Awards, Prizes and Challenges

View the latest awards, prizes and challenges for NGOs, companies, startups and individuals around the world.

Nominations Open for 8th annual Influential Businesswomen Awards

Deadline: 30-Mar-23 Acquisition International has announced the nominations for the Influential Businesswoman Awards to recognize and honour the achievements of female leaders in the business world. Acquisition International aspires to seek out and celebrate the most exceptional businesswomen … [Read more...] about Nominations Open for 8th annual Influential Businesswomen Awards

2023 WE Empower UN SDG Challenge for Changemakers and Social Entrepreneurs

Deadline: 16-Apr-23 The Arizona State University is inviting applications for the 2023 WE Empower UN SDG Challenge. The WE Empower Challenge is a global competition for women social entrepreneurs who are advancing the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and inspiring … [Read more...] about 2023 WE Empower UN SDG Challenge for Changemakers and Social Entrepreneurs

Gender Equity in STEM Challenge (US)

Deadline: 2-Jun-23 The Gender Equity in STEM Challenge seeks solutions that will help provide women with the tools and conditions needed to reach a state of equality with men in the STEM fields. When they refer to “girls” and/or “women,” they are referring to anyone who identifies as female. … [Read more...] about Gender Equity in STEM Challenge (US)

Submit a Nomination for Canada’s Volunteer Awards!

Deadline: 26-Apr-23 The Government of Canada is seeking nominations for Canada’s Volunteer Awards (CVA) to recognize volunteers, not-for-profit organizations, social enterprises and businesses for their contributions across the country. Categories Community Leader This category is open … [Read more...] about Submit a Nomination for Canada’s Volunteer Awards!

Nominations are Now Open for The Marconi Prize!

Deadline: 30-Jun-23 The Marconi Society is proud to announce its Marconi Prize for innovators who have made a significant contribution to increasing digital inclusivity through advanced information and communications technology. The Marconi Prize is awarded to established scientists who have … [Read more...] about Nominations are Now Open for The Marconi Prize!

6th Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation – Apply Now!

Deadline: 31-Jul-23 The 6th Guangzhou Award is now calling for participation from all cities and local governments around the world with ongoing or recently completed initiatives, including those that are implemented in collaboration with private and civil society partners. The aim of the … [Read more...] about 6th Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation – Apply Now!

[Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 5] Supported by 100+ Accelerator powered by AB InBev

Deadline: 30-Apr-23 The One Young World has announced a Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 5, Supported by 100+ Accelerator powered by AB InBev to find and support women-founded companies that are tackling the most pressing sustainability challenges they face: from climate change to biodiversity loss, to … [Read more...] about [Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 5] Supported by 100+ Accelerator powered by AB InBev

Call for Applications: UNDP ICMIF Insurance Innovation Challenge

Deadline: 28-Apr-23 The UNDP Insurance & Risk Finance Facility (IRFF) and the International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation (ICMIF) Foundation are offering funds through the UNDP ICMIF Insurance Innovation Challenge (IIC) to help mutual and cooperative insurers scale up … [Read more...] about Call for Applications: UNDP ICMIF Insurance Innovation Challenge

[2024 Edition] Food Planet Prize – Nominate Now!

Deadline: Ongoing Opportunity Do you have an idea that could solve the dilemma of feeding a growing population on a warming planet? Do you know of an innovation that has the potential to sustainably transform the food system? Give it a chance to win the world’s biggest environmental Prize and … [Read more...] about [2024 Edition] Food Planet Prize – Nominate Now!

“Nobel Prize Summit” Addressing Information Pollution Crisis with the Power of Open Source

Deadline: 2-Apr-23 The Digital Public Goods Alliance and the United Nations Development Programme are collaborating to discover and promote open-source solutions and concepts that can help tackle the urgent global challenge of information pollution. They will showcase this at the Nobel Prize … [Read more...] about “Nobel Prize Summit” Addressing Information Pollution Crisis with the Power of Open Source

Value Creation Challenge Programme (Zimbabwe)

Deadline: 7-Apr-23 Did you know the Value Creation Challenge 3 is running under 4 pillars, namely the Creative Industry, Emerging Technology, Sustainability and Financial Technology? If you are a creative building a viable enterprise that is less than 5 years old? Then Value Creation Challenge is … [Read more...] about Value Creation Challenge Programme (Zimbabwe)

Ghana Science and Tech Explorer Prize Challenge

Deadline: 14-Apr-23 Applications are now open for the Ghana Science and Tech Explorer Prize (GSTEP) Challenge, a unique opportunity for young people to learn more about innovation, entrepreneurship and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The GSTEP Challenge provides all of … [Read more...] about Ghana Science and Tech Explorer Prize Challenge

