As climate change continues to impact vulnerable communities across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), building local resilience has never been more urgent. At the intersection of environmental adaptation and gender inclusion lies the
Delivered by C3 (Companies Creating Change) and funded by the Resilient Futures Fund (RFF), the program aims to support 30 early-stage startups that focus on helping communities, ecosystems, and economies withstand climate risks.
Key Highlights of the Program
- Grant Funding: A total pool of $150,000 in catalytic grant funding will be distributed among the top 10 selected startups, with individual awards reaching up to $20,000 for pilot testing and impact initiatives.
- Program Duration: Running for six months from October 2026 through Demo Day in Q2 2027.
- Core Support: Includes 8 to 12 virtual workshops, tailored 1-on-1 expert support, strategic mentorship, and direct connections to venture capital firms, impact funds, and corporate partners.
- In-Person Showcase: The top 10 ventures will participate in an in-person Demo Day in Egypt in Q2 2027 to present their solutions to global investors.
Who Should Apply?
The program specifically targets early-stage startups (Pre-Seed to Pre-Series A) that have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and initial market traction. Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Climate & Gender Focus: Businesses must feature climate resilience as a core focus and either be led by women or intentionally target women as primary beneficiaries.
- Regional Presence: Startups must be headquartered in or primarily operating within the MENA region.
- Focus Areas: High-impact sectors including water and sanitation, food and agri-climate solutions, heat resilience, coastal and flood adaptation, nature-based solutions, climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable livelihoods, and climate finance access.
Application Deadline
Applications are open now through August 31, 2026. Eligible founders looking to strengthen their investment readiness, scale their impact, and secure pilot funding can submit their application directly on the C3 EmpowerHer Program Announcement