Nexa Global Climate × Health Innovation Challenge 2026: $2 Million Funding

Applications are now open for the Nexa Global Climate × Health Innovation Challenge 2026, a major funding opportunity for innovators developing solutions to climate-related health challenges. The initiative supports locally led innovations that strengthen health systems against threats such as extreme heat, mosquito-borne diseases, and poor air quality.

Depending on the stage of your innovation, applicants can receive funding of up to $2 million to pilot or scale impactful solutions across eligible countries.

What Is It About?

The Nexa Climate × Health Innovation Challenge is co-led by Grand Challenges Canada and the Science for Africa Foundation, alongside global partners including the Novo Nordisk Foundation, Sanofi Foundation, Global Affairs Canada, and members of the Global Grand Challenges Network.

The programme aims to help health systems anticipate, prepare for, and respond to climate-driven health risks through innovative technologies, services, and community-based interventions. Applicants must focus on one or more priority health threats, including mosquito-borne diseases, extreme heat, or poor air quality, while addressing areas such as climate-informed early warning systems or climate-responsive healthcare delivery.

Eligibility Criteria

The challenge is open to innovators, startups, research institutions, non-profit organizations, social enterprises, and other eligible organizations based in selected countries across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Applicants can apply under two funding tracks:

• Proof of Concept: Up to $200,000 for early-stage innovations in Africa and Brazil.
• Transition to Scale: Up to $2 million for proven solutions ready for expansion across eligible countries.

Projects must demonstrate measurable impact, local leadership, and the potential to improve climate resilience within health systems.

What You’ll Gain

Successful applicants will receive much more than financial support. Benefits include:

• Funding of up to $2 million for scaling proven innovations.
• Access to an international network of climate and health experts.
• Technical guidance and implementation support.
• Opportunities to collaborate with governments, researchers, and development partners.
• Global visibility for innovations addressing urgent climate and public health challenges.

The programme is designed to accelerate solutions that can save lives while strengthening healthcare systems in vulnerable communities.

Deadline and Application Process

Applications are open until July 22, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time (6:00 PM UTC).

Interested organizations should submit their proposals through the official Fluxx application portal. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the funding guidelines, confirm their eligibility, and prepare a strong proposal demonstrating innovation, scalability, and measurable climate and health impact.

If your organization is developing solutions that help communities adapt to climate-related health risks, the Nexa Global Climate × Health Innovation Challenge 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity to secure funding, build strategic partnerships, and expand your impact on a global scale.

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