Deadline: November 23, 2025
The Expo City Dubai Global Innovators Programme 2025 is a prestigious initiative designed to empower social enterprises and startups driving impactful solutions to global challenges. This annual programme supports young innovators who are creating projects that deliver positive social, economic, or environmental change, especially within the Global South.
For its 8th cycle, the programme focuses on one of the world’s most pressing issues — extreme heat — a major consequence of climate change that threatens communities, livelihoods, and ecosystems globally.
Selected innovators will receive grants of up to USD 100,000 per project, along with unparalleled international exposure, partnership opportunities, and access to a global network of changemakers committed to sustainable impact.
About the Programme
The Global Innovators Programme 2025 is an initiative of Expo City Dubai Foundation aimed at identifying and supporting pioneering solutions to critical global issues. Since inception, the programme has backed over 190 projects across more than 85 countries, collectively impacting over 5.8 million people worldwide.
This global platform gives entrepreneurs and innovators the opportunity to scale their solutions and expand their impact through funding, mentorship, visibility, and access to networks that drive growth and sustainability.
Focus Area (2025 Theme): Extreme Heat
The 2025 edition of the Expo City Dubai Global Innovators Programme is themed around Extreme Heat. Participants are expected to propose solutions that address the challenges caused by rising global temperatures — whether through technology, community interventions, sustainable infrastructure, awareness campaigns, or innovative products that help people adapt to increasing heat levels.
Innovations should contribute to mitigating the risks associated with extreme heat, improving community resilience, and ensuring a sustainable future in line with the global climate agenda.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Expo City Dubai Global Innovators Programme 2025, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a social enterprise or startup with a strong social, environmental, or humanitarian mission.
- Operate in or target the Global South, with clear measurable impact.
- Be at least at the prototype stage or beyond — meaning the idea should already have a working model or demonstrable proof of concept.
- Be a registered legal entity (organizations must have legal registration; informal initiatives are not eligible).
- Propose a solution that aligns with the 2025 theme: Extreme Heat.
Benefits
Selected participants of the Expo City Dubai Global Innovators Programme 2025 will receive:
- Grant funding of up to USD 100,000 per project.
- Access to international visibility and global partnership opportunities.
- Inclusion in a worldwide network of innovators, experts, and sustainability leaders.
- Mentorship and guidance to scale their solutions effectively.
- Support to expand their project’s social and environmental impact across communities.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted on or before 23 November 2025 at 11:59 PM (UAE Time). Late submissions will not be considered.
Application Process
Interested innovators are encouraged to review the full programme guidelines to ensure eligibility and prepare strong, detailed applications. Applications should clearly describe:
- The problem being addressed (in this case, extreme heat).
- The proposed innovative solution.
- The measurable impact and scalability of the project.
- Organizational structure, mission, and registration details.
- A realistic implementation and budget plan for the grant.
Applicants are also encouraged to include supporting materials, such as prototypes, case studies, or video presentations, to enhance their submission quality.
Why Apply
Participating in the Expo City Dubai Global Innovators Programme 2025 offers more than funding — it’s an opportunity to join a global community of changemakers dedicated to building resilient futures. The exposure, partnerships, and strategic support provided through this initiative can accelerate your innovation and amplify its reach and sustainability.
Conclusion
The Expo City Dubai Global Innovators Programme 2025 stands as a beacon of opportunity for passionate innovators addressing the urgent issue of extreme heat and other related climate challenges. With its global recognition, substantial grant funding, and powerful support ecosystem, this programme provides the resources needed to turn innovative ideas into impactful realities.
Deadline: 23 November 2025. Don’t miss the chance to apply for this life-changing opportunity.
👉 Read more about the Programme
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