The Concept Phase of the Mitigation Action Facility’s Call for Projects 2026 closed on 25 February 2026, marking the completion of the first step in the project cycle.
Introduced with the 2023 Call for Projects, the Concept Phase aims to simplify the application process and attract a diverse pool of applicants by allowing project ideas to be submitted at an early stage. Over a period of three and a half months, applicants submitted their Project Concepts through a standardised, web-based questionnaire using the Open Application Platform (OAP). Submission of a Project Concept is mandatory in order to proceed to the subsequent stages of the selection process.
Assessment of Project Concepts
All submitted Project Concepts now undergo a structured, multi-stage assessment process. This includes eligibility checks and an initial concept screening, supported by an AI-driven assessment tool, followed by a more in-depth review by the Technical Support Unit (TSU) together with external experts.
Based on this assessment, up to 25 Project Concepts will be invited to a virtual Pitch, conducted jointly by the TSU and external experts. The objective of the Pitch stage is to identify the most ambitious yet feasible project ideas, including potential Lighthouse Pilot Projects, to advance to the next phase of the project cycle.
Following the Pitch stage, the Board of the Mitigation Action Facility will decide which projects are invited to enter the Detailed Preparation Phase (DPP).
What comes next: Detailed Preparation Phase
During the Detailed Preparation Phase, selected projects further develop and refine their concepts into full Project Proposals. The TSU provides technical guidance and expertise throughout this phase to support applicants in strengthening project design, feasibility and ambition.
The DPP lasts for up to 12 months, during which applicants are encouraged to submit their Project Proposals as soon as they are ready. Once submitted, Project Proposals undergo a comprehensive assessment by the TSU and external experts. While proposals continue to be assessed against both ambition and feasibility criteria, the emphasis at this stage is placed on feasibility.
For particularly mature and well-developed projects, a fast-track pathway is available. Under this option, projects may bypass the DPP and proceed directly to submitting a full proposal, including all required annexes, following a decision by the Board.
From proposal to implementation
Passing the Detailed Preparation Phase does not automatically guarantee implementation funding. Final approval for implementation depends on the outcome of the detailed Proposal assessment and the availability of funds.
The Mitigation Action Facility looks forward to advancing the most promising Project Concepts through the next stages of the project cycle and continuing to support ambitious, high-impact mitigation action worldwide.
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