The Orange Social Venture Prize recognizes entrepreneurs and start-up organizations that make innovative use of technology in agriculture, energy, and other fields of development. The geographical focus is Africa and the Middle East. Prizes range from €10 thousand to €25 thousand, plus professional support for a period of six months. In addition, Orange will reward more start-ups with the International Women’s Prize worth €20 thousand. The registration deadline is 18 May 2025. Orange Social Venture Prize
awards/prizes
African Business Heroes — Business Heroes Competition 2025
African Business Heroes aims to support the next generation of African entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their local communities by working to solve the most pressing problems. Applications are open in English and French to entrepreneurs from all African countries, all sectors, and all ages. Ten finalists will compete for a share of US$1.5 million in grant money. All Finalists win grant funds from US$100-300 thousand. The applicant must be the Founder or a Co-Founder of the company. Applications close on 23 May 2025. African Business Heroes
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 2025. Know more
Startup SG — Global Startup Competition
Startup SG seeks global startups to compete in the Slingshot 2025 Global Startup Competition. Entries to the competition need to present game-changing innovation in one of four challenge categories, including Environment, Energy and Green Technologies (e.g., Agriculture, Clean Energy, Food, or Green Technology). The Top 100 Global Startups will pitch to a global audience and compete for cash and grant prizes worth up to S$200 thousand. Interested participants have to register on the platform by 11 July 2025. Link to Slingshot
Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust — Sustainable Future Grant
The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT) accepts applications for the Sustainable Future Program to develop and promote sustainable, low-carbon alternatives to the current economic systems. JRCT is particularly interested in activities that help marginalized groups and young activists. The Fund will support campaigns and movements, networks, and the replication of innovative local projects on a larger scale. Eligibility extends to UK based and foreign non-profit organizations. Applicants have to register an account first. The upcoming deadline for account registration is 01 September 2025. Details here
Volvo Environment Prize — Nominations 2026
The Volvo Environment Prize aims to promote scientific research and innovations that in broad terms fall within the environmental and sustainability field. The Volvo Environment Prize Foundation invites universities, research institutes, scientists, engineers, as well as other individuals and organizations to submit nominations. Priority is given to an individual or to a group of individuals. Past laureates have included leaders in fields such as global change, biodiversity, energy efficiency, and others. The Prize consists of a diploma, sculpture, and cash award for SEK 1.5 million. The deadline for nominations is 20 January 2026. Volvo Environment Prize
Belgian Royal Academy for Overseas Sciences — Research Competition 2026
Each year, the Belgian Royal Academy for Overseas Sciences sponsors a competition to stimulate high-quality research regarding problems inherent in the developing world. The questions for 2026 request a study on the impact of climate change on the spread of tropical diseases in humans, animals or plants. Each award-winning work is granted a prize of €2,500. The deadline for the 2025 competition is 01 March 2026. Find the questions for the 2026 competition
The Iris Project — Prize for Nature Conservation
The Iris Prize celebrates and supports young people accelerating action to protect and restore nature. The Iris Project awards three grants each year: US$5,000 for ages 14-24 awarded for a new idea; US$10 thousand for ages 16-24 awarded for an existing project; US$15 thousand for ages 16-24 awarded for an established project. Application is open to individuals, teams and organizations from all around the world. Applications are open until 15 April 2025. About the prize
EIT Climate-KIC — Green Business Idea Competition
ClimateLaunchpad is the world’s largest green business ideas competition. The competition invites business ideas that address climate change to support new clean-tech startups. Selected participants will take part in an idea boot camp and receive intensive coaching. The winner will receive €10 thousand, the runner-up €5 thousand. The submission deadlines vary by country (please check carefully). ClimateLaunchpad
Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards — Wildlife Photography Competition
The competition celebrates the hilarity of our natural world and highlights what we need to do to protect it through funny animal pictures. The competition is open to wildlife photography novices, amateurs, and professionals. Winners receive prizes (no cash awards). The deadline for entries is 30 June 2025. Comedy Wildlife