Apply for Oman Humanitarian Desalination Challenge Prize Competition

Deadline: 31-May-23 Applications are now open for the Oman Humanitarian Desalination Challenge (OHDC) Prize Competition led by MEDRC and supported by the Oman Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MoHERI). The OHDC Prize Competition seeks to create a hand-held, stand-alone, … [Read more...] about Apply for Oman Humanitarian Desalination Challenge Prize Competition

Call for Nominations: SFIAR Award 2023 in Switzerland

Deadline: 12-Jul-23 The Swiss Forum for International Agricultural Research (SFIAR) offers an annual Award for graduates and scientists of a Swiss institution who work in agricultural research for development. The Swiss Forum for International Agricultural Research (SFIAR) is an informal … [Read more...] about Call for Nominations: SFIAR Award 2023 in Switzerland

Call for Applications: Culture Night Late Award 2023 in Ireland

Deadline: 13-Apr-23 The Culture Night Late award is offered in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under the Night Time Economy Taskforce to offer audiences a greater diversity in their Culture Night experience late into the night, and to … [Read more...] about Call for Applications: Culture Night Late Award 2023 in Ireland

European Capital of Innovation Awards Rising 2023

Deadline: 29-Jun-23 The European Commission (EC) is calling nominations for the European Capital of Innovation Awards Rising 2023. Scope The traditional city innovation ecosystem is opening up to new models of innovation engaging citizens. An increasing number of cities are acting as test … [Read more...] about European Capital of Innovation Awards Rising 2023

The Orange Social Venture Prize in Africa and the Middle East

Deadline: 21-May-23 The Orange Social Venture Prize is now open to encourage innovations and reward the positive entrepreneurial spirit of dynamic start-ups. Since 2011 this International Grand Prix competition has welcomed start-ups from 17 countries in Africa and the Middle East. It … [Read more...] about The Orange Social Venture Prize in Africa and the Middle East

Call for Proposals: #ChallengeMyCity 2023 (Portugal)

Deadline: 21-Mar-23 Ready to resolve European cities' urban mobility challenges with your solution? The call for proposals for the #ChallengeMyCity Braga is now open! The #ChallengeMyCity is a programme enabling European cities to tackle their most pressing urban challenges by testing … [Read more...] about Call for Proposals: #ChallengeMyCity 2023 (Portugal)

Applications Now Open for AGRA’s 2023 VALUE4HER Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards

Deadline: 31-May-23 The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has launched a call for applications for the 2023 Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA) that recognise African female agripreneurs demonstrating remarkable Innovation and business excellence in agricultural value … [Read more...] about Applications Now Open for AGRA’s 2023 VALUE4HER Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards

Nominations for the Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards Open Now!

Deadline: 20-Apr-23 Nominations are now open for the annual Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards (ACVPA) to recognise good practice in the prevention and reduction of violence and other types of crime in Australia. The annual Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards (ACVPA) … [Read more...] about Nominations for the Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards Open Now!

Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 6: Enabling access to WASH practices amongst Underserved Communities

Deadline: 17-Apr-23 The One Young World has announced a Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 6, supported by Reckitt, to support innovations that create measurable impact by enabling access to clean water, sanitation or hygiene, and are particularly interested in innovations with a focus on children or … [Read more...] about Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 6: Enabling access to WASH practices amongst Underserved Communities

Ireland: Arts Council’s Creative Places Award 2023

Deadline: 30-Mar-23 The Arts Council is delighted to announce the Creative Places Award 2023 to invest in places (e.g. towns, villages, suburbs, rural places) that have had fewer opportunities to take part in the arts. Objectives and Priorities Creative Places should be inclusive and … [Read more...] about Ireland: Arts Council’s Creative Places Award 2023

AYuTe Africa Challenge: Promoting Agricultural Innovation in Kenyan Youth

Deadline: 21-Mar-23 Heifer International, a US-based nonprofit development organisation, has announced an innovation competition targetting youth-led agritech startups in Kenya, with top contestants standing a chance to win up to Ksh2 million. The challenge is an initiative of Heifer Kenya, … [Read more...] about AYuTe Africa Challenge: Promoting Agricultural Innovation in Kenyan Youth

2023 Food Logistics Innovation Challenge

Deadline: 20-Apr-23 How can leverage the power of logistics to improve food and nutrition security, sustainability, and reduce waste? The Food Logistics Innovation Challenge is a global open call for innovators and change-makers who have solutions that can tackle food logistics’ most pressing … [Read more...] about 2023 Food Logistics Innovation Challenge

ASEAN Prize 2023 Calls for Nominations

Deadline: 28-Apr-23 ASEAN opened the nominations for outstanding individuals and organisations in the region for the ASEAN Prize 2023 to celebrate persons and organisations whose determination and perseverance have progressively driven the region towards harmony and sustainable development while … [Read more...] about ASEAN Prize 2023 Calls for Nominations

12th Annual Ocean Awareness Contest: Climate Heroes in Action

Deadline: 13-Jun-23 The Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs is inviting creative proposals for its 12th annual Ocean Awareness Contest, a platform for young people to learn about environmental issues through art-making and creative communication, explore their relationship to a changing world, and … [Read more...] about 12th Annual Ocean Awareness Contest: Climate Heroes in Action

[Winning Communities will Receive $250,000] RWJF Culture of Health Prize in the US

Deadline: 29-Mar-23 The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) has announced its Culture of Health Prize (“the Prize”) to honor the work of communities that foster health and wellbeing for all by addressing systemic inequities. In the 10 years since it launched, the Prize has recognized more … [Read more...] about [Winning Communities will Receive $250,000] RWJF Culture of Health Prize in the US

2023 Leading Women in Israeli Foodtech Awards

Deadline: 25-Feb-23 Modern Agriculture Foundation (MAF) is excited to announce a call for nominations for the 2023 Leading Women in Israeli Foodtech awards. The Association for Modern Agriculture (AR) believes that in the foodtech world there are many women who are changing reality, thanks to … [Read more...] about 2023 Leading Women in Israeli Foodtech Awards

The Innovate Awards to Celebrate Excellence in Health and Care Innovation (UK)

Deadline: 19-May-23 The AHSN Network and NHS Confederation collaboratively have announced the Innovate Award to celebrate excellence in health and care innovation and transformation, The awards are aimed at health and social care organisations, industry partners and AHSNs as part of a … [Read more...] about The Innovate Awards to Celebrate Excellence in Health and Care Innovation (UK)

Call for Entries: 2023 SocEnv Awards

Deadline: 11-Apr-23 Could you be recognised in 2023 for your outstanding environmental work? Or, do you know a deserving colleague who has recently gone above and beyond to protect or enhance the environment? Then the SocEnv's prestigious 2023 awards are now open for … [Read more...] about Call for Entries: 2023 SocEnv Awards

Ashoka and HSBC launch Green Changemakers Challenge

Deadline: 29-Mar-23 Are you a green changemaker catalysing others to take action for a sustainable world? Are you equipping those around you with the mindset and capabilities to contribute? If yes, the Green Changemakers Challenge is open for you. Ashoka and HSBC are collaborating for the … [Read more...] about Ashoka and HSBC launch Green Changemakers Challenge

Africatech Awards to Recognize Tech Entrepreneurs in Climate Tech, Health Tech and Fintech

Deadline: 12-Mar-23 The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Viva Technology announced the second edition of the 2023 African Plant Nutrition Scholar Award, an initiative to spotlight Africa-focused companies with innovative solutions addressing key development challenges linked to climate … [Read more...] about Africatech Awards to Recognize Tech Entrepreneurs in Climate Tech, Health Tech and Fintech

2023 T-Mobile Changemaker Challenge – United States

Deadline: 6-Apr-23 Calling all young people with a cause! Applications are now open for the 2023 T-Mobile Changemaker Challenge. T-Mobile, the T-Mobile Foundation, and Ashoka are teaming up for the fifth Changemaker Challenge, a nationwide contest that gives young leaders the opportunity to … [Read more...] about 2023 T-Mobile Changemaker Challenge – United States

Digital Energy Challenge: Project funding of up to € 150K to Innovative Solutions for Energy Access

Deadline: 15-May-23 Are you a Start-up or Public Power Utility, looking to scale up your digital innovation or transformation project in the energy sector in Africa? Then apply for the Digital Energy Challenge. The objective of the Challenge is to support the development of innovative … [Read more...] about Digital Energy Challenge: Project funding of up to € 150K to Innovative Solutions for Energy Access

Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards 2023 (South Africa)

Deadline: 27-Mar-23 The SAB Foundation is accepting applications for its Social Innovation Awards to recognise entrepreneurs and social innovators who have developed innovative products, services, and processes that solve social problems. The programme supports businesses with prototypes and … [Read more...] about Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards 2023 (South Africa)

Nominations Open for Sustainable Tourism Awards

Deadline: 30-Jun-23 The Skål International is seeking nominations for Sustainable Tourism Awards that are geared towards enhancing the visibility and grant recognition to entities from the Travel and Tourism industry. For fourth consecutive year, Skål International has partnered with Biosphere … [Read more...] about Nominations Open for Sustainable Tourism Awards

Bayer Foundation Women Empowerment Award

Deadline: 24-Mar-23 Applications are now open for the Bayer Foundation Women Empowerment Award to support the brightest minds who jointly pave the way for a fairer tomorrow with their health, nutrition and agricultural solutions. The Bayer Foundation Women Empowerment Award is a project … [Read more...] about Bayer Foundation Women Empowerment Award

Responsible Business and Leadership Excellence Awards

Deadline: 28-Mar-23 Nominations are now open for the Responsible Business and Leadership Excellence Awards (RBLEA) to recognize the conduct of responsible business and sustainability as living or acting in a manner that balances improving quality of life, a healthy vibrant community, and mindful … [Read more...] about Responsible Business and Leadership Excellence Awards

2023 EU Award for Roma integration in the Western Balkans and Türkiye

Deadline: 15-Mar-23 The call for applications for the fifth EU Award for Roma integration in the Western Balkans and Türkiye is now open. This year’s edition of the award is dedicated to the Roma inclusion dimension in the digital agenda and the green economy, which represent new opportunities … [Read more...] about 2023 EU Award for Roma integration in the Western Balkans and Türkiye

Africa’s Business Heroes Prize Competition – Apply Now!

Deadline: 12-May-23 Do you know an African Entrepreneur creating positive change through their business? Are they running a business that is at least 3 years old? Could they benefit from up to $300,000 in Grant Funds, Media exposure and access to training? If yes, then submit your application for … [Read more...] about Africa’s Business Heroes Prize Competition – Apply Now!

Ireland: Future Food Systems Challenge

Deadline: 26-May-23 Do you have an idea for a solution that could help Ireland become an environmentally sustainable economy? The Future Food Systems Challenge seeks solutions for sustainable, productive and resilient food systems. The National Challenge Fund is an agile, fast-paced programme … [Read more...] about Ireland: Future Food Systems Challenge

Innovation Awards for Kenyan Entrepreneurs

Deadline: 17-Mar-23 Nominations are now open for Connected ICT Innovation Awards to celebrate Kenyan entrepreneurs that have launched new ICT products and services. The inaugural awards were held in 2011 at the Connected Kenya Summit; the award has since recognized more than 52 new ICT … [Read more...] about Innovation Awards for Kenyan Entrepreneurs

Call for Proposals: Canada-Italy Innovation Award 2023

Deadline: 3-Apr-23 The Embassy of Canada to Italy is pleased to accept applications for the 11th edition of the Canada-Italy Innovation Award. This Award provides funding to members of the Italian innovation ecosystem including start-ups, innovation experts, researchers, scientists, or … [Read more...] about Call for Proposals: Canada-Italy Innovation Award 2023

2023 UN SDG Action Awards Programme for Transformative Solutions to the most Pressing Challenges

Deadline: 30-Apr-23 Does your initiative Flip the Script and bring positive change and transformative solutions to the most pressing challenges by mobilizing, inspiring or connecting hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of individuals towards the vision of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable … [Read more...] about 2023 UN SDG Action Awards Programme for Transformative Solutions to the most Pressing Challenges

2023 Youth Innovation Challenge: Water Solutions for Sustainable Development

Deadline: 3-Apr-23 The 2023 Youth Innovation Challenge, hosted by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, invites North American youth, ages 18 to 30, to propose innovative solutions that address and respond to critical issues related to water. This year’s challenge, with the theme of … [Read more...] about 2023 Youth Innovation Challenge: Water Solutions for Sustainable Development

Nominations Now Open for Volvo Environment Prize 2024

Deadline: 20-Jan-24 The Volvo Environment Prize Foundation is inviting nominations to reward outstanding scientific discoveries or innovations broadly falling within the environmental sphere. The span of disciplines and activities for which nominations can be made is wide and includes all … [Read more...] about Nominations Now Open for Volvo Environment Prize 2024

Call for Applications: Young Conservation Leaders Award

Deadline: 1-May-23 The Saiga Conservation Alliance is pleased to launch the 2023 call for applications in support of young conservationists based in the saiga range states (Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia), or saiga consumer countries (including China, Singapore, Vietnam, … [Read more...] about Call for Applications: Young Conservation Leaders Award

Transcend Impact Challenge in Canada

Deadline: 10-Mar-23 The Sonor Foundation is seeking applications for Transcend Impact Challenge, a $1.5M fund to support trans and gender diverse communities across Canada to thrive and live prosperous lives. The Challenge is led by the Sonor Foundation with support from partner foundations, … [Read more...] about Transcend Impact Challenge in Canada