UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program makes grants for conservation research through its Young Scientists Awards. The Award targets young researchers (not older than 35 years) carrying out interdisciplinary research on ecosystems, natural resources and biodiversity. Priority is given to projects carried out in the world’s biosphere reserves. Awards are up to US$5 thousand. The deadline for applications (English, French) is 15 May 2025. MAB Young Scientists Awards
awards/prizes
World Food Forum — Startup Innovation Awards
The World Food Forum Startup Innovation Awards is a global startup competition to support and showcase innovators and entrepreneurs who harness technology to drive the sustainable transformation of agrifood systems to end global hunger. The World Food Forum seeks applications for the 2025 Extreme Tech Challenge. The competition is open to companies whose work impacts an element of agrifood systems: production, aggregation, processing, distribution, consumption, and disposal of food products. Participants can win up to US$80 thousand, have the potential for global visibility, and the ability to raise capital. The closing date for applications is 22 May 2025. WFF Startup Innovation Awards
Yale School of the Environment — Film Contest
The Yale Environment 360 Film Contest accepts entries of environmental films from around the world. Submissions should focus on an environmental issue and be a maximum of 20 minutes in length. The first-place winner will receive US$3,000, the second-place winner US$2,000, and the third-place winner US$1,000. The deadline for entries is 25 May 2025. Yale Environment 360 Film Contest
Caribbean Biodiversity Fund — Awards for Conservation Heroes
The Biodiversity Excellence Awards for Conservation Heroes (BEACH) honors outstanding individuals and organizations for their contributions to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development within the Caribbean. The nominees must have a proven track record of actively implementing projects in the Caribbean region. The deadline for nominations is 03 June 2025. Awards for Conservation Heroes
Meaningful Business 100 — Entrepreneur Award
The Meaningful Business 100 (MB100) is an annual award program that honors global leaders who effectively combine profit and purpose to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The award is open to social entrepreneurs, corporate sustainability leaders, impact investors, and micro-entrepreneurs across various industries and regions. Individuals can nominate themselves or others. The deadline for entries is 15 June 2025. Know more
International Center for New Media — World Summit Awards 2025
Nominations are open for the World Summit Awards (WSA) and the WSA Young Innovators Awards (young social entrepreneurs under 26 years of age). Start-ups and social entrepreneurs are asked to submit their local digital innovations with high social impact. The 8 award categories include one on Environment & Green Energy (climate, sustainable resources, agriculture). The winner does not receive a monetary award but does benefit from partnerships and integrations. Applications are accepted from companies, organizations, or individuals. The deadline to apply for WSA and WSA Young Innovators is 30 June 2025. (Deadlines for national submission of applications for WSA may vary locally.) Find out more
Global Environmental Education Partnership — Youth Innovation Challenge 2025
The Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC) invites applicants from 15 to 30 years of age to propose innovative solutions to protect marine resources and support people of all ages to be engaged stewards for marine conservation. Global Environmental Education Partnership seeks solutions that are innovative, feasible, and informed by research. Three solutions will be awarded a US$1000 prize. The deadline to submit proposals is 30 June 2025. Find the challenge
Korea International Water Week — World Water Challenge 2025
The World Water Challenge is an international contest for water solutions. The Korea International Water Week (KIWW) aims to discover imminent water problems and to find feasible solutions. Participants are asked to select a water challenge (identified in the call) and submit their solution. The total prize amount for the World Water Challenge 2025 is KRW 10 million (approx. US$7,600). Winners will have the chance to be invited to the WWCH showcase during the KIWW 2025 and/or the World Water Forum. Individuals or organizations are welcome to participate. Proposals can be submitted until 25 July 2025. Know more
World Food Forum — Transformative Research Challenge
The World Food Forum (WFF) Transformative Research Challenge is a global competition designed to empower young researchers to develop innovative and impactful solutions to transform agrifood systems. WFF supports participants in developing research proposals that lead to actionable and tangible solutions. Winning teams receive up to US$10 thousand in research funding to implement their projects. Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in a field related to agrifood systems, such as agriculture, food science, environmental science, sustainable development, or other related disciplines. Applications must be submitted by 09 May 2025. Transformative Research Challenge
United Nations — Marine and Coastal Ecosystems
The SEA Grants program supports community-based conservation initiatives and research aimed at enhancing marine and coastal ecosystem management in the East Asian Seas region. Grants range from US$5,000 to US$50,000 for projects lasting 12 to 18 months. Eligible applicants include local organizations, NGOs, and community groups operating in countries participating in the SCS SAP. The application deadline is 15 May 2025. SEA Grants