SDSN Youth mobilizes youth to the forefront of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by connecting young people to pathways of understanding, collaboration and action. The Global Innovation and Impact Awards aim to recognize and mobilize leading solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals. The Awards target young changemakers worldwide building solutions for the SDGs. The submissions must have a measurable positive impact on achieving at least one of the 17 SDGs. SDSN Youth will work collaboratively with the awardees to provide seed funding, mentorship and access to exclusive opportunities. Awardees receive up to US$2,500 to test, launch and scale their initiatives. The call for applications/nominations closes 25 May 2022. Link to SDSN Youth
awards/prizes
Rolex Awards — Rolex Awards for Enterprise 2023
The Rolex Awards invest in people seeking solutions to humankind’s most pressing challenges and support entrepreneurs anywhere in the world who have ground-breaking proposals or initiatives that will help improve the quality of life on the planet. Applications can be submitted in five categories: science and health, applied technology, exploration, cultural heritage, and the environment. Projects should be planned for the future, or completed only partially. Each winner will receive CHF 200 thousand in order to help her/him with project implementation. Applications are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The deadline for applications is 17 October 2022. Rolex Awards for Enterprise
Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water — 11th Cycle
The Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW) is an award focusing on water-related scientific innovation from around the world. The 11th cycle of the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water consists of one creativity prize and four specialized prizes. The Creativity Prize of US$266 thousand is made for pioneering and innovative research in any water-related field. The four specialized prizes are worth US$133 thousand each and are made for research in surface water; groundwater; alternative water (e.g., desalinization, wastewater treatment, etc.); and water management and protection. Candidates for the Creativity Prize are identified through external nominations. Candidates for the specialized prizes can self-nominate. The deadline for nominations is 31 December 2022. International Prize for Water
Thought for Food Foundation — Thought For Food Challenge
The Thought for Food Foundation invites innovators and entrepreneurs from all parts of the world to submit locally-relevant solutions that address a wide range of pressing challenges across the food and agriculture value chain. Participants gain access to the TFF Digital Labs, a digital collaboration platform that provides on-demand access to leading industry experts, resources, and interactive experiences. One Grand Prize winner will receive US$30 thousand to use for the purpose of their project. TFF counts on challenge partners to encourage topical solution development (note: partners offer additional awards and cash prizes). Participants join as teams of 2-5 with members between the ages of 18-40. Pitch ideas have to be submitted by 03 June 2022. TFF Challenge
United Nations World Tourism Organization — Award for Sustainable Tourism
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
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
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