Opportunities
Grants, VC funds, accelerators, and competitions for African entrepreneurs.
Grants, VC funds, accelerators, and competitions for African entrepreneurs.
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CHF 200,000 per laureate (5 laureates per cycle)
One of the world's most prestigious innovation prizes, running since 1976. Each cycle selects 5 Laureates who receive CHF 200,000 each to advance projects that benefit humanity and/or the planet. The programme has supported 165 Laureates across 67 countries. Now running annually (previously biannual). Strong Africa track record — 2026 Laureate Rachel Ikemeh (Nigeria) is protecting the Niger Delta red colobus monkey. Categories: science & health, environment, applied technology, exploration, cultural heritage.
CHF 200,000 per Laureate
Global media visibility through Rolex brand association
Feature on rolex.org and Rolex marketing channels
Access to Rolex Laureate network (165+ past winners)
International press coverage and documentary-style profiles
Long-term brand association with Rolex Perpetual Planet initiative
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Medical breakthroughs, disease prevention, public health innovations
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Conservation, ecosystem protection, biodiversity, climate action
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Innovative technologies solving real-world problems
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Expeditions and discoveries advancing human knowledge
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Preservation and promotion of cultural traditions and heritage
Tech entrepreneurs in Nigeria and Pan-Africa
Rolex brand association and global media visibility, documentary-style profiles, inclusion in Perpetual Planet initiative communications, Laureate alumni network access.
2026 Laureates already announced — current cycle closed. Check rolex.org for next application window. Highly competitive (165 Laureates in ~50 years).
Extremely prestigious — Rolex brand gives unmatched global visibility. CHF 200,000 is substantial and equity-free. Now annual (was biannual). Strong Africa track record: 2026 Laureate Rachel Ikemeh (Nigeria, conservation), plus multiple past African Laureates in environment and health. The programme recently shifted to all-women laureates in 2026 cycle. No academic requirements — practical impact matters more than credentials.
1976
Active Since
Yes
Deploying
2026: Rachel Ikemeh (Nigeria — Niger Delta red colobus monkey conservation), Farwiza Farhan (Indonesia — Leuser Ecosystem), Pardis Sabeti (USA — infectious disease diagnostics in West Africa). 165 total Laureates since 1976 across 67 countries.