Startup Networks

The Towards Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) for Healthcare call will fund work preparing for the next generation of frontier AI models for healthcare, including research into how existing foundation models can be combined and expanded to support healthcare and personalised medicine. Here’s what you can expect: Around €2.9 million in EU funding €2.9 million total budget for the topic One project is expected to be funded Coordination and Support Action (CSA) Work exploring next-generation frontier AI models for healthcare Mapping approaches for training and evaluating advanced healthcare AI Exploring combinations of foundation models across life sciences and healthcare Support for trustworthy and responsible AI approaches Work connecting healthcare AI with European AI Factories, health-data infrastructure, biobanks and other relevant research infrastructure. Who can apply? Universities and research organisations Healthcare and medical research organisations Technology and AI organisations Other eligible legal entities Collaborative consortia meeting Horizon Europe requirements Participation for this topic is restricted to legal entities established in EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries. Deadline: 22 September 2027 at 17:00 Brussels time.

The Alibaba.com CoCreate Pitch 2026 gives entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their business or product to industry judges and compete for substantial funding and Alibaba.com support. The London competition is still accepting applications. Here’s what you can expect: Gold Prize: $200,000 Silver Prize: $100,000 Bronze Prize: $50,000 Every other finalist receives $10,000 $1 million+ global prize pool Prizes are provided 50% as cash and 50% as Alibaba.com credits/coupons 20 finalists will be selected for the London/Europe competition Finalists pitch their ideas to a panel of entrepreneurs and industry leaders. Who can apply? Small and medium-sized businesses ready to scale Early-stage startup founders developing new product ideas Current students developing next-generation products Applicants choose from three tracks: General SMEs, 0-to-1 Startup and Student The London competition forms part of the programme's European opportunity. Deadline: 5 October 2026 – OPEN.

The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator has expanded its 2026 programme to support startups and SMEs developing technologies with credible civilian and defence applications. Eligible areas can include AI, quantum technologies, advanced materials and robotics. Here’s what you can expect: Up to €2.5 million in grant funding Additional equity investment can also be available Support for commercialisation and scaling Funding for breakthrough technologies with major market potential Dual-use innovations are now eligible Technologies can serve both civilian and defence markets Relevant areas include AI, quantum, advanced materials, robotics and other deep technologies Successful companies also gain access to EIC Business Acceleration Services, expertise, investors and ecosystem connections. Who can apply? Startups SMEs Companies developing breakthrough innovations Businesses developing genuine dual-use technologies Innovations need a credible business case for both civilian and defence markets Purely defence-focused companies should instead consider the dedicated EIC STEP Scale Up Defence programme. Deadline: 4 November 2026

The Vinehill Trust provides one-off grants to charitable, educational and ecclesiastical organisations delivering projects across the UK. Its three main funding areas are health, built heritage and music, with specific priorities within each area. Here’s what you can expect: Typically £10,000–£100,000 in grant funding Funding for specific projects and initiatives Grants can cover up to 75% of project costs, excluding VAT Health projects addressing acute conditions and access to essential healthcare Heritage projects restoring historic buildings, particularly where heritage craft skills and training are involved Music projects strengthening UK choral and organ traditions Music programmes involving children and young people One-off project funding rather than unrestricted/core funding. Who can apply? UK charitable organisations Educational organisations Ecclesiastical organisations Registered charities Nonprofits and CICs where eligible under the relevant programme Projects must generally take place in the UK Individuals aren't eligible Organisations need appropriate governance, financial management and expertise to deliver the proposed project Applicants should check the additional criteria for their chosen Health, Heritage or Music funding stream. The Trust's 2027 Health programme is already accepting applications, including projects involving physical rehabilitation and aftercare, green spaces supporting wellbeing, and oral/dental-health outreach. Its permanent health priorities also include pre-hospital care, life-saving interventions and suicide-prevention services. Deadline: 1 November 2026

