Design and run your own circular economy programme; applications open for Entrepreneurship Support Organisations (ESOs) in India and Kenya

Selected organisations will join the Circular Economy & Social Impact Masterclasses running between late April and July 2026. The masterclasses are designed to equip your organisation with the knowledge, tools, and connections to integrate circular economy and social inclusion into your entrepreneurial work.  The learning modules draw on Climate KIC’s technical expertise and three years of hands-on experience supporting circular ventures in both ecosystems between 2023 and 2025.  

Upon successful completion of the masterclasses, the ESOs are eligible to apply for a grant of up to 50.000 EUR (per city) to design and run a dedicated entrepreneurship programme focused on circular economy and social impact. Preference will be given to consortium-based proposals of two or more ESOs. The masterclasses are designed to help you find and build those partnerships before you apply.

More details are available in the attached open-call document.  

• We accept applications from organisations (both for profit and non-profit), that actively support ventures and entrepreneurs through support programmes such as incubators and accelerators. 
• Eligible organisations need to provide an active track record of entrepreneurship programmes and activities. An active track record in circularity focused programmes is not required. 
• Eligible organisations need to showcase a strong motivation to work on climate innovation, circular economy and social impact and a strategic vision on how these aspects are being (or will be) implemented in the organisation.  
• Preference will be given to teams that demonstrate strong gender balance across both their members and leadership. 
• Geographic eligibility: We welcome applications from India and Kenya with a specific focus on ESO’s supporting ventures in Bengaluru and Nairobi.  

*More details on eligibility criteria can be found in the open-call document. 

Please fill in this form by 6 April midnight CET. Click here.

Please read the open call document for more information. Click here.

• Launch of Expression of Interest: 10 March 2026
• Application deadline: 6 April (23:59 CET)
• Selection of ESOs: 7 April – 15 April 2026
• Circular Economy & Social Inclusion Masterclasses: 21 April – 10 July 2026
  (Remote Kick-off session: 21 April, 11AM CET/ 12AM EAT/ 2:30 PM IST)
• Grant proposal submission: 13 July – 26 July 2026
• Grant selection & preparation: August 2026
• Grant programme implementation: September 2026 – February 2027