The Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance (The Lab) has officially opened its 2026 Call for Ideas, inviting innovators, entrepreneurs, and organizations worldwide to submit pioneering financial mechanisms designed to accelerate climate action. Applications are due by November 9, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST.
Each year, The Lab identifies, develops, and launches a select group of high-impact financial instruments that drive investment toward sustainable development and climate resilience. For the 2026 cycle, The Lab will select eight innovative ideas focused on advancing regional climate finance solutions, with particular emphasis on local expertise and tailored responses to the unique economic and environmental challenges of target regions.
Focus Areas for the 2026 Cycle
The 2026 Lab cycle will prioritize regional programs designed to address pressing climate and financial gaps across emerging markets. The target regions and themes include:
Africa – Mitigation
African countries remain among the most vulnerable to the devastating impacts of climate change—ranging from drought, extreme heat, and flooding to food insecurity and displacement. Despite recent progress, climate finance flows to the continent—estimated at USD 43.7 billion—remain far below the USD 190 billion required annually, leaving a funding gap exceeding USD 146 billion.
As one of the fastest-growing and urbanizing continents, Africa possesses an unparalleled opportunity to pursue low-carbon, resilient growth. The Lab seeks proposals that unlock private investment and deploy innovative financial instruments to advance clean energy, sustainable agriculture, green infrastructure, and inclusive climate resilience. Supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, this stream focuses on scalable solutions that drive climate mitigation while supporting equitable economic transformation.
Africa – Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
This track emphasizes financial models that strengthen agricultural value chains, promote climate-smart practices, and enhance food system resilience. The goal is to mobilize investment for sustainable land use, improved productivity, and livelihood diversification, especially for youth and women.
Asia-Pacific, Brazil, India, and Latin America and the Caribbean
Additional regional programs will address mitigation and adaptation challenges in Asia-Pacific, Brazil, India, and across Latin America and the Caribbean, fostering locally led, financially viable solutions that align with national climate goals.
Benefits of Selection
Ideas selected by Lab Members receive tailored, high-value support to refine, test, and prepare for implementation. Over a 7–9 month development phase, selected proponents will work closely with analysts, stakeholders, and investors to:
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- Refine the concept, mechanics, and structure of the proposed idea.
- Conduct market analysis and assess financial and impact potential.
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- Develop robust financial models and risk mitigation frameworks.
- Evaluate potential environmental and social impacts.
- Design detailed implementation and scaling plans.
- Create promotional and investor-facing materials.
- Pitch the finalized solution to potential funders and strategic partners.
In addition to expert guidance, endorsed ideas may receive conditional grants ranging from USD 150,000 to 250,000 through the Pre-Seed Capital Facility, enabling early-stage implementation and pilot activities.
Selection Criteria
The Lab evaluates proposals based on five key criteria:
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- Actionable: The idea must have a clear, realistic pathway to implementation, defined milestones, and capable partners.
- Catalytic: The concept should demonstrate potential to mobilize significant private and public capital.
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- Innovative: Ideas must introduce new approaches, models, or mechanisms that address existing market barriers.
- Financially Sustainable: Proposals should show a credible plan for long-term financial viability.
- Value Add: The idea must complement, not duplicate, existing initiatives, adding clear benefit to the climate finance ecosystem.
Applicants must complete an online form detailing their proposal, implementation plan, and potential for impact. A PDF version of the form is available for reference.
Collaborative Learning and Webinars
To guide prospective applicants, The Lab is hosting a series of virtual information sessions throughout October 2025. These webinars, organized by region, provide insights on eligibility, application processes, and past success stories. Sessions are available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, covering Europe/Africa/Asia, Brazil, and Latin America and the Caribbean programs.
Participants can access replays of all sessions on The Lab’s website.
Impact and Legacy
Since its inception, The Lab has established itself as a global catalyst for climate finance innovation. Supported by over 100 partner institutions spanning government, development finance, philanthropy, and the private sector, The Lab has achieved significant milestones:
- Over USD 4.2 billion mobilized by endorsed instruments.
- USD 1.3 billion invested directly by Lab Members and observers.
