Deadline: 28-May-2026
The PRIMA Young Innovators Award celebrates young leaders driving sustainable solutions in the Southern Mediterranean. Two winners receive EUR 10,000 each for innovations with measurable impact on society, environment, and local economies, promoting youth empowerment, scalability, and visibility.
Program Overview
The PRIMA Young Innovators Award 2026 rewards individuals aged 18–35 who have significantly contributed to sustainability-focused innovations in the Southern Mediterranean region. The award recognises creativity, leadership, and the ability to address environmental, societal, and economic challenges through locally relevant solutions.
Unlike typical grants, this is a recognition prize highlighting achievements rather than funding future projects. Winners gain financial reward, media visibility, public recognition, and networking opportunities to enhance further development and impact.
Award Details
- Number of Awards: 2
- Prize Value: EUR 10,000 per winner
- Total Funding: EUR 20,000
- Evaluation: Competitive, transparent process according to PRIMA’s official Rules of Contest
- Focus: Measurable impact, innovation scalability, social inclusion, and empowerment of youth, particularly women innovators
Who Can Apply?
- Age: 18–35 years at submission
- Nationality/Residence: Eligible Southern Mediterranean countries: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, Türkiye
- Application Type: Individual or group (all members must meet eligibility; one lead participant handles administration)
- Exclusions:
- Employees or members of PRIMA governance bodies
- Previous recipients of EU or Euratom prizes for the same activity
- Organisations or legal entities (individuals only)
Why This Award Matters
The PRIMA Young Innovators Award encourages:
- Youth leadership and problem-solving in sustainability
- Development of locally relevant solutions for societal, economic, and environmental challenges
- Scalability and replication of impactful initiatives
- Recognition of women innovators and underrepresented youth
- Increased visibility, networking, and career opportunities for young innovators
Eligible Activities
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Personal leadership or significant contribution to a project
- Tangible or credible impact on sustainability, livelihoods, or social inclusion
- Potential for scalability or replication
- Alignment with PRIMA’s mission in the Mediterranean region
How to Apply / How It Works
- Confirm eligibility: age, nationality, and residency in eligible countries
- Prepare application: describe the innovation, impact, and youth-led contribution
- Submit individually or as a group: designate a lead participant if applying as a group
- Ensure compliance: follow ethical, financial, and legal standards
- Participate in evaluation: applications assessed on impact, innovation, and scalability
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying as an organisation or legal entity
- Including participants outside the age range or eligible countries
- Submitting applications that lack measurable impact or clear innovation
- Ignoring PRIMA’s ethical and financial compliance requirements
- Failing to designate a lead participant in group applications
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the PRIMA Young Innovators Award?
A recognition prize for youth-led innovations promoting sustainability in the Southern Mediterranean. - Who can apply?
Individuals aged 18–35 from eligible Southern Mediterranean countries. Groups are allowed if all members meet eligibility. - How many awards are given and what is the prize value?
Two awards of EUR 10,000 each, for a total of EUR 20,000. - Can organisations apply?
No. The award is only open to natural persons, not organisations or legal entities. - What types of projects are recognised?
Projects with measurable impact on society, environment, economy, and aligned with PRIMA’s mission. - Is the prize for future funding?
No. It is a recognition award, although it may enhance exposure and opportunities for further development. - Are there any exclusions?
Yes. PRIMA employees, governance members, and previous EU/Euratom prize winners for the same activity are excluded.
Final Takeaway
The PRIMA Young Innovators Award 2026 is a prestigious opportunity for young leaders in the Southern Mediterranean to gain recognition, financial reward, and exposure for innovations that address sustainability challenges. It celebrates youth creativity, leadership, and measurable impact, with a special focus on scalability and empowerment, especially for women innovators.
For more information, visit PRIMA.