Applications are now open for the Nexa Global Climate × Health Innovation Challenge 2026, a global funding initiative supporting innovative solutions that strengthen health systems against the growing impacts of climate change.
The initiative is co-led by Grand Challenges Canada and the Science for Africa Foundation, in collaboration with a global consortium of partners. It seeks to fund bold, locally led innovations that help communities anticipate, adapt to, and respond to climate-related health challenges.
Successful applicants can receive up to USD 2 million in funding, alongside technical support, international visibility, and access to a global network of funders and partners.
If your organization is developing innovative solutions at the intersection of climate change and public health, this is an opportunity worth exploring.
What is the Nexa Global Climate × Health Innovation Challenge?
The Nexa Global Climate × Health Innovation Challenge is an international funding programme designed to support organizations developing innovative solutions that improve health outcomes in communities affected by climate change.
As climate-related events such as extreme heat, poor air quality, and mosquito-borne diseases continue to increase, the programme aims to strengthen health systems by supporting practical, scalable, and locally driven innovations.
The initiative is backed by more than USD 50 million in partner commitments over five years, demonstrating a long-term commitment to advancing climate and health solutions globally.
Funding Streams
Applicants can apply under one of two funding categories depending on the maturity of their innovation.
- Proof of Concept
This funding stream is designed for early-stage innovations that are still being developed or tested.
Successful applicants may receive:
- Up to USD 200,000
- Project duration of 18–24 months
- Technical support
- Access to global partners
This category is suitable for organizations with promising ideas that require validation before scaling.
- Transition to Scale
This funding stream is for innovations that have already demonstrated success and are ready for expansion.
Successful applicants may receive:
- Approximately USD 250,000 to USD 2 million
- Support to scale proven innovations
- Access to international funding networks
- Technical assistance
- Increased global visibility
Who Can Apply?
Proof of Concept
Applicants must:
- Be an incorporated organization (or equivalent)
- Be based in an eligible African country or Brazil
- Propose an early-stage innovation addressing climate-related health challenges
Transition to Scale
Applicants must:
- Be an incorporated organization anywhere in the world
- Implement their innovation in eligible countries across Africa, Latin America, or the Caribbean
- Demonstrate that the innovation has already been tested and is ready for scale
Focus Areas
Nexa is looking for innovations that address one or more of the following climate-related health risks:
- Extreme heat
- Mosquito-borne diseases
- Poor air quality
Eligible solutions may include:
- Climate-informed early warning systems
- Climate-responsive healthcare delivery
- Digital health technologies
- Community health innovations
- Data and decision-support tools
- Innovative products and services
- Health system strengthening solutions
- New delivery models that improve resilience
Why This Challenge Matters
Climate change is increasingly becoming a major public health challenge.
Extreme weather events, changing disease patterns, and environmental pollution continue to place additional pressure on healthcare systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
The Nexa Global Climate × Health Innovation Challenge seeks to support organizations developing practical solutions that strengthen health systems, protect vulnerable populations, and improve climate resilience.
Beyond funding, the programme helps innovators build partnerships and expand the impact of their work globally.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Competition is expected to be highly competitive. Here are a few ways to improve your application.
- Clearly Define the Problem
Explain:
- The climate-related health challenge
- Who is affected
- Why the problem matters
Support your claims with evidence where possible.
- Demonstrate Innovation
Clearly explain:
- What makes your solution different
- How it improves existing approaches
- Why it is practical and scalable
- Show Evidence of Impact
If your innovation has already been tested, include evidence such as:
- Pilot results
- Beneficiary numbers
- Research findings
- Partnerships
- Adoption rates
Strong evidence significantly improves your application.
- Explain Your Scale Strategy
For Transition to Scale applicants, clearly describe:
- How funding will be used
- Geographic expansion plans
- Expected outcomes
- Long-term sustainability
Prepare Your Organization for Global Funding Opportunities
International funding programmes like Nexa often require applicants to submit:
- Organizational profile
- Project proposal
- Budget
- Financial projections
- Monitoring and evaluation framework
- Theory of Change
- Sustainability strategy
- Evidence of previous impact
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Whether you’re applying for the Nexa Global Climate × Health Innovation Challenge, international donor funding, government grants, or innovation competitions, this toolkit will help you prepare stronger and more competitive applications.
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How to Apply
Interested organizations should review the funding guidelines and submit their applications through the official Grand Challenges Canada funding portal.
Apply Here:
https://www.grandchallenges.ca/portfolio/nexa/
Applicants are encouraged to review all eligibility requirements carefully and submit their applications well before the deadline.
Application Deadline
22 July 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. UTC
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