The 2026 Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF) Call for Proposals, administered in partnership with UNEP, supports developing countries with projects accelerating implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans. Here’s what you can expect: Up to $500,000 for single-country projects Up to $800,000 for multi-country/regional projects Funding for ecosystem restoration and biodiversity protection Projects mainstreaming biodiversity into policies, regulations and planning Support for biodiversity resource mobilisation Projects addressing genetic resources and digital sequence information Proposals addressing several of the Fund's thematic areas are viewed favourably Projects can run for 12–24 months. Who can apply? Developing-country Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity Projects must be co-developed with a participating United Nations organisation The Fund directly finances the participating UN organisation NGOs and other non-UN organisations can participate as project sub-partners Projects need endorsement from the country's CBD national focal point or designated official within the lead ministry Multi-country proposals require endorsement from each participating country Involvement of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, women and young people is strongly encouraged. Deadline: 15 November 2026 at 23:59 – OPEN.

The Morrisons Foundation Connecting Communities Grant supports registered charities with capital projects that improve shared community spaces across England, Scotland and Wales. The aim is to revitalise facilities, bring people together and help important local services remain accessible. Here’s what you can expect: Up to £20,000 in grant funding Funding must fully fund the proposed project rather than contribute towards a larger funding target No match funding required Building renovations and repairs Accessible toilets and changing facilities Community kitchen improvements Boilers, heating and insulation Security systems, doors and windows Community gardens and outdoor spaces Inclusive playground and fitness equipment Sensory rooms and specialist equipment Projects should create a tangible, long-term benefit for the community. Who can apply? Registered charities in England, Scotland and Wales Charities must have been registered for at least one year At least one set of accounts must have been filed Smaller charities with annual income below £1 million are prioritised Applicants must own the property where the project will take place or hold a lease with at least three years remaining CICs and organisations that aren't registered charities aren't eligible Running costs, salaries, rent, utilities and general administration aren't eligible. Deadline: Rolling – applications accepted throughout the year.

The London Communities Micro Grant Fund, delivered by Groundwork London and commissioned by Thrive LDN with support from the Mayor of London, funds existing community activities that improve wellbeing, resilience and belonging, particularly among marginalised and underserved London communities. Here’s what you can expect: Up to £2,000 for organisations with annual turnover below £300,000 Up to £5,000 for organisations with annual turnover below £500,000 Mental wellbeing and resilience activities Community connection and belonging Social inclusion and participation Peer-support and community networks Arts, culture and creative wellbeing activities Safe spaces and community events Payments are made 75% upfront and 25% in arrears Funding is intended to strengthen existing community activity, rather than launch completely new initiatives. Who can apply? Small charities and voluntary organisations Community groups and networks Faith-based organisations Community Interest Companies (CICs) Mutual-aid and peer-support groups Informal or unconstituted groups with suitable arrangements to receive funding Applicants must demonstrate previous delivery or an established track record within their community Activities must support communities in London. Deadline: 21 September 2026 at 10am.

The Farm491 Challenge Prize 2026 supports UK companies developing innovative tools, technologies and approaches for nature-friendly, multifunctional land use, particularly solutions that balance food production, renewable energy and biodiversity. Here’s what you can expect: £40,000 cash prize for the winner £20,000 cash prize for the runner-up 12 months of mentoring and business support Access to Farm491's network and events Strategic support to help scale the winning innovations Funding can be used to advance the business and develop its product or service Winners retain their intellectual property Funding cannot be used for salaries, living costs or servicing debt. Who can apply? UK-registered companies Companies up to 7 years old Businesses operating or intending to operate in the land-based sector Applicants with a working prototype or fully developed product/service model Businesses able to demonstrate reasonable market demand Innovations focused on or adaptable to multifunctional land use Companies from outside the traditional land sector can apply if their technology has a relevant alternative application Applicants must explain how the prize money would help them reach their next stage. Deadline: 30 September 2026.

