Deadline Date: January 14, 2026
The Carbon Dioxide Removal Accelerator Program, led by CDR experts from remove, ETH Zurich, and the Max Planck Institute in partnership with Strathmore University and the Nuvoni Centre, supports early-stage startups advancing carbon removal solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The focus areas of the opportunity are Net Zero can’t be realized without Carbon Dioxide Removal – CDR, led by bold entrepreneurs Africa can become a CDR powerhouse, we support startups in realizing this potential, 6 month program, CDR-focused community, embedded in local research, an early stage startup, based in Sub-Saharan Africa, focused on carbon removal, and ready to commit to an accelerator program, CDR is front and center to the company you are building, you are developing sound solutions grounded in science not hype, you want to be an active part of the CDR ecosystem in Sub-Saharan Africa, you are planning to or have already founded the company and are located in Sub-Saharan Africa, you as founders will own the majority of your company.
This program supports startups driven by the mission to make Carbon Dioxide Removal a central pillar of climate action in the region. It emphasizes building Africa’s capacity to become a global CDR powerhouse through scientific, entrepreneurial, and community-driven approaches. The six-month accelerator provides deep knowledge on CDR, delivered by global experts with extensive experience in carbon removal technology, policy, investment, and innovation ecosystems.
Participants gain access to a strong CDR-focused community that connects them with key global stakeholders, including technology leaders, policy experts, verification bodies, fundraising professionals, and CDR buyers. The program maintains a strong emphasis on Sub-Saharan Africa’s context, ensuring that the learning, networking, and support are aligned with regional opportunities and challenges.
The opportunity is strongly embedded in local research. Startups benefit from the latest findings on Carbon Dioxide Removal technologies that offer the greatest sustainable development potential for Sub-Saharan Africa. The program also equips participants with insights into local factors shaping the growth of a domestic CDR ecosystem.
The initiative is designed for early-stage startups based in Sub-Saharan Africa whose core focus is carbon removal. Eligible applicants are those whose companies place CDR at the center of their mission, prioritize scientifically grounded solutions, and demonstrate a commitment to participating actively in the continent’s CDR ecosystem.
For more information, visit Swiss National Science Foundation.
