Applications for the 2025 Global Innovators Programme are now open! Impact-driven startups, social enterprises and non-profits tackling extreme heat can apply for up to US$100,000 in funding. The deadline to submit proposals is 23 November 2025 at 11:59 PM (UAE time). This call is part of the Expo City Dubai Foundation’s commitment to support scalable innovations that address urgent humanitarian and environmental challenges, building on the legacy of Expo 2020’s Expo Live initiative.
About the Global Innovators Programme
The Global Innovators Programme (also known as the Global Grants Programme) empowers social enterprises and startups to scale solutions that improve lives and protect the planet. Now in its eighth cycle, the 2025 cohort focuses specifically on extreme heat in humanitarian and emergency settings. Rising temperatures exacerbate droughts, food insecurity, displacement and infrastructure failures, so the foundation seeks innovations that cool and protect communities in the Global South. Past cycles have funded over 190 projects from 85+ countries and generated impact for more than 5.8 million people.
Global Innovators Programme Grant size and benefits
Awardees receive more than just capital. The programme offers a tiered package of funding and support:
- Grant funding: Up to US$100,000 per project to scale and replicate working solutions. The capital can support product development, pilot implementations or scale-up activities.
- Global visibility: Selected innovations gain exposure across Expo City Dubai’s platforms and innovation ecosystem.
- Mentorship and strategic partnerships: The foundation provides mentoring from its network of experts and helps connect grantees with partners to accelerate market entry and scaling.
- Thematic focus on heat resilience: Projects must address extreme heat, such as cooling shelters, off-grid energy systems, health-tech to mitigate heat-related risks, or water/food resilience tools for hot environments.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for the 2025 Global Innovators Programme, applicants must meet several criteria:
- Legal entity: You must be a registered social enterprise, startup, small- or medium-sized enterprise (SME) or non-profit organisation.
- Impact focus: Your mission must demonstrably create social, environmental or humanitarian impact.
- Maturity stage: Solutions must be prototype-ready or beyond; idea-stage concepts are not accepted.
- Geographic focus: Organisations operating in or based in the Global South are prioritised.
- Capacity and scaling plans: Applicants must show organisational capacity, clear plans for impact measurement and realistic strategies for scaling or replication.
Global Innovators Programme Selection criteria
Proposals are evaluated on their innovation, scalability and alignment with the extreme heat theme. Reviewers consider whether the solution is novel, whether the project is well-conceived and proportionate to the requested grant, and whether impacts are measurable. Projects ready for demonstration or transition to scale are favoured.
How to apply for the Global Innovators Programme
The application process involves three main steps:
- Prepare your proposal: Clearly define the heat-related challenge you intend to solve. Use data to show urgency, outline your prototype or pilot results, and craft a realistic budget and roadmap for using the grant.
- Submit online: Complete the application form on the Expo City Dubai Global Grants Programme portal and upload all required supporting documents.
- Evaluation and selection: Proposals are reviewed on their innovation, scalability, demonstrable impact and alignment with the extreme heat theme. Finalists may receive follow-up requests for clarification.
The application deadline is 23 November 2025, so applicants are advised to submit well before the cut-off time to avoid last-minute issues.
Why apply?
The Global Innovators Programme offers a unique opportunity to receive significant funding and support for climate-resilience innovations in the Global South. In addition to the financial award, grantees receive mentorship, partnership opportunities and global visibility, helping them scale solutions that protect vulnerable communities from extreme heat. If your organisation has a prototype-ready solution that addresses heat-related risks, this programme could accelerate your impact and amplify your reach.
For more details and to begin your application, visit the Expo City Dubai Foundation’s official Global Innovators Programme page and review the full eligibility and submission requirements.
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