The Techstars Spring 2027 Accelerators give selected early-stage startups capital alongside a three-month mentorship-driven programme, investor connections and access to Techstars’ global founder network. Here’s what you can expect: $220,000 investment $200,000 provided through an uncapped MFN SAFE $20,000 through a Post-Money Convertible Equity Agreement (CEA) Techstars receives 5% common equity, plus the future equity resulting from conversion of the $200K SAFE Three-month accelerator programme Hands-on mentorship Fundraising and investor support Access to Techstars’ global network of founders, investors, mentors and partners Millions of dollars' worth of partner perks and resources Lifetime access to the Techstars network. Who can apply? Early-stage startups ready to grow and raise funding Founders across a wide variety of industries Eligibility varies slightly depending on the individual accelerator Several programmes accept founders internationally Companies must meet Techstars' incorporation requirements before investment can be completed. There are currently multiple Spring 2027 programmes accepting applications, including London, New York City, Boston, Chicago, Anywhere, AI Health Baltimore, Northwestern Medicine Healthcare and USC. Deadline: 18 November 2026.

The Commonwealth Foundation Open Grants Call 2026–27 will fund civil society organisations and networks working to influence policy, public discourse and decision-making across eligible Commonwealth countries. Here’s what you can expect: Individual Organisation Grants: £15,000–£30,000 per year Funding available for up to two years This means individual organisations can receive up to £60,000 in total Collective Action Grants: £15,000–£20,000 per year Collective Action funding can therefore reach £40,000 over two years Funding can support projects focused on climate and environmental justice Economic inclusion Freedom of expression Constructive engagement between communities, civil society, governments and other decision-makers Creative advocacy designed to influence policy, behaviour or public discourse Projects must incorporate gender and intersectionality. Who can apply? Registered not-for-profit civil society organisations Eligible creative organisations Networks, coalitions, alliances and platforms Creative collectives through the Collective Action stream Applicants must generally have been registered and operating for at least three years Applicants need at least three years of relevant experience in participatory governance and advocacy Average annual income over the previous two years must be below £2.5 million Lead applicants must be registered in an eligible Commonwealth Foundation member country UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand organisations cannot be lead applicants, although they can participate as project partners Projects can have national, regional or international reach, subject to the programme's eligibility requirements. Deadline: 26 October 2026 at 12pm GMT / 1pm BST.

The Fund for Innovation in Development (FID) provides staged grant funding to organisations developing, testing, evaluating and scaling innovative solutions that improve the lives of people experiencing poverty. Projects can come from any sector, provided they are implemented in an eligible low- or middle-income country. Here’s what you can expect: Pilot funding: up to €200,000 Impact Evaluation funding: up to €1.5 million Scale Up funding: up to €4 million Innovation & Public Policy: up to €500,000 Evidence & Public Policy: up to €500,000 Funding for solutions across any sector Support for testing innovations in real-world conditions Funding for rigorous impact evaluation Major funding to scale solutions that have already demonstrated impact Projects are assessed on potential impact, cost-effectiveness and their ability to scale sustainably. FID also has Preparation grants of up to €50,000, although these are currently being redesigned and are expected to reopen in 2027. Who can apply? NGOs and nonprofit organisations Companies and businesses Universities Research institutions Public institutions Other legally constituted organisations Organisations can apply individually or as part of a consortium Applicants can be registered anywhere, but projects must generally be implemented in an OECD DAC-eligible low- or middle-income country Individuals and international/multilateral organisations aren't eligible Emergency humanitarian aid and standalone infrastructure projects aren't funded. Deadline: Rolling – applications are accepted throughout the year.

