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, YECAP and ICIMOD.

It welcomes a wide range of climate innovations, including but not limited to: Water and Energy Solutions, Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture, Clean Air and Emission Reduction, Nature-Based Solutions and Ecosystem Restoration: Projects focused on biodiversity, sustainable land and water resource use, or ecosystem-based adaptation, Climate Tech and Digital Tools and Climate Resilience and Youth Mobilization.

This programme also targets initiatives that drive measurable outcomes for people and the planet. These outcomes may include: carbon impact, nature restoration, water impact, energy access, waste management, waste reduced, green jobs, environmental education and community impact.

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.