led solutions, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Age Requirement

• Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old

Type of Initiative

Eligible applicants include:

• Youth-led startups
• Social enterprises
• Non-profit organizations
• Community-based initiatives

Stage of Innovation

• Must be beyond the idea stage
• Must have a pilot or early implementation phase

Leadership Requirements

• Initiatives must be youth-led
• Women-led initiatives are strongly encouraged

Geographic Scope

• Open only to applicants from the Asia-Pacific region

Additional Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be working on climate or environmental solutions
• Be able to fully participate in an online fellowship
• Demonstrate early community or user impact

Application Deadline

Applications are currently open. No fixed deadline has been announced at this stage.

Early application is strongly recommended due to high demand and limited fellowship spaces.

Why You Should Apply

The UNDP Climate Catalysts Programme represents one of the most impactful youth climate fellowships in the Asia-Pacific region. It goes beyond training by offering real ecosystem access, mentorship, and visibility for young innovators working on climate solutions.

Participants gain not only knowledge but also connections, funding pathways, and opportunities to scale their innovations across regions.

For young climate entrepreneurs seeking to turn ideas into measurable impact, this programme offers a powerful platform for growth, collaboration, and global recognition.

Apply Here

For more information, visit the official website

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