THIS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY IS NOW CLOSED.

Revive & Restore’s new $2M Biotech for Climate Resilience Fund will apply cutting-edge biotechnology tools to aid climate adaptation and mitigation in marine ecosystems.

We seek projects that can catalyze progress in this field by enhancing species resilience and strengthening nature-based solutions, addressing both biodiversity loss and climate change with an integrated approach.

Timeline:

• Deadline for LOI Submission: November 7th, 2025, 5:00 PM PST
• Invitation to Submit Full Proposal: December 8, 2025, 5:00 PM PST
• Full Proposal (by invitation only): January 30th, 2026, 5:00 PM PST
• A full proposal template description and requirements will be available when invited to submit a proposal.

Fund Overview
Our vision is to demonstrate biotechnology’s value for climate solutions through innovative use cases. We encourage high-risk, high-reward proposals that help strengthen the adaptive capacity of species, ecosystems, and/or communities on the frontlines of climate change, or that advance the efficacy and scale of nature-based climate interventions.

Why Climate Resilience?
The twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change form a devastating feedback loop. As rising temperatures push species toward extinction and degrade critical habitats, ecosystems lose their capacity to buffer climate impacts and support human communities. The disappearance of keystone species and destruction of vital ecosystems undermines the natural infrastructure upon which billions depend for food security, disaster protection, and economic stability.

This ecological unraveling leaves both natural systems and human societies increasingly vulnerable to accelerating climate risks. Breaking this destructive cycle requires urgent, coordinated action to simultaneously protect ecosystems and rapidly reduce emissions, restoring nature’s resilience and securing a livable future for all species, including ours.

The Opportunity
Nature has tremendous potential to contribute to climate solutions. Recent studies highlight biodiversity’s critical importance in ecological processes that support carbon capture and storage. By enhancing the resilience of species and ecosystems that play these important roles, we can simultaneously preserve biodiversity and strengthen nature-based approaches to climate change mitigation.

Fund Scope 
This program will apply advanced genetic rescue technologies to marine species critically impacted by climate change or essential for marine nature-based solutions, leveraging various components of Revive & Restore’s Genetic Rescue Toolkit. Biotechnologies of interest include genomic sequencing and bioinformatics, biobanking, cell culture, advanced reproductive technologies, and genetic engineering and gene editing.

The focus areas below are intended to inspire applicants, but we welcome additional concepts related to climate adaptation and mitigation. Revive & Restore prioritizes proposals with a clear path to real-world application. 

While we welcome proposals on other topics, species, or ecosystems, we’re particularly interested in:

1. Marine microbes: Marine microalgae and microorganisms are increasingly recognized as crucial players in climate change mitigation. Their diverse roles in biogeochemical cycles, particularly carbon and nitrogen cycling, offer avenues for greenhouse gas mitigation and capture. In addition, microbes also maintain the health and resilience of larger marine species and habitats. As such, microbial biotechnology can be leveraged to enhance natural processes and develop new strategies for climate change adaptation. Examples could include: 
   • Probiotic treatments to boost seagrass restoration success rates
   • Engineered methanotrophic bacteria for methane capture and conversion
2. Blue carbon ecosystems: Coastal and marine ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrass beds, kelp forests, and salt marshes represent some of nature’s most efficient carbon capture systems while providing critical climate buffers for coastlines worldwide. Biotechnology has the potential to enhance these ecosystems’ natural carbon sequestration potential and improve their resilience to climate stressors. Examples could include: 
   • Identifying climate-resilient mangrove varieties with enhanced salinity tolerance
   • Genetic optimization of kelp species for maximum carbon sequestration and growth rates

Other interpretations of the concept of biotechnologies for climate resilience will absolutely be considered. Please note: Since we fund a separate Advanced Coral Toolkit program dedicated to supporting biotechnologies for coral conservation, we will not fund coral-related projects through this RFP.

Priority will be given to projects that:

• Demonstrate innovative use of biotechnology
• Have strong potential for real-world impact, such as clear pathways from research to application
• Include meaningful collaboration with restoration practitioners and/or resource managers (where applicable)

How It Works
Through this opportunity, we aim to support projects lasting one to two years that lead to a breakthrough use of biotechnology to help solve critical climate adaptation/mitigation challenges. We will accept proposals ranging from $50,000 to $400,000 USD. Funding will depend on the volume of submissions. 

How To Apply
We are no longer accepting Letters of Intent (LOIs). 

Your application must include the following information:
PI First Name
PI Last Name
PI Job Title
PI Email Address
Research Institution of PI
Mailing Address
City
State/Province
Country
Co-PI First Name
Co-PI Last Name
Research Institution of Co-PI
Project Title

• Area of Focus: Check all that apply:
  • Marine microbes
  • Blue carbon ecosystems 
    • If so, what is the ecosystem? _____
    • Other: _____
• Biotechnology Tool(s): Check all that apply:
  • Genomic sequencing
  • Bioinformatics
  • Biobanking
  • Cell culture
  • Advanced reproductive technologies
  • Genetic engineering/gene editing
  • Other: _______
• Requested Amount in US Dollars: Provide your requested funding amount. We may work with you to increase/reduce your scope to make the most of available funding. Revive & Restore only allows 10% in indirect costs.
• Project Duration (in months): What timeframe do you anticipate requiring to complete this work?
• Project Goal (700 character limit): Proposals should center on a goal to advance climate adaptation and/or mitigation in a species, ecosystem, or community.
• Target species: All marine taxa are eligible. Both individual species and broader taxa are acceptable. Target species may come from any global region. Wild and at-risk species are preferred; however, proof-of-concept studies may utilize related domestic, agricultural, or laboratory models.
• Deliverables (700 character limit): Provide a list of proposed project outcomes.
• Anticipated Impact (700 character limit): Describe the outcomes that may result from the successful completion of your project.
• A Letter of Intent (5600 character limit): detailing your proposed project. Indicate whether any necessary permits have already been secured. Please also briefly describe the team that will undertake the proposed work.
• Conservation/Implementation Partner(s) [optional with 700 character limit]: Please indicate any relevant collaborators or partners you plan to engage in this project.

To enquire further about this opportunity, please contact Program Manager Liv Liberman (liv@reviverestore.org).

We look forward to reviewing your submissions!