Expo City Dubai Global Innovators Programme 2025: Apply for Up to $100,000 in Grants

The Expo City Dubai Global Innovators Programme is now accepting applications for its 2025 cohort, offering transformative funding opportunities for entrepreneurs addressing climate-driven challenges. This prestigious initiative provides grants of up to $100,000 to support scalable, impact-driven solutions tackling extreme heat in humanitarian settings.

About the Program

The Expo City Dubai Global Innovators Programme continues the legacy of Expo Live, supporting social entrepreneurs who are creating meaningful change across the globe. Since its inception, the programme has empowered over 190 projects from 85+ countries, positively impacting more than 5.8 million people worldwide.

For the 2025 cycle, the Expo City Dubai Global Innovators Programme is specifically focused on extreme heat solutions—one of the most urgent climate challenges facing vulnerable communities today. The Expo City Dubai Foundation recognizes extreme heat as a major driver of humanitarian crises, exacerbating food insecurity, displacement, and undermining critical infrastructure and healthcare systems.

The Expo City Dubai Global Innovators Programme seeks innovative solutions including:

Cooling shelters and infrastructure
Off-grid energy systems
Health tech innovations for heat-related risks
Water and food resilience tools for challenging environments

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Expo City Dubai Global Innovators Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Legal Status

Must be a legally registered social enterprise, startup, SME, or non-profit organization
Single-founder organizations are not eligible—applicants must be registered legal entities

Development Stage

Solutions must be prototype-ready or beyond
Ideas still in conceptual stages are not eligible
Must demonstrate operational readiness

Mission and Impact

Clear demonstration of social, environmental, or humanitarian impact
Solutions must address extreme heat in humanitarian and emergency settings

Organizational Capacity

Good organizational capacity with clear impact plans
Realistic scaling or replication strategies
Strong implementation capabilities

Geographic Focus

Priority given to organizations operating in or based in the Global South

Benefits

Selected participants in the Expo City Dubai Global Innovators Programme receive comprehensive support designed to accelerate growth and maximize impact:

Financial Support

Grant funding of up to $100,000 per project
Non-repayable grants to support solution implementation and scaling

Mentorship and Guidance

Expert mentorship from the Expo City Dubai Foundation’s extensive network
Strategic guidance from industry leaders and innovation experts

Strategic Partnerships

Access to business development opportunities
Connections with potential partners and collaborators
Entry into Expo City Dubai’s innovation ecosystem

Global Visibility

International exposure across Expo City Dubai’s platforms
Recognition within the global innovation community
Opportunities to showcase solutions to international audiences

Application Guidelines

The Expo City Dubai Global Innovators Programme evaluates applications based on four key criteria:

Innovation: Uniqueness and creativity of the solution
Scalability: Potential for growth and replication
Impact: Measurable social, environmental, or humanitarian outcomes
Alignment: Direct relevance to addressing extreme heat challenges

Strengthening Your Application

To create a competitive proposal for the Expo City Dubai Global Innovators Programme, focus on:

Problem Definition: Clearly articulate the specific heat-related challenge using data and context
Impact Narrative: Detail how your solution scales, who benefits, and what measurable change it creates
Operational Evidence: Demonstrate a working model or functional prototype
Financial Planning: Present a realistic budget showing how grant funds will be utilized
Partnership Strength: Highlight existing collaborations and networks

Required Documents

When applying to the Expo City Dubai Global Innovators Programme, prepare the following materials:

Detailed project proposal addressing the extreme heat focus
Proof of legal registration (certificate of incorporation or equivalent)
Evidence of prototype or operational readiness
Clear impact metrics and measurement framework
Comprehensive budget breakdown and financial roadmap
Documentation of existing partnerships (if applicable)
Team credentials and organizational capacity information

Note: Verify specific document requirements on the official application portal

Program Structure and Duration

The Expo City Dubai Global Innovators Programme operates as the 8th cycle of this globally recognized initiative. While specific program duration details should be confirmed through the official portal, selected innovators receive:

Structured support throughout the implementation period
Ongoing mentorship and strategic guidance
Access to the Expo City Dubai Foundation’s network
Opportunities for continued collaboration within the innovation ecosystem

The programme builds on a proven track record of supporting entrepreneurs from 92 countries, creating a global community of changemakers united in addressing urgent humanitarian challenges.

Why You Should Apply

The Expo City Dubai Global Innovators Programme offers unique advantages for social entrepreneurs:

Proven Impact Track Record

Join a network that has already created positive change for 5.8 million people across 85+ countries through 190+ supported projects.

Substantial Financial Support

Secure up to $100,000 in non-repayable grant funding—critical resources for scaling heat-resilience solutions.

Strategic Location and Platform

Gain access to Expo City Dubai’s world-class innovation ecosystem and connections across the Middle East and beyond.

Focus on Global South

The programme prioritizes organizations working in regions most vulnerable to extreme heat, ensuring resources reach communities with greatest need.

Timely and Urgent Focus

Address one of the most rapidly intensifying climate challenges, positioning your solution at the forefront of humanitarian innovation.

Comprehensive Support

Beyond funding, receive mentorship, partnerships, and visibility that accelerate your organization’s growth trajectory.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to submit your application to the Expo City Dubai Global Innovators Programme:

Step 1: Prepare Your Proposal

Develop a comprehensive proposal that addresses the extreme heat focus, demonstrates operational readiness, and clearly articulates your impact strategy.

Step 2: Gather Documentation

Compile all required supporting materials, including legal registration documents, prototype evidence, and financial plans.

Step 3: Submit Online

Access the Expo City Dubai Global Grants Programme portal and complete the online application form with all required information.

Step 4: Await Evaluation

Applications will be reviewed based on innovation, scalability, impact, and thematic alignment. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for next steps.

Official Application Portal: Expo City Dubai Global Grants Programme website

Deadline

Application Deadline: November 23, 2025

All submissions must be completed by 11:59 PM UAE time on November 23rd, 2025.

Late applications will not be accepted, so plan accordingly to ensure all materials are prepared and submitted before the deadline.

Take Action Now

The Expo City Dubai Global Innovators Programme represents a transformative opportunity for entrepreneurs developing extreme heat solutions. With substantial funding, global visibility, and comprehensive support, this programme can accelerate your impact and help bring life-saving innovations to communities facing climate-driven challenges.

Don’t miss this opportunity to join a global network of innovators supported by the Expo City Dubai Foundation. Begin preparing your application today and take the next step in scaling your solution.

Visit the official Expo City Dubai Global Grants Programme portal to apply.

About The Author

Henry Izuu

Henry Izuchukwu is a passionate business administrator who has dedicated his career to transforming lives through education and career development. With a deep commitment to youth empowerment across Africa, he connects aspiring students and young professionals with life-changing opportunities that help them achieve their dreams.

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