The Trash To Cash Challenge seeks young innovators who want to launch a business which has a positive impact on the environment. The Challenge is to collect materials normally thought of as ‘trash’ or waste and create a new product with them. Then, participants have one day to sell their product and make as much cash as possible. Prizes are awarded to our most inspiring Ecopreneurs. Young people under 25 are invited to take part in the challenge. The application deadline is 24 July 2023. Trash To Cash Challenge
awards/prizes
Japan Water Fund — Kyoto World Water Grand Prize 2024
The Japan Water Fund and the World Water Council announce the call for application for the Kyoto World Water Grand Prize 2022. The winner of the prize will receive ¥2 million (approximately US$18 thousand). Eligibility to compete for the prize extends to non-profit organizations with an established record of striving to solve critical water issues at the grass-roots level in developing countries. Applications close on 11 June 2023. Kyoto World Water Prize
Elsevier — Renewable Transformation Challenge
Elsevier announces the biennial Renewable Transformation Challenge. The challenge invites innovative proposals which contribute to the goal of transitioning to 100% renewable energy. The first prize winner receives €20 thousand. Eligibility to apply extends to organizations such as private enterprises, NGOs, and research institutions for undertaking projects and programs that help move the world toward an energy system supplied entirely by renewable energy sources. Applications have to be submitted by 03 July 2023. Renewable Transformation Challenge
Heifer International — Pitch AgriHack Competition
Pitch AgriHack is a digital agriculture competition focused on accelerating entrepreneurial growth in the agriculture sector in Africa. The competition invites African businesses to pitch their approach to driving technological innovation in the agriculture sector. The competition provides cash prizes totaling US$45 thousand. A fourth invite-only category will award up to US$1.5 million in grants to scalable ventures that are already generating measurable impact for Africa’s smallholder farmers. Applications close on 03 July 2023. Pitch AgriHack
UNESCO — Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental Preservation
The UNESCO Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental Preservation recognizes outstanding contributions by individuals, groups of individuals, institutes, or organizations in the management or preservation of the environment. This refers to contributions in environmental and natural resources research; environmental education and training; environmental awareness; and activities to establish and manage protected areas such as biosphere reserves and natural World Heritage sites. Nominations for the Prize can be made by UNESCO member states and by international organizations, or by NGOs which have consultative status with UNESCO. The financial prize is US$100 thousand, donated by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said of Oman. The deadline for nominations (English, French) is 15 July 2023. Prize for Environmental Preservation
Fishbowl Challenge — Competition for Social Entrepreneurs
The Fishbowl Challenge brings college students from around the world together to solve the world’s most complex social and environmental problems. Students from all around the world are invited to apply and join a team of 4 peers to form a Fishbowl Team, come up with an approach to solve an important global issue chosen from 5 focus areas (including Environmental Protection and Renewable Energy) and develop a business plan. The winning team will receive up to US$50 thousand in prize money to develop their ideas further. Undergraduate and graduate (Master’s) university students from all countries are eligible to apply. Applications have to be submitted until 01 August 2023. Link to the Fishbowl Challenge
OPEC Fund — Annual Award for Development
The OPEC Fund honors outstanding contributions to sustainable development. Each year, the annual award recognizes a different theme of particular relevance to global development. In 2023, the theme is “Gender Equality and Climate Action”. The prize is US$100 thousand. The nominee must be a charitable organization. Deadline to submit nominations is 12 May 2023. OPEC Annual Award for Development
World Academy of Sciences — TWAS Arab Regional Award
The TWAS Regional Awards recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to popularize science, and have developed new strategies that serve the popularization of science and technology in developing countries. The winner will receive a US$3,000 cash award. Eligibility extends to Arab scientists with significant research achievements in the field of Science and Technology. Self nominations are not allowed. All nominations must be received by 12 June 2023. Details here
Hello Tomorrow — Asia Pacific Challenge
The Hello Tomorrow Challenge gives deep-tech and science-based entrepreneurs a platform for their projects, providing opportunities and connections with key players. Hello Tomorrow seeks early-stage startups in Asia Pacific that use advanced technology to answer societal or industrial challenges. The challenge includes one category for startups that focus on energy, food, agriculture & environment, among 10 others. The grand prize is S$30 thousand for the best early-stage startup. The application process closes on 24 July 2023. Asia Pacific Challenge
Association of Southeast Asian Nations — ASEAN Prize 2023
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) invites nominations for the ASEAN Prize 2023. The prize acknowledges ASEAN citizens or ASEAN-based organizations that have made outstanding contributions to ASEAN’s community building efforts. The winner receives a trophy and a cash prize of US$20 thousand. All nominations must be submitted to the respective ASEAN National Focal Points by 28 April 2023. ASEAN Prize 2023