Nominations are open for the World Summit Awards (WSA) and the WSA Young Innovators Awards (young social entrepreneurs under 26 years of age). Start-ups and social entrepreneurs are asked to submit their local digital innovations with high social impact. The 8 award categories include one on Environment & Green Energy (climate, sustainable resources, agriculture). The winner does not receive a monetary award but does benefit from partnerships and integrations. Applications are accepted from companies, organizations, or individuals. The deadline to apply for WSA and WSA Young Innovators is 30 June 2025. (Deadlines for national submission of applications for WSA may vary locally.) Find out more
awards/prizes
Global Environmental Education Partnership — Youth Innovation Challenge 2025
The Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC) invites applicants from 15 to 30 years of age to propose innovative solutions to protect marine resources and support people of all ages to be engaged stewards for marine conservation. Global Environmental Education Partnership seeks solutions that are innovative, feasible, and informed by research. Three solutions will be awarded a US$1000 prize. The deadline to submit proposals is 30 June 2025. Find the challenge
Korea International Water Week — World Water Challenge 2025
The World Water Challenge is an international contest for water solutions. The Korea International Water Week (KIWW) aims to discover imminent water problems and to find feasible solutions. Participants are asked to select a water challenge (identified in the call) and submit their solution. The total prize amount for the World Water Challenge 2025 is KRW 10 million (approx. US$7,600). Winners will have the chance to be invited to the WWCH showcase during the KIWW 2025 and/or the World Water Forum. Individuals or organizations are welcome to participate. Proposals can be submitted until 25 July 2025. Know more
World Food Forum — Transformative Research Challenge
The World Food Forum (WFF) Transformative Research Challenge is a global competition designed to empower young researchers to develop innovative and impactful solutions to transform agrifood systems. WFF supports participants in developing research proposals that lead to actionable and tangible solutions. Winning teams receive up to US$10 thousand in research funding to implement their projects. Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in a field related to agrifood systems, such as agriculture, food science, environmental science, sustainable development, or other related disciplines. Applications must be submitted by 09 May 2025. Transformative Research Challenge
United Nations — Marine and Coastal Ecosystems
The SEA Grants program supports community-based conservation initiatives and research aimed at enhancing marine and coastal ecosystem management in the East Asian Seas region. Grants range from US$5,000 to US$50,000 for projects lasting 12 to 18 months. Eligible applicants include local organizations, NGOs, and community groups operating in countries participating in the SCS SAP. The application deadline is 15 May 2025. SEA Grants
UNIDO — Innovative Solutions in Cleantech
Global Cleantech Innovation Program promotes innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging markets and developing economies to address climate and environmental challenges. The program supports start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises with innovative cleantech ideas in establishing and upscaling robust business models. Deadlines vary. Please check carefully. Know more
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Global Forestry Recognition
The FAO 80 Global Forestry Recognition initiative aims to honor individuals and organizations worldwide that have made outstanding contributions to sustainable forest management and the transformation of agrifood systems over the past 80 years. Nominations are open to individuals, institutions, and organizations that have achieved long-term results in forest production, conservation, sustainable use of forest resources, or have implemented effective forest policies and strategies. Interested parties must submit nominations through the official FAO portal by 31 May 2025. Global Forestry Recognition
Public Interest Registry — .ORG Impact Awards
Nominations are now open for the .ORG Impact Awards. The global awards program recognizes individuals and organizations for the impact they have made in their communities. The award will recognize an organization or individual that works to combat the increased threats to the environment, or that has made significant contributions and innovations in the fight to end hunger or alleviate poverty, among other categories. The winner of the year receives US$40 thousand. Winners in their respective categories receive US$10 thousand each. The nomination deadline is 04 June 2025. .ORG Impact Awards
Innovate 4 Nature — Award for Nature-Positive Solutions
Innovate 4 Nature is a Swiss foundation supporting start-ups in the nature-positive space. The foundation issues an award in which organizations can participate. The Innovate 4 Nature Award honors projects, companies, and entrepreneurs that have developed promising, high-quality nature-positive solutions. The four key areas of the I4N Award are sustainable management of ecosystems; nature as infrastructure; regenerative agriculture; and circular nature-positive solutions. The award offers a total of CHF 100 thousand in prize money. Award winners can benefit from access to an ecosystem of partners and experts. (please be aware that the foundation does not offer grants or other financial means.) The application deadline is 12 June 2025. Innovate 4 Nature Award
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Aquatic Food Systems
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations aims to recognize the critical role of aquatic foods in nourishing communities and sustaining livelihoods. Nominations are open to national, regional, and local administrations, research and development institutions, the private sector, civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations that have made a meaningful impact on the sustainable and responsible development of fisheries and aquaculture. Submissions are open until 30 June 2025. Details