Funding & Support

Your participation matters.
We’re here to make it possible.

WAITRO is committed to ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent valuable contributions to the global innovation dialogue. We understand that participation in international events requires financial resources. While WAITRO has limited direct funding available, we actively support our members in mobilizing external funding to attend the WAITRO Summit 2026.

WAITRO Summit 2026

Where to Find Funding Opportunities

Start with the “low-hanging fruit” (fastest wins) These are the most reliable and relevant sources:

  • 1
    National Research Councils (per country), (e.g. mobility grants)
  • 2
    Embassies & Cultural Institutes (e.g. conference travel, research exchange, international collaboration)
  • 3
    International Organizations / Donors (e.g. UNESCO, World Bank, European Commission (e.g. Capacity building funds, participation grants, project-linked travel)
  • 4
    Foundations (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Volkswagen Foundation, Wellcome Trust, etc.) (Researchers, innovation projects etc.)
  • 5
    Existing projects (very important: Participation costs may be eligible under existing project budgets), e.g. EU projects, bilateral grants

Guidance & Support for Applicants

Applying for funding can be complex. We’re here to help.

Potential funding opportunities for researchers and professionals include:

To strengthen your applications, WAITRO provides:

  • Official invitation letters
  • Support letter templates
  • Participation justification templates

These documents can help demonstrate the relevance and value of your participation to funders.

Engagement with Governments & Funders

WAITRO actively supports its members by engaging with regional and national stakeholders.

Official WAITRO Letters

Upon request, WAITRO can issue official letters (via member organizations) that:

  • Encourage governments and funding agencies to support participation
  • Highlight the strategic relevance of the Summit
  • Strengthen the credibility of funding applications

These letters are designed to support outreach to:

  • Ministries
  • Regional governments
  • Public funding agencies

Need support or have questions?

Contact us for guidance on funding and participation.

Info Sessions

As part of the preparations for the WAITRO Summit 2026, WAITRO is hosting a series of interactive online info sessions. Open to all interested participants and members, these sessions provide updates on the Summit, related initiatives, opportunities for involvement, and practical preparation matters. Participants can connect directly with representatives from the WAITRO Secretariat and WAITRO Operations e.V., ask questions, share feedback, and engage in discussions on the Summit’s priorities and activities.

09 June 2026

Time Slot 1
8:30-9:30 am UTC+5:30
10:00–11:00 am UTC+7
11:00-12:00 am UTC+8
Sign up here

Time Slot 2
2:00-3:00 pm UTC-5
3:00-4:00 pm UTC-4
9:00–10:00 pm UTC+2
Sign up here

17 June 2026

Time Slot 3
11:00–12:00 am UTC+2
12:00–1:00 pm UTC+3
4:00–5:00 pm UTC+7
Sign up here

Time Slot 4
9:00–10:00 am UTC-5
10:00-11:00 pm UTC-4
4:00–5:00 pm UTC+2
Sign up here

08 July 2026

Time Slot 5
10:00–11:00 am UTC+2
11:00–12:00 am UTC+3
3:00–4:00 pm UTC+7
Sign up here

Time Slot 6
8:00–9:00 am UTC-5
9:00–10:00 am UTC-4
3:00–4:00 pm UTC+2
Sign up here