The Earth Prize
USD 100,000 prize pool
The Earth Prize is a global environmental sustainability competition for students aged 13-19, rewarding innovative solutions to environmental challenges. It offers mentorship, learning resources, and recognition to inspire youth-driven change.
Mode
Online
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual and team
Teams of 1 to 5
Duration
Approximately 5 months (September to April)
Time needed
Depends on the time taken to make the entry
Eligibility
Open to students worldwide born between 2006 and 2012, typically aged 13-19, and enrolled in secondary education. Participants can be individuals or teams of up to five students. An adult supervisor is strongly encouraged for guidance.
- Grade level
- Grade 8 to 12
- Age range
- 13 to 19 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Must be registered in a secondary education institution or an equivalent educational program.
- Prerequisites
- Interest in environmental sustainability and problem-solving.
- Ability to develop and articulate innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
- Basic research and presentation skills.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
$100,000
Seven regional winners are also awarded $12,500 each to help implement their projects. The total prize pool is over $100,000.
Certificate
Certificate from The Earth Foundation
All participants whose ideas meet a high standard are recognized as Earth Prize Scholars and receive a certificate. Finalists and winners also receive certificates for their outstanding achievements in environmental innovation.
Opens doors to
Recognition as a winner, finalist, or scholar in this prestigious international competition significantly strengthens university applications, particularly for programs in environmental science, sustainability, engineering, and social entrepreneurship.
Career pathways
Participants gain access to a valuable network of mentors, including university students and renowned environmental experts. This guidance provides invaluable career insights and connections for aspiring environmental leaders.
Recognition
Global recognition for your project
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 1 Sept 2026
- Registration closes
- 10 Jan 2027
Online ยท The Earth Prize Online Platform & Discord Community
How to apply
- 1Complete the online registration form on The Earth Prize website.
- 2Form a team (optional) and nominate a Team Lead.
- 3Access the Submissions Portal to complete initial tasks and submit your Fresh Idea.
- 4Confirm participation by submitting the Student Verification Form, Problem Definition, and Motivation Statement.
Rules and guidelines
- Participants must be born between 2006 and 2012.
- Submissions can be individual or by teams of up to five students.
- An adult supervisor (teacher, school administrator, or parent for homeschooled students) is strongly encouraged.
- All registration and submission information must be in English (for 2025 edition).
- Participants must adhere to academic integrity principles; plagiarism and AI-generated submissions are prohibited.
- Participants are expected to engage in responsible social conduct and refrain from discriminatory behavior or offensive language.
Technology requirements
- Internet access for online platform and learning materials
- A device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) capable of accessing the online submission portal and Discord community.
About this opportunity
The Earth Prize is an annual global competition focused on environmental sustainability, inviting students to develop innovative projects that address pressing environmental issues. It aims to inspire and empower the next generation of environmental leaders and innovators by providing a platform for sharing and scaling their solutions. The competition considers a wide range of solutions, including local, national, and global initiatives, new ideas with implementation potential, existing student projects, and solutions in the form of products, organizations, enterprises, or campaigns