The Impact Grant Fund (IGF) provides non-repayable funding to high-potential MSMEs in Tanzania and Zanzibar, with a strong focus on businesses owned or led by women and young entrepreneurs. Selected businesses also receive development support designed to help them grow and become better prepared for future commercial finance. Here’s what you can expect: Up to TZS 30 million in non-repayable grant funding Business development and capacity-building support Credit-readiness coaching Support to improve operations and governance Help investing in climate-smart and sustainable solutions Introductions to financial providers for potential follow-on finance Funding aimed at business growth, innovation and job creation. Who can apply? Micro, small and medium-sized businesses Businesses operating in eligible areas of mainland Tanzania or Zanzibar Businesses with viable and scalable business models Women-led businesses Youth-led businesses, with youth defined as 18–35 Businesses with potential to create jobs, particularly for women and young people Businesses operating in priority climate-smart and sustainable sectors Applicants willing to participate in business capacity-building support. Priority sectors include climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry, renewable energy, clean technology, circular economy, waste management, sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, biodiversity restoration, sustainable food cold chains and digital climate solutions. Deadline: 22 September 2026

The Breakthrough Grant: Volume III is providing $5,000 in funding to a woman entrepreneur looking for capital to take an existing business to its next stage. The programme is community-funded by Her Agenda readers, members and supporters. Here’s what you can expect: $5,000 cash grant One entrepreneur will receive the award Businesses from any industry or stage can apply Funding is intended to help entrepreneurs overcome financial barriers and grow their businesses Community-funded rather than investment funding No equity is mentioned as being taken General application fee is $25 Her Agenda INSIDER members receive a 50% discount, reducing the fee to $12.50. Who can apply? Women entrepreneurs Applicants must have a currently operating business Businesses can be in any industry Businesses can be at any stage, provided they're already operating Applicants must be active subscribers to the Her Agenda newsletter to be considered. Deadline: 18 September 2026 at 11:59pm ET.

The WomensNet Amber Grants support women entrepreneurs in the United States and Canada, including established businesses, startups and even businesses that are still at the idea stage. One application automatically puts applicants forward for the grants they're eligible for. Here’s what you can expect: $10,000 Monthly Amber Grant $10,000 Monthly Startup Grant for idea-stage, pre-revenue or businesses with under $10,000 in sales $10,000 Business Category Grant each month Monthly winners can then compete for an additional $50,000 Year-End Grant This means an individual business could potentially receive $60,000 total $510,000 being awarded during 2026 Only one application is needed to be considered for all applicable grants. The Business Category Grant changes each month. September's category is Education & Child Care, followed by Creative Arts in October, STEM in November and Fashion & Interior Design in December. Who can apply? Women aged 18+ Businesses at least 50% women-owned Businesses based in the United States or Canada Established businesses Startups Idea-stage and pre-revenue businesses Product and service businesses Revenue-generating nonprofits can qualify Eligible nonprofits must meet the programme's women-led leadership requirements. Deadline: 30 September 2026 at 11:59pm ET

The LINCAM Ceres Agri-Tech Programme provides funding to UK universities and eligible RTOs to move promising agricultural technologies from the lab towards real-world use and commercialisation, with a particular focus on impact in Greater Lincolnshire and North Cambridgeshire. Here’s what you can expect: Project Awards: up to £250,000 Proof of Concept Awards: up to £50,000 Funding to translate university research into commercial applications Support to develop and validate agri-tech technologies Proof-of-concept development Commercialisation support Opportunities to move technologies from laboratory environments into agricultural settings Technologies originating in other sectors can qualify if they can be adapted for agriculture Projects need to demonstrate potential impact within the Greater Lincolnshire and North Cambridgeshire (LINCAM) region Funded work must be completed within the programme, which runs until August 2027. Who can apply? UK universities EPSRC-approved Research & Technology Organisations (RTOs) University researchers and research teams Teams developing technologies with potential applications in agriculture Applicants don't necessarily need to be based in the LINCAM region, but their innovation must demonstrate potential impact there Research should have clear potential for translation and commercialisation. The programme is particularly interested in technologies addressing agricultural challenges, but its scope is deliberately broad and it will consider innovations originating outside traditional agricultural research where they can be successfully adapted to the sector. Deadline: 5 October 2026 at midnight.