Climate Solutions Initiative
Accelerating Research-Based Climate Innovation
The WAITRO Climate Solutions Initiative (CSI) is a global platform that showcases research-driven climate solutions and emerging innovations developed by the WAITRO network. It offers international visibility, strategic connections, and recognition for impactful ideas that can help address the climate crisis. WAITRO invites employees, researchers, innovators, and teams from active WAITRO member organizations to submit proven climate solutions and promising innovations for recognition at the WAITRO Summit 2026 and beyond.
Key Components
Poster Gallery
A professionally curated exhibition at the WAITRO Summit featuring shortlisted solutions through posters.
Awards
Recognition for the most outstanding submissions across categories and transformation areas.
Publication
A publication featuring selected solutions for global dissemination to policymakers, funders, investors, development agencies, and partners.
What We Are Looking For
Thematic Focus: Three Transformation Areas
Submissions should align with one of the three transformation areas of the WAITRO Summit 2026. For more information on the transformation areas, please visit the Co-Creation Workshops page.
Climate Resilience & Water–Food–Energy Nexus
Examples: adaptation, water security, resilient & sustainable agriculture, integrated energy systems.
Decarbonizing Industry & Circular Economy
Examples: low-carbon technologies, sustainable manufacturing, resource efficiency, circular systems.
Climate-Responsive Societies & Just Transition
Examples: nature-based solutions, inclusive innovation, health and climate, AI/data tools, resilient communities.
Category 1: Proven Solutions
For validated, piloted, market-ready, or implemented solutions with measurable impact.
Examples: Operational technologies, Field-tested systems, Successful pilots, Commercialized innovations, Policy-adopted solutions
Category 2: Emerging Innovations
For early-stage ideas, prototypes, or research-based innovations with high future potential.
Examples: Concepts, Lab-stage technologies, New methodologies, Prototype tools, Scalable research breakthroughs
Who Can Apply
Applicants must meet at least one of the following:
- Be an active WAITRO member organization.
- Be implemented or led by staff employed at an active WAITRO member organization.
- Be linked to a CRA-funded project of the Belmont Forum.
Joint submissions with external partners are welcome, provided the application is led by an eligible WAITRO member organization.
Benefits of Participation
At the WAITRO Summit 2026
Global Visibility & Outreach
Featured in the Climate Solutions Gallery and media promotionAwards Recognition
Winners announced during the SummitStrategic Networking
Access to potential investors, governments, donors, and partners
After The Summit
- Inclusion in the Global Climate Solutions Portfolio
- International visibility opportunities including COP31
Future partnership and scale-up support opportunities
WAITRO Climate Solution Awards
Recognition, visibility, and symbolic financial prizes.
Category 1: Proven Solutions
Gold Award – USD 1,000
Silver Award – USD 750
Bronze Award – USD 500
Category 2: Emerging Innovations
Gold Award – USD 1,000
Silver Award – USD 750
Bronze Award – USD 500
Submission Process & Timeline
Key Dates
Submission Deadline
31 July 2026
Review Period
Early August 2026
Notification of Selected Applicants
Mid-August 2026
WAITRO Summit 2026
26–28 October 2026
Submission – How It Works
All applicants are required to complete an online submission form and upload supporting materials. To effectively showcase your solutions and emerging innovation across multiple platforms, submissions are structured in a two-step process, combining concise written input with a visual poster.
Step 1: Submit Your Solution / Innovation
Provide all required content, including your detailed description and showcase summaries, along with high-quality visuals and logos. This content will form the foundation of your poster.
Complete an online form and provide:
Basic information (e.g. title, subtitle, category, thematic focus, location)
Description (between 400–600 words)
Supporting materials (images, logos, and additional documents)
Used for:
Website feature pages
Publication/booklet
Judges review
Media use
Step 2: Poster Creation
Shortlisted participants will be invited to design their own posters using a provided Canva template. This ensures a consistent visual identity while giving you the flexibility to present your solution in a clear, compelling, and visually engaging way.
A dedicated Canva link and practical design guidelines will be shared to support you. Participants are encouraged to focus on clarity, strong visuals, and concise messaging to ensure their poster communicates effectively to a global audience.
Used for:
- Summit Poster
- Quick website teaser
- Social media features
- Event screens
Evaluation Criteria
Category 1: Proven Solutions
- Demonstrated Climate Impact
- Scalability & Replication Potential
- Innovation / Differentiation
Technical Robustness
- Financial / Operational Viability
- Contribution to SDG 13 + co-benefits
- Communication / Showcase Readiness
Category 2: Emerging Innovations
- Innovation & Originality
- Future Climate Impact Potential
- Scientific / Technical Merit
- Feasibility & Development Pathway
- Scalability Potential
- Team Capability / Commitment
- Contribution to SDG 13 + co-benefits
Important Information
Participation and Travel
Selection as a finalist does not automatically include travel or accommodation support from WAITRO. Participants should plan to cover their own travel costs or secure external sponsorship/funding where needed. Any limited support opportunities, if available, will be communicated separately after selection.
Intellectual Property and Confidentiality
Applicants retain full ownership of all intellectual property associated with their submissions. By applying, applicants grant WAITRO a non-exclusive right to feature submitted content for promotional, editorial, publication, and showcase purposes. Applicants are advised not to include confidential, proprietary, or commercially sensitive information in their submissions.
Submission Rules
- Multiple submissions from one organization are permitted.
- Joint submissions are welcome, provided they are led by an eligible WAITRO member organization.
- Incomplete, late, or non-compliant submissions may not be considered.
- All submissions must be made in English unless otherwise approved by WAITRO.
Administrative Notes
WAITRO reserves the right to amend timelines, categories, eligibility conditions, or procedures if necessary. Decisions of the jury and selection committee are final and not subject to appeal.
Become a Partner
Join WAITRO in advancing research-based climate innovation globally. We welcome organizations, institutions, investors, foundations, and corporate partners interested in supporting high-impact climate solutions. If your organization would like to collaborate, mentor innovators, or support scaling opportunities, we invite you to reach out to discuss partnership options.
Sponsor the Initiative
Support the next generation of climate innovation while showcasing your commitment to sustainability and global impact. Sponsorship offers visibility, strategic engagement, and direct support for promising climate solutions. If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Climate Solutions Initiative, please contact WAITRO to explore available opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Employees, researchers, innovators, or teams from active* WAITRO member organizations are eligible to apply. Joint submissions with external partners are welcome, provided the application is led by an active WAITRO member organization. Applications linked to Collaborative Research Action (CRA) projects funded under the Belmont Forum are also eligible.
*Active member status refers to organizations with paid membership contributions for 2026.
Yes. Multiple submissions from the same organization are permitted, provided each application presents a distinct solution or project.
Yes. Category 2 is specifically designed for promising early-stage concepts, prototypes, and research-stage innovations with strong future potential.
Selection as a finalist does not automatically include travel or accommodation support. Participants should plan to self-fund attendance or seek external sponsorship. Any limited support opportunities, if available, will be communicated separately.
