Apply Now: Nexa Climate and Health Innovation Challenge Offers Up to US$2 Million in Funding
ONYINYECHI NWAIGBA 
Innovators, researchers, startups, non-profit organizations, and public sector institutions working at the intersection of climate change and public health have been invited to apply for the Nexa Global Climate x Health Innovation Challenge 2026, a new funding initiative offering between US$250,000 and US$2 million to scale impactful solutions.
The challenge seeks innovative approaches that strengthen health systems against the growing impacts of climate change while improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations around the world.
Applications are open to organizations developing practical, evidence-based solutions that address climate-related health challenges, with successful applicants receiving funding and technical support to accelerate implementation over a period of up to 24 months.
Tackling the Climate and Health Crisis
Climate change has emerged as one of the biggest threats to global public health, increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, floods, droughts, disease outbreaks, food insecurity, and poor air quality.
These challenges place enormous pressure on healthcare systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where communities often face limited access to quality healthcare and climate-resilient infrastructure.
The Nexa Global Climate x Health Innovation Challenge was established to support innovations capable of addressing these complex challenges through scalable, locally driven solutions.
Organizers believe that investing in innovation can help countries better prepare for climate-related health emergencies while improving long-term resilience.
Funding to Scale Proven Innovations
Unlike many early-stage innovation competitions, the challenge focuses on solutions that have already demonstrated promising results and are ready for wider implementation.
Successful applicants may receive funding ranging from US$250,000 to US$2 million, depending on the scale, maturity, and expected impact of their proposed projects.
Selected innovations will be supported for up to two years, providing organizations with the resources needed to expand their reach, strengthen implementation, and generate measurable impact.
Beyond financial support, participants may also benefit from technical guidance, learning opportunities, and access to a global network of partners working on climate and health issues.
Who Can Apply?
The challenge welcomes applications from a broad range of organizations, including:
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Social enterprises
- Startups
- Research institutions
- Universities
- Public sector agencies
- Healthcare organizations
- Private sector companies developing climate and health solutions
Applicants from low- and middle-income countries are particularly encouraged to apply, reflecting the disproportionate impact climate change continues to have on vulnerable communities.
Collaborative applications involving multiple organizations are also encouraged where partnerships can strengthen project delivery and increase impact.
Areas of Innovation
The initiative is seeking innovative solutions that strengthen the connection between climate resilience and public health.
Projects may focus on areas such as:
- Climate-resilient healthcare systems
- Early warning systems for climate-related health risks
- Heat adaptation strategies
- Air quality monitoring and health interventions
- Water, sanitation and hygiene innovations
- Vector-borne disease prevention
- Nutrition and food security
- Digital health technologies for climate resilience
- Community-based adaptation initiatives
- Data and technology solutions that improve climate-health decision-making
Organizers are particularly interested in innovations that can be adapted across different regions and demonstrate measurable benefits for communities.
Why the Challenge Matters
The relationship between climate change and health has become increasingly evident in recent years.
Extreme weather events continue to disrupt healthcare services, while rising temperatures contribute to the spread of infectious diseases, worsening air pollution, and increased risks for vulnerable populations, including children, older persons, and people with underlying health conditions.
According to global health experts, building climate-resilient health systems has become essential to achieving sustainable development and protecting communities from future climate shocks.
By supporting innovative solutions, the Nexa challenge hopes to accelerate practical interventions that improve resilience while strengthening healthcare delivery.
Opportunities for African Innovators
The funding opportunity presents a significant opportunity for African innovators, whose communities are among the most vulnerable to climate-related health challenges.
Across the continent, entrepreneurs, researchers, and social innovators have developed locally driven solutions addressing flooding, disease surveillance, clean energy for healthcare facilities, digital health services, water access, and climate-smart agriculture.
Access to larger-scale funding has often remained one of the biggest barriers preventing these innovations from expanding beyond pilot projects.
The Nexa challenge could provide successful applicants with the resources needed to scale proven solutions and reach more communities.
For Nigeria and other African countries, participation could also encourage stronger collaboration between innovators, governments, research institutions, and development partners working to address climate and health challenges.
Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals
The initiative aligns closely with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on good health and well-being, climate action, clean water and sanitation, industry and innovation, and partnerships for sustainable development.
Supporting climate-health innovation also contributes to building stronger, more resilient communities capable of adapting to environmental and public health challenges.
As climate risks continue to increase globally, investments in innovation are expected to play an increasingly important role in protecting lives and strengthening healthcare systems.
Application Deadline
Interested organizations are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements carefully before submitting their applications.
Applications for the Nexa Global Climate x Health Innovation Challenge 2026 are open, with the submission deadline set for July 22, 2026.
Successful applicants will receive financial support, implementation guidance, and opportunities to collaborate with partners committed to advancing climate and health innovation globally.
For innovators working to develop practical solutions at the intersection of climate change and healthcare, the challenge offers an opportunity to secure significant funding while contributing to more resilient and sustainable health systems around the world.
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