The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) seeks to find the most innovative startups that are working to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The UNWTO Awards acknowledge the contribution of institutions to competitive and sustainable tourism development. Tourism startups should contribute to one of six goals: Local community involvement; Green and blue economies; Ecological and Sustainable Capital Creation; Tourism Tech for Good; Tourism Education; Women Empowerment. There is no cash award. The winners will receive a trophy and a certificate. Applications have to be submitted by 30 June 2022. Link to UNWTO
awards/prizes
World Ocean Initiative — Ocean Changemakers Challenge
The Ocean Changemakers Challenge seeks business solutions to ocean-related sustainability challenges. The challenge is aimed at early-career researchers and professionals, entrepreneurs and innovators with solutions to ocean challenges, e.g. marine pollution, overfishing and overexploitation of marine resources, unsustainable aquaculture, or destruction of ocean habitats. Three finalists will receive guidance from renowned ocean leaders as part of a 12-month mentorship program and present their business idea for a blue economy at the World Ocean Tech and Innovation Summit in Canada (October 2022). Entries close on 19 August 2022. Next steps
Entrepreneurship Campus — Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition
The Entrepreneurship Campus invites innovative ideas for the Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition to create a culture for entrepreneurship and implement one or more of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Participants are invited to submit their innovative ideas and projects with a societal impact. Entries will be posted on the competition website and are subject to online commenting and public voting. Winners receive a virtual badge and a certificate. Participants from 13 to 29 years who are operating a business, a non-profit organization or an informal program are eligible to apply. Applications can be submitted until 15 September 2022. Know more
Global Landscapes Forum — Africa Photo Competition 2022
The Global Landscapes Forum seeks professional or amateur photographers who show their perspective on the beauty and richness of the African continent. Photographers from all over the world can apply for the GLF Africa 2022 Photo Competition. The competition offers small cash prizes US$400 (1st place), US$300 (2nd place) and US$200 (popular vote). The GLF Africa Photo Competition is open to anyone aged 18 or above. Photos have to be submitted by 10 May 2022. Africa Photo Competition
German Federal Ministry of Education and Research — Green Talents Competition 2022
The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) makes awards to individuals worldwide for their original solutions for a more sustainable future. “Green Talents – International Forum for High Potentials in Sustainable Development” invites innovative green ideas for the current competition. The winning applicants are invited to a two-week science forum and networking program in Germany, followed by the opportunity of a return visit to conduct research in Germany. Past winners include many in renewable energy, water management, and environmental engineering. The deadline is 24 May 2022. Green Talents 2022
Copernicus Masters — Smart Farming Challenge
Copernicus Masters is an international innovation competition that honors the best solutions using earth observation data and applications to solve global challenges. The Smart Farming Challenge, sponsored by BayWa, seeks innovative solutions that use new technologies, ideas and products to support sustainable agriculture and horticulture. BayWa is interested in digital solutions that combine satellite data and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning to support pasture management, early crop disease identification, and/or yield prediction in horticulture. The winner of the smart farming challenge receives €5 thousand, mentoring, access to field trials and access to BayWa agribusiness and agri-organization networks. All participants have the chance to win an additional €10 thousand if chosen as the overall Copernicus winner. The competition is open to participants worldwide. Submissions are open until 11 July 2022. Find the Smart Farming Challenge
Copernicus Masters — Environment, Energy & Health Challenge
Copernicus Masters is an international innovation competition that honors the best solutions using earth observation data and applications to solve global challenges. The Environment, Energy & Health Challenge, sponsored by DLR, seeks innovative solutions that use earth observation (EO) data to support sustainable management of the planet’s limited natural resources and foster human well-being. The winner of the DLR challenge receives €5 thousand. All participants have the chance to win an additional €10 thousand if chosen as the overall Copernicus winner. The competition is open to participants worldwide. Submissions are open until 11 July 2022. Find the Environment, Energy & Health Challenge
Copernicus Masters — Blue Challenge
Copernicus Masters is an international innovation competition that honors the best solutions using earth observation data and applications to solve global challenges. The Blue Challenge, sponsored by Portugal Space, seeks innovative and business-oriented ideas for ocean and coastal areas that tackle global problems. The winner receives a cash prize of €10 thousand, support to attend the Space Awards (including expenses for two people), plus other benefits. All participants have the chance to win an additional €10 thousand if chosen as the overall Copernicus winner. The competition is open to participants worldwide. Submissions are open until 11 July 2022. Find the Blue Challenge
International Water Association — Global Water Award
The International Water Association (IWA) focuses on developing solutions for water and wastewater management. IWA invites applications for the IWA Global Water Award. The award recognizes the exceptional contribution made by an individual to improve sustainable water and sanitation globally by creating an innovative water solution/management practice that impacts broader sustainable development. The award will be presented at the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition in Copenhagen, Denmark (September 2022). The application deadline is 06 May 2022. Global Water Award
International Water Association — Young Leadership Award
The International Water Association (IWA) Young Leadership Award is granted to an exceptional water professional below the age of 35 who has demonstrated significant achievements in their career. This award recognizes the contribution of an individual rather than an organization or project. The winner will receive their award during the World Water and Development Congress & Exhibition (September 2022) in Copenhagen, Denmark. The call for nominations closes 06 May 2022. IWA Young Leadership Award