The Climate Catalysts Programme is open to receive applications from young people in the Asia-Pacific region who are building innovative solutions to ensure clean water access, renewable energy adoption, improved air quality, or sustainable food systems, turning environmental ambition into action.

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

The Climate Catalysts Programme is an initiative by UNDP in partnership with Microsoft to advance young-led solutions in clean air, food security, renewable energy, circular economy, and water to reduce environmental footprints and advance more sustainable, resilient communities in Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region. It is also supported by Youth Co:Lab, an initiative co-led by UNDP and the Citi Foundation; YECAP, with support from Sweden; and ICIMOD.

It welcomes a wide range of climate innovations, including but not limited to:

1. Water and Energy Solutions: Clean energy access, water conservation and management, energy-saving technologies, renewable energy systems, or resource efficiency.

2. Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture: Climate-resilient agriculture and aquaculture, sustainable food production, food waste reduction, or climate-smart farming practices.

3. Clean Air and Emission Reduction: Air quality monitoring, emission reduction technologies, clean cooking and heating alternatives, or urban pollution mitigation.

4. Nature-Based Solutions and Ecosystem Restoration: Projects focused on biodiversity, sustainable land and water resource use, or ecosystem-based adaptation.

5. Climate Tech and Digital Tools: AI, IoT, or digital tools for emission monitoring, water quality tracking, air quality measurement, risk mapping, early warning, or citizen science.

6. Climate Resilience and Youth Mobilization: Solutions that reduce climate risks, strengthen community preparedness; campaigns or tools that amplify youth climate voices or promote behavior change.

This programme also targets initiatives that drive measurable outcomes for people and the planet. These outcomes may include:

1. Carbon impact: CO₂ emissions reduced or offset

2. Nature restoration: Trees planted, species protected, or area improved

3. Water impact: Water saved or access to safe water provided

4. Energy access: Clean or renewable energy access enabled

5. Waste management: Waste reduced, recycled, or diverted from landfills

6. Green jobs: Environmental jobs or livelihoods supported

7. Environmental education: People trained or educated in sustainability programs

8. Community impact: Total people reached, served, or empowered by your solution

Formal metrics are not a prerequisite. Many early-stage initiatives are still in the process of developing their measurement systems. The programme welcomes applications from those new to impact measurement and supports young innovators in building the capacity to track, understand, and communicate their impact.

What participants will gain

Selected participants will join an 8‑week Regional Fellowship (April–May 2026), featuring weekly learning sessions designed to strengthen investment readiness and ecosystem intelligence in climate entrepreneurship. The programme provides opportunities for peer exchange and connection with a diverse network of young climate entrepreneurs across Asia and the Pacific. Participants will also gain access to the Climate Opportunity Network, connecting them with leading incubators, accelerators, fellowships, and ecosystem supporters actively seeking to support climate innovations.

In addition, participants will benefit from regional visibility and recognition through features on UNDP platforms and other high‑visibility channels that amplify their work and stories. Ongoing support is provided through a dedicated online support hub, offering on‑demand learning content, access to over 1,000 global opportunities, coaching sessions, and community resources, as well as priority consideration for future grants, partner programmes, in‑person events, and ecosystem opportunities.

Eligibility

It is open to early‑stage, youth‑led startups, social enterprises, non‑profits, and community initiatives across the Asia‑Pacific region that have moved beyond the idea stage and are piloting climate or environment‑focused solutions. Eligible initiatives are led by founders aged 18–35, demonstrate early community or user impact, and are able to participate fully in the online fellowship and regional engagement activities. Initiatives with women co‑founders and those serving underserved communities are strongly encouraged.

APPLY HERE

Mekong Development Research Institute (MDRI) recruitment