Global Cleantech Innovation Program promotes innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging markets and developing economies to address climate and environmental challenges. The program supports start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises with innovative cleantech ideas in establishing and upscaling robust business models. Deadlines vary. Please check carefully. Know more
awards/prizes
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Global Forestry Recognition
The FAO 80 Global Forestry Recognition initiative aims to honor individuals and organizations worldwide that have made outstanding contributions to sustainable forest management and the transformation of agrifood systems over the past 80 years. Nominations are open to individuals, institutions, and organizations that have achieved long-term results in forest production, conservation, sustainable use of forest resources, or have implemented effective forest policies and strategies. Interested parties must submit nominations through the official FAO portal by 31 May 2025. Global Forestry Recognition
Public Interest Registry — .ORG Impact Awards
Nominations are now open for the .ORG Impact Awards. The global awards program recognizes individuals and organizations for the impact they have made in their communities. The award will recognize an organization or individual that works to combat the increased threats to the environment, or that has made significant contributions and innovations in the fight to end hunger or alleviate poverty, among other categories. The winner of the year receives US$40 thousand. Winners in their respective categories receive US$10 thousand each. The nomination deadline is 04 June 2025. .ORG Impact Awards
Innovate 4 Nature — Award for Nature-Positive Solutions
Innovate 4 Nature is a Swiss foundation supporting start-ups in the nature-positive space. The foundation issues an award in which organizations can participate. The Innovate 4 Nature Award honors projects, companies, and entrepreneurs that have developed promising, high-quality nature-positive solutions. The four key areas of the I4N Award are sustainable management of ecosystems; nature as infrastructure; regenerative agriculture; and circular nature-positive solutions. The award offers a total of CHF 100 thousand in prize money. Award winners can benefit from access to an ecosystem of partners and experts. (please be aware that the foundation does not offer grants or other financial means.) The application deadline is 12 June 2025. Innovate 4 Nature Award
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Aquatic Food Systems
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations aims to recognize the critical role of aquatic foods in nourishing communities and sustaining livelihoods. Nominations are open to national, regional, and local administrations, research and development institutions, the private sector, civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations that have made a meaningful impact on the sustainable and responsible development of fisheries and aquaculture. Submissions are open until 30 June 2025. Details
Breakthrough Prize — Breakthrough Junior Challenge
The Breakthrough Junior Challenge asks youth to submit scientific discoveries or explain a big scientific idea in Physics, Life Sciences, or Mathematics with a short video (max. 2:00 minutes). One winner receives a US$250 thousand post-secondary scholarship, including an additional US$50 thousand teacher prize and US$100 thousand Breakthrough Science Lab. Eligibility is limited to individuals between the ages of 13 and 18 but is open to participants worldwide without geographic limitations. Videos have to be submitted by 15 September 2025. Know more
Royal Geographical Society — Gilchrist Fieldwork Award
The Royal Geographical Society invites applications for the Gilchrist Fieldwork Award. The aim of the award is to support challenging overseas fieldwork projects carried out by a team of university academics and researchers. The team should comprise up to 10 members, the majority of whom should be British. Previous winning themes include climate change, ecosystem function, climate science, and ocean circulation. The biennial award offers £15 thousand. The deadline for applications is 23 November 2025. More
United Nations Environment Program — Champions of the Earth 2025
The Champions of the Earth is the UN’s highest award to honor people and organizations worldwide for leadership and action on sustainable development, climate change, and a life of dignity. This year, UNEP seeks nominations of individuals, organizations, and governments working on sustainable solutions to eliminate plastic pollution. Persons may nominate themselves, their own organizations, or a third party whom they believe should receive recognition. Nominations must be supported by three endorsers. The closing date for nominations is 30 April 2025. UN Champions of the Earth
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Global Bioenergy Youth Award
The GBEP Youth Award recognizes research conducted by students in the field of bioenergy. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to present their research and receive their award certificate during the GBEP Bioenergy Week. Applicants should be within the age limit of 30 years old for bachelor and Master students, and 35 years old for Ph.D. students. This year, the 2025 Award is focused exclusively on Africa. Candidates must complete the application form before 30 April 2025. GBEP Youth Award
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Global Forestry Champions
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) seeks to honor individuals, institutions, initiatives, and programs that have significantly impacted forestry development at national, regional, or global levels. Selected nominees will be recognized for their achievements across ten thematic areas, including forest restoration, biodiversity, climate action, and innovation. The call for nominations is open to governmental institutions; national, regional or local agencies; intergovernmental organizations; non-government organizations; academia; community service organizations; and the private sector. The deadline for receiving nominations is 31 May 2025. More about this opportunity