The Nikon Small World Competition is open to anyone with an interest in photography through the microscope. Each year, the top 20 prize-winners are exhibited at numerous museums and science centers throughout the United States and Canada. The Top 3 winners will receive up to US$3 thousand. Only photomicrographs are eligible. Entries must be received no later than 30 April 2026. Know more
awards/prizes
Zayed Sustainability Prize — Call for Applications
The Zayed Sustainability Prize recognizes achievements that are driving impact, innovation and inspiration in environmental stewardship and global sustainability. The Prize is awarded across several categories: (i) Health; (ii) Food; (iii) Energy; (iv) Water; and (v) Global high schools (i.e., high schools in six world regions). The winners in each category receive US$600 thousand each. The closing date for applications and nominations is June 2026. Know more
The Earth Foundation — Earth Prize Schools Competition
The Earth Foundation invites secondary school students aged 13–19, working individually or in teams, to propose innovative solutions to environmental challenges at the local, national, or global level. Participants receive mentorship, learning resources, and expert guidance to refine their projects, with selected entries competing for cash prizes of up to US$12,500. The competition is open worldwide to eligible secondary school students. The application deadline is 30 January 2026. Earth Prize Schools Competition
Blue Ocean — Student Entrepreneur Competition
The Blue Ocean Competition is a global entrepreneurship competition for high school students aged 14–18 that challenges participants to develop innovative business ideas to address real-world problems in areas such as sustainability, social impact, and economic development. Students can compete individually or in teams, progressing through written pitches and virtual presentations, with finalists gaining access to mentorship, training, and networking opportunities. The competition awards cash prizes and scholarships, helping winners further develop or launch their ideas. It is open to students worldwide. The application deadline is 22 February 2026. Blue Ocean Competition
AEON Environmental Foundation — MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity 2026
The MIDORI Prize is a biennial international prize to honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity at global, regional, or local levels. In principle, the MIDORI Prize is awarded to three individuals. Each prize winner is awarded US$100 thousand. The deadline for nominations is 31 March 2026. Find nomination guidelines
HCLTech — Climate Action Grant
HCLTech accepts applications for the Climate Action Grant which provides grants to non-governmental organizations combating climate change and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity across the Americas. HCLTech accepts proposals for climate action in focus areas such as wildlife and biodiversity conservation; land and ocean action; clean energy; climate advocacy; campaigns; and climate risk reduction. One NGO will receive US$500 thousand, while two others will receive US$250 thousand each. The application deadline is 18 January 2026. Climate Action Grant
Enterprise Singapore — Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge
The Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge invites industry partners and creative innovators to co-develop sustainable solutions in key areas such as renewable energy, offshore wind, greener industries, sustainable agrifood and sustainable materials. Participants have the chance to collaborate with major partners and access funding to develop their solutions. Prizes include potential grant support (US$100 thousand from Hexagon Group), as well as funding and real-world testing facilitated by industry pioneers. The challenge is open to startups, small to medium enterprises, institutes of higher learning, and research institutes across the world. The application deadline is 30 January 2026. Details here
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Award for Innovation
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recognizes individuals, institutions, or organizations that have developed innovative approaches, technologies, or practices with a clear and positive impact on food security, sustainable agrifood systems, natural resource management, or rural livelihoods. The award includes a cash prize of US$10 thousand and an official certificate of recognition. Eligible nominees may come from the public or private sector, civil society, academia, or international organizations, and nominations must be endorsed by an FAO Representative or FAO senior official. The deadline to submit nominations is 15 February 2026. FAO Award for Innovation
European Marine Board — Ocean Artwork
The EMBracing the Ocean program provides grants of €10 thousand to individuals or groups to create artwork in collaboration with Ocean scientists. The program aims to raise societal awareness of the Ocean’s value and contribute new insight to scientific research. Applications can be submitted until 16 February 2026. Link to EMBracing the Ocean
Fondation Egis — Climate Challenge
Fondation Egis invites students and young graduates from around the world to submit innovative solutions on the topic: adapting and living together in the face of climate risks. Participants gain access to a range of support to help shape their projects, e.g., workshops and mentors. The top three teams will be awarded €4,000 per team member, along with additional funding to help bring their projects to life during the first 6 months. Projects must be submitted by 28 March 2026. Link to Climate Challenge