Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance 2027 Call for Ideas

The Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance is accepting preliminary applications for its 2027 Call for Ideas. The Lab supports teams developing innovative financial vehicles that can mobilise private investment for climate mitigation and adaptation in emerging markets. Africa is one of the core regional tracks, with a specific focus on scalable mitigation solutions for low-carbon and climate-resilient growth. This call is for financial structures and mechanisms, rather than individual projects. Suitable ideas may include debt or equity funds, guarantee facilities, asset-financing structures, results-based finance, securitisation structures, insurance products and other investment vehicles that can unlock private capital. For the Africa track, the organiser highlights clean energy, sustainable agriculture, greener cities, and opportunities that benefit young people and women. Selected proponents receive technical assistance and advisory support valued at more than US$250,000. The package includes seven months of work with two dedicated analysts to refine the financial model, instrument design and impact framework; guidance from a working group of 10 to 15 investors, funders and technical specialists; investor engagement and market validation; and support with the pitch deck, investor mapping, fundraising strategy, targeted introductions and go-to-market implementation. Selected teams also join a network whose endorsed vehicles have mobilised more than US$5 billion for climate action. Applicants first submit a preliminary application. The Lab may interview applicants at this stage, then invite qualified teams to submit a full application in mid-November. Shortlisted teams proceed to interviews and regional selection panels, followed by the global selection meeting and cohort decision in early March 2027. Applications must be completed in English through Submittable, which requires an account. The organiser's application portal states that preliminary applications close on Sunday, 18 October 2026 at 11:59 pm PST. Its programme page also gives 18 October as the closing date.

Applicants should propose an innovative financial vehicle designed to mobilise private capital for climate mitigation or adaptation in an ODA-eligible country. The concept should be at the initial development stage, with market assessment and early design under way, or at the feasibility and structuring stage, with the vehicle being actively designed and early investor discussions in progress. The applicant team should be cohesive, have a relevant track record in deploying capital or developing climate solutions, and be able to commit substantial staff time during the Lab cycle. The idea should have a clear pathway to implementation and be capable of benefiting from joint work on the vehicle structure, execution roadmap and investor proposition. Individual projects and standalone technology deployments are not eligible unless they are tied to a novel financial product. Applications must be submitted in English.