The IRENA NewGen Renewable Energy Accelerator (NewGen) Programme 2026 is now open for applications, offering a unique opportunity for youth-led start-ups to accelerate their growth and business in the renewable energy sector, with a deadline of May 03, 2026. This prestigious programme is designed to support young entrepreneurs in fostering their growth and business acceleration, providing them with the necessary tools and expertise to succeed in the industry. By applying to this programme, start-ups can gain access to a wide range of benefits, including pitching events, investment matchmaking, and tailored acceleration programmes, all of which can help them widen their customer base and enhance their investment readiness.
About the Opportunity
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is a leading global agency that aims to promote the adoption of renewable energy worldwide, and the NewGen programme is one of its key initiatives to support youth-led start-ups in the sector. With the support of the government of the UAE and in partnership with Enel Foundation and Social Alpha, IRENA is launching the NewGen programme for the fourth year in a row, demonstrating its commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs and promoting sustainable energy solutions. The programme is particularly relevant for Africans, as the continent has vast renewable energy resources that can be harnessed to drive economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve energy access, and by supporting youth-led start-ups, IRENA is helping to unlock this potential and create a more sustainable future for the continent.
The NewGen programme is designed to provide a comprehensive support system for youth-led start-ups, including access to technical and business experts, pitching events, and investment matchmaking, all of which can help them consolidate their business model, widen their customer base, and enhance their investment readiness. By participating in the programme, start-ups can also gain valuable insights and knowledge on the latest trends and technologies in the renewable energy sector, as well as network with other entrepreneurs and industry experts, which can help them stay ahead of the curve and achieve their business goals. Furthermore, the programme’s focus on renewable energy and clean technology aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all, making it an important initiative for promoting sustainable development and reducing climate change.
The NewGen programme is also aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which aims to promote sustainable development and economic growth in Africa, and the programme’s focus on youth-led start-ups can help to create jobs and stimulate economic growth, particularly in rural areas where energy access is often limited. By supporting youth-led start-ups, IRENA is helping to empower young Africans to take control of their economic destiny and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities, and the programme’s impact can be felt across the continent, from the creation of new jobs and businesses to the improvement of energy access and the reduction of poverty.
Who Can Apply
The NewGen programme is open to young entrepreneurs from all over the world, and the eligibility criteria are designed to ensure that the programme is accessible to a wide range of start-ups and entrepreneurs.
- Age: The programme is open to young entrepreneurs between 18 and 35 years old, and at least one founder of the start-up must be below the age of 35, ensuring that the programme is targeted at youth-led start-ups and entrepreneurs.
- Business type: The programme is open to start-ups, scale-ups, and growth businesses that are active in the renewable energy, energy efficiency, and clean technology sectors, and that have a clear business plan and growth strategy.
- Originality: By entering the selection process, participants guarantee that the submitted documentation is an original work created solely by the applicants and that it does not infringe on copyrights, trademarks, and the rights of privacy, publicity, or intellectual property, ensuring that the programme is fair and transparent.
What You Will Gain
By participating in the NewGen programme, start-ups can gain access to a wide range of benefits and resources that can help them accelerate their growth and business, including:
- Access to pitching events and investment matchmaking, which can help start-ups secure funding and investment to grow their business.
- Tailored acceleration programme in renewable energy and climate technology, which can provide start-ups with the technical and business expertise they need to succeed in the industry.
- Webinars, workshops, and dedicated mentorship by IRENA, which can provide start-ups with valuable insights and knowledge on the latest trends and technologies in the renewable energy sector.
- Networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs and industry experts, which can help start-ups build relationships and partnerships that can help them grow their business.
Application Deadline
Do not miss this opportunity to accelerate your growth and business in the renewable energy sector. The deadline for applications is May 03, 2026. Start your application early to ensure that you have enough time to complete the process and submit your application before the deadline.
How to Apply for IRENA NewGen Renewable Energy Accelerator (NewGen) Programme 2026 for Youth-led start-ups
To apply for the NewGen programme, start-ups can follow these steps: first, review the eligibility criteria to ensure that your start-up meets the requirements, and then visit the IRENA website to access the application form and submit your application. The application form will require you to provide information about your start-up, including your business plan, growth strategy, and financial projections, as well as information about your team and your experience in the renewable energy sector. Once you have completed the application form, submit it before the deadline to be considered for the programme.
Apply directly here: Click here to apply
Final Thoughts
The IRENA NewGen Renewable Energy Accelerator (NewGen) Programme 2026 is a unique opportunity for youth-led start-ups to accelerate their growth and business in the renewable energy sector, and we encourage all eligible start-ups to apply. By participating in the programme, start-ups can gain access to a wide range of benefits and resources that can help them succeed in the industry, and we believe that the programme has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of young Africans and contribute to a more sustainable future for the continent. So, do not miss this opportunity – apply now and take the first step towards accelerating your growth and business in the renewable energy sector.
