Zayed Prize: A Contest for Startups and Sustainability Impact Projects

Zayed Prize: A Contest for Startups and Sustainability Impact Projects

The prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize, recognized as a beacon in global sustainability and humanitarian efforts, has officially announced the opening of registrations for the 2025 cycle. This award, paying homage to the legacy of Sheikh Zayed, has played a crucial role in fostering inclusive, sustainable, and humanitarian development worldwide since its inception in 2008.

Key Dates and Participation Categories

Registrations will remain open until June 23, 2024, and interested parties can complete the process through the dedicated online portal for the Zayed Sustainability Prize. The call is open to small and medium-sized businesses, non-profit organizations, and secondary schools with sustainable solutions. The available categories for participation include Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools.

In response to the climate crisis, the Zayed Prize has raised its funds from $3.6 million to $5.9 million, showcasing a renewed commitment to practical solutions and driving climate action. Each winner in the Health, Food, Energy, Water, and Climate Action categories will receive $1 million. The Global High Schools category, divided into six world regions, will offer up to $150,000 for each winning school to initiate or expand projects.

Zayed Sustainability Prize 2024 (up to $5.9 million in prizes) –  Opportunity Desk

Multilingual Participation for Greater Diversity

In an effort to encourage broader participation, the Prize accepts entries in various languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese. This initiative aims to acknowledge innovative solutions from diverse linguistic and cultural contexts, thereby strengthening diversity in sustainability.

Participating organizations and secondary schools must demonstrate significant improvements in access to essential products or services. Additionally, they should showcase the ability to apply a long-term vision to enhance living and working conditions in their target communities. The Global High Schools category, led by students, seeks innovative approaches to address sustainability challenges.

The evaluation process comprises three stages, from the initial review to the final selection by a panel of international experts. The winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize will be unveiled at a special ceremony during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) in 2025, solidifying their impact and contribution to advancing global sustainability.

How to Participate in Three Easy Steps?

  1. Register your organization or high school on the Prize portal.
  2. Complete the form for your category.
  3. Submit your application.