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The Earthshot Prize | MsingiLab

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CompetitionAwardClosed5 spots availableExpired

The Earthshot Prize

£1,000,000 per winner (5 winners annually)

ExpiredWebsiteEst. 2020

PrizeClimateenvironmentConservationClean EnergyWaste ManagementOcean ConservationAir QualityEarly-stageGrowthScale

Strong Climate Lens

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The world's most prestigious environmental prize, founded by Prince William. Five winners each receive £1 million annually across five environmental 'Earthshots'. Over 6,000 solutions considered to date with 75 finalists and 25 winners across five years. Nomination-based process through 300+ Official Nominators worldwide.

What You Get

Cash Prize

£1,000,000 per winner (5 winners annually)

Global Platform

Awards ceremony broadcast worldwide — past ceremonies in London, Boston, Singapore, Cape Town

Network Access

Connection to Earthshot Prize's global network of partners, investors, and policymakers

Ongoing Support

Continued support to scale solutions post-award

How to Apply

The Earthshot Prize is nomination-based, not open application. Candidates must be nominated by one of 300+ Official Nominators worldwide. African nominators include CAP-A (Climate Action Program for Africa), Royal African Society, and others. Contact an Official Nominator to be considered. Nominees should be beyond the idea stage, with tested solutions at a 'tipping point' for scaling within 5 years.

Warm Intro

Required

Geographic Focus

Global

Decision Timeline

Nominations close ~November; finalists announced mid-year; winners announced at ceremony (November)

Key Dates

2025-11-07Nomination deadline for 2026 cycle

2026-11-012026 Awards Ceremony, Mumbai, India (approximate date)

Eligibility

Must be nominated by an Official Nominator (not direct application)
Solution must be beyond the idea stage — tested in field or with target audiences
Must be at a 'tipping point' for scaling impact within 5 years
Open to individuals, teams, organizations of any type globally

Traction Required

Beyond idea stage; field-tested solution with demonstrated impact; at tipping point for scaling

Team Requirements

No specific team requirements — individuals, startups, NGOs, governments all eligible

Selection Criteria

Scale of environmental impact
Innovation and uniqueness of approach
Readiness to scale within 5 years
Potential for replication across geographies
Strength of team and execution plan

Focus Areas

Protect and Restore Nature

Solutions that protect, restore, and manage the natural world

Clean Our Air

Solutions that fix the world's air pollution crisis

Revive Our Oceans

Solutions that protect and restore oceans for a thriving planet

Build a Waste-free World

Solutions that eliminate waste and build a circular economy

Fix Our Climate

Solutions that fix the climate crisis by cutting carbon emissions and building a clean energy future

What They Look For

Proven environmental solutions at a tipping point for massive scale. Solutions must address one of the five Earthshots. Strong emphasis on real-world impact, not just ideas. Creative industries are eligible — Lagos Fashion Week won in 2025. African solutions have strong representation since Cape Town 2024.

Post-Investment Support

Ongoing scaling support, global media exposure, connection to the Earthshot Prize Fellowship and partner network

Red Flags to Watch

This is nomination-based — you cannot apply directly. Must be nominated by an Official Nominator. The 2026 cycle is closed. Next nomination window expected mid-2026 for 2027.

Insider Tip

African nominations doubled after the Cape Town 2024 ceremony. The Royal African Society and CAP-A are Official Nominators for Africa. Lagos Fashion Week won in 2025, proving creative industries are eligible. Build visibility with Official Nominators well before the nomination window opens. africa.earthshotprize.org is the dedicated Africa portal.

2021

Active Since

Yes

Deploying

Notable Investments

Lagos Fashion Week — 2025 winner; Mukuru Clean Stoves (Kenya) — 2022 finalist; Great Bubble Barrier — 2022 winner (waste); Notpla — 2022 winner (waste); 75 finalists and 25 winners across 5 years globally