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QS ImpACT Awards 2026: From Ideas to Impact for Sustainable Change

Deadline: 21-Sep-2026

The QS ImpACT Awards 2026 celebrate youth, universities, and organisations worldwide that are driving measurable sustainability and social impact aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Winners gain funding, mentorship, global visibility, and recognition for initiatives spanning climate action, community health, sustainability leadership, and student SDG projects.

About the QS ImpACT Awards

The QS ImpACT Awards 2026 recognise outstanding initiatives that advance sustainability and measurable progress toward the UN SDGs. The programme highlights changemakers transforming ideas into tangible impact, from grassroots projects to large-scale institutional solutions. Awardees demonstrate measurable change through innovation, leadership, and actionable results, contributing to a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future.

Award Categories and Focus Areas

The awards cover a wide range of categories reflecting global sustainability priorities:

  • Sustainability Innovator Award – Innovations that promote environmental sustainability and resource efficiency.

  • Climate Education for Change Award – Initiatives raising awareness and action on climate issues.

  • Community Health and Well-being Award – Projects improving health, nutrition, and social well-being.

  • University Sustainability Leadership Award – Institutional strategies integrating sustainability in research, curriculum, operations, and community engagement.

  • Plant for Tomorrow Award – Tree planting, reforestation, and biodiversity conservation projects.

  • Plastic-Free Future Award – Initiatives reducing plastic pollution, recycling, and upcycling.

  • Climate Education for Change Award (Youth) – Young leaders promoting climate awareness and education.

  • Best Student SDG Project Award – Student-led projects demonstrating SDG impact.

  • Woman SDG Leader of the Year – Female leaders driving transformative SDG initiatives.

These categories reflect key impact areas including sustainability innovation, climate action, biodiversity, plastic reduction, community health, university leadership, youth-led SDG projects, and women’s leadership in sustainable development.

Benefits of Winning

Winning a QS ImpACT Award provides multiple benefits:

  • Prize funding to scale and strengthen initiatives.

  • Mentorship support from sustainability experts.

  • Global visibility among a youth community of over 10,000 members.

  • Digital badges and certificates enhancing professional credibility.

  • Features on QS ImpACT platforms and in QS Insights magazine for wider recognition.

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility depends on the category:

  • Individuals: 18–35 years old, demonstrating measurable impact in SDG-related initiatives.

  • Universities and Organisations: Must represent an institution demonstrating sustainability-driven innovations.
    Applicants must submit an impact report showing measurable outcomes achieved in 2026. Projects may include climate action, clean energy adoption, waste reduction, biodiversity conservation, tree planting, sustainability integration into institutional strategy, or community health initiatives.

How to Apply

  1. Select the Appropriate Category – Choose the award category that best matches your initiative.

  2. Prepare an Impact Report – Include measurable outcomes, data, and evidence of SDG-aligned results.

  3. Submit Your Application – Follow the QS ImpACT online submission portal instructions.

  4. Evaluation – Applications assessed based on impact, innovation, scalability, leadership, and alignment with SDGs.

  5. Award Announcement – Selected winners receive funding, mentorship, digital recognition, and global visibility.

Common Tips for Applicants

  • Clearly quantify impact using data and measurable outcomes.

  • Highlight innovative approaches and replicable solutions.

  • Engage multiple stakeholders where applicable (community, institutions, youth).

  • Align project objectives explicitly with relevant SDGs.

  • Showcase scalability and potential long-term impact.

  • Ensure all submissions include a clear impact report for 2026 initiatives.

FAQs

  1. Who can apply for the QS ImpACT Awards 2026? Individuals aged 18–35 and universities or organisations demonstrating measurable SDG impact.

  2. What types of initiatives are recognised? Sustainability innovation, climate education, community health, biodiversity, plastic reduction, tree planting, student SDG projects, and women-led initiatives.

  3. Are there funding and mentorship opportunities? Yes, winners receive prize funding, mentorship, global visibility, and professional recognition.

  4. Do projects need to show measurable impact? Yes, applicants must provide an impact report showing measurable outcomes achieved during 2026.

  5. Is global participation allowed? Yes, initiatives from all countries are eligible.

  6. Can student-led projects apply? Yes, student-led initiatives can compete under specific categories like Best Student SDG Project Award.

  7. How are winners selected? Winners are evaluated based on impact, innovation, leadership, scalability, and alignment with the UN SDGs.

Conclusion

The QS ImpACT Awards 2026 provide a global platform to recognise, support, and scale initiatives driving measurable sustainability and social impact. By offering funding, mentorship, visibility, and credibility, the awards empower youth, universities, and organisations to transform ideas into meaningful change aligned with the UN SDGs, contributing to a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future.

For more information, visit QS ImpACT.