The United Nations Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) has launched a new call for proposals inviting organisations across the Asia-Pacific region to submit innovative climate adaptation projects aimed at helping vulnerable communities respond to the growing impacts of climate change. The initiative, implemented under the Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA), will provide selected projects with up to US$150,000 in technical assistance to develop and pilot innovative climate solutions. Applications are open until 7 October 2026.
The call seeks projects that address pressing climate challenges through locally driven and innovative approaches. Rather than offering direct financial grants, the programme provides specialised technical support to strengthen organisations' capacity, connect them with global expertise, facilitate knowledge exchange and improve the long-term sustainability of their climate solutions.
According to the Climate Technology Centre and Network, the initiative aims to accelerate the development and implementation of practical climate adaptation technologies that can strengthen resilience in communities increasingly affected by extreme weather events, rising temperatures, floods, droughts and other climate-related risks. The program places particular emphasis on solutions that are scalable, innovative and capable of creating lasting social and environmental impact.
"The program focuses on supporting transformative and locally led climate adaptation solutions,"
the CTCN said in announcing the latest call for proposals.
Under the latest round of applications, up to 10 projects will be selected from eligible countries across the Asia-Pacific region. Each successful project can receive technical assistance valued at up to US$150,000, enabling organisations to test, refine and scale climate adaptation innovations. Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which are among the most vulnerable to climate change, are particularly encouraged to apply.
The opportunity is open to a wide range of organisations, including government institutions, universities, research centres, non-governmental organisations, private-sector companies, startups and other entities based in developing countries with an officially nominated National Designated Entity under the UNFCCC Technology Mechanism. Applicants must demonstrate how their proposed innovation addresses climate adaptation challenges while offering strong potential for sustainability and wider adoption.
Projects may focus on a variety of sectors, including agriculture, water resource management, disaster risk reduction, biodiversity conservation, food security, urban resilience and climate-smart infrastructure. Organisers are particularly interested in innovations that strengthen communities' ability to adapt to changing climatic conditions while supporting sustainable development.
Unlike conventional grant programmes, the AFCIA initiative is designed to provide expert technical assistance tailored to each selected project. This includes access to international climate specialists, institutional capacity-building, knowledge-sharing opportunities and support in refining project design and implementation. The approach aims to increase the likelihood that promising innovations can move beyond the pilot stage and deliver meaningful long-term impact.
"Rather than transferring grants directly, the programme provides technical assistance support designed to strengthen institutional capacity, facilitate knowledge sharing, and connect projects with specialised expertise and resources," the CTCN explained.
The Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator is one of several initiatives supporting climate resilience in developing countries by promoting locally led innovation. Through partnerships with governments, research institutions and the private sector, the programme seeks to accelerate the adoption of technologies that help communities prepare for and respond to climate change while contributing to broader sustainable development goals.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the programme's selection criteria and application guidelines before submitting proposals. Projects will be evaluated based on their level of innovation, adaptation potential, sustainability, scalability and alignment with national climate priorities. Successful applicants are expected to be announced after the evaluation process concludes.
Although the current call is limited to the Asia-Pacific region, the initiative highlights the growing global demand for locally developed climate adaptation technologies. Similar programmes have previously been launched in other regions, reflecting increasing international efforts to support innovative responses to climate change and strengthen resilience among vulnerable communities.