Climate Solutions Initiative
Accelerating Research-Based Climate Innovation
The WAITRO Climate Solutions Initiative (CSI) is a global platform that identifies, showcases, and accelerates research-driven climate solutions with the potential to create real-world impact. By bringing together researchers, innovators, and research organizations from across the WAITRO network, CSI promotes international visibility, fosters new partnerships, and connects promising solutions with opportunities for implementation, investment, and scale.
Employees, researchers, innovators, and multidisciplinary teams from active WAITRO member organizations are invited to submit their proven climate solutions and emerging innovations. Selected submissions will be featured at the WAITRO Summit 2026 and may also be showcased through international publications, the online Climate Solutions Portfolio, the Climate Solutions Gallery, and the WAITRO Climate Solutions Award.
Key Elements
Poster Gallery
A professionally curated exhibition at the WAITRO Summit 2026 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
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.
Two Categories
To recognize innovation at different stages of development, the Climate Solutions Initiative welcomes submissions in two categories:
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
The Climate Solutions Initiative is open to employees, researchers, innovators, and multidisciplinary teams affiliated with eligible organizations. To be eligible, your submission must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Be submitted by an active WAITRO member organization.
- Be developed or led by employees, researchers, or teams affiliated with an active WAITRO member organization.
- Be linked to a Collaborative Research Action (CRA) funded by the Belmont Forum.
- Joint submissions with external partners are welcome, provided the submission is led by an eligible WAITRO member organization
Not sure whether your organization is an active WAITRO member? Visit our WAITRO Members Directory to check your organization’s membership status before submitting.
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
12 September 2026
Review Period
September 2026
Notification of Applicants
September 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.
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)
Â
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:
Poster at the Summit
- Quick website teaser
- Social media features
- Event screens
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.
Prepare Your Submission
To make the submission process as smooth as possible, we recommend preparing your application offline before completing the online submission form.
Our Submission Workbooks mirror the online application and provide additional guidance, writing tips, recommended structures, AI prompts, and a final checklist to help you develop a high-quality submission.
Preparing your content in advance also makes it easier to collaborate with colleagues, collect feedback, and avoid losing work while completing the online form.
How it works
- Download the appropriate Submission Workbook.
- Prepare your content offline.
- Review your submission with your team.
- Copy and paste your responses into the online submission form.
- Upload your images and submit your application.
Prepare your submission now!
📄 Category 1 – Proven Solutions (implemented, tested, validated or market-ready solutions)
Download Submission Workbook (DOCX)
📄 Category 2 – Emerging Solutions (concepts, prototypes and early-stage innovations)
Download Submission Workbook (DOCX)
Please note: The Submission Workbooks are provided as a preparation tool only. Final submissions must be completed through the online submission form.
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
Partner with us
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 CSI
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.
Your Climate Solution Deserves a Global Stage
The world’s climate challenges need solutions that move beyond the laboratory and into practice. Share your work through the WAITRO Climate Solutions Initiative and help inspire collaboration, implementation and global impact. Submit your solution today and be recognized at the WAITRO Summit 2026 in Istanbul.