With September approaching, several funding programmes and startup competitions are still open to founders looking for capital, mentorship, market access, or support to scale their businesses.
We’ve rounded up five opportunities currently accepting applications, covering climate innovation, technology, engineering, women-led startups, and sustainable business expansion.
/1. Swiss Re Foundation Shine 2027
Early-stage climate ventures working on urban challenges can apply for the Swiss Re Foundation’s Shine 2027 programme, which focuses on solutions for urban decarbonisation, climate adaptation and inclusive development.
The programme operates across eight global chapters, including Bangalore, Bratislava, Cape Town, London, Manila, Mexico City, New York and Zurich. Selected ventures receive a combination of grant funding, technical expertise, strategic guidance, leadership coaching and access to climate innovation networks. The Swiss Re Foundation also says it may consider additional funding after ventures demonstrate evidence of scale.
The programme is particularly relevant to founders working on practical solutions that can help cities deal with issues such as rising temperatures, flooding, resource scarcity, and infrastructure disruption.
- Programme: Early-stage climate innovation support across eight global chapters
- Deadline: September 15, 2026
/2. AIM Startup Competition 2026
Startups working in agribusiness, energy, ICT, transport, and logistics can apply for the AIM Startup Competition in Montenegro.
The competition has two tracks. The Seed Track is aimed at early-traction startups that have raised little or no capital, while the Growth Track is for startups that have raised more than $582,107 (€500,000) and up to $5 million (€5 million).
Finalists will pitch at the AIM Investment Conference in Montenegro in October, in front of investors, government officials, and other ecosystem players. The winner will also receive access to the AIM investor network, financing partners, a two-year coworking opportunity, and a place in a 12-month accelerator programme.
The competition is open to founder-led startups from around the world that are looking to expand regionally or internationally.
- Programme: Startup competition and investment-readiness opportunity in Montenegro
- Deadline: September 1, 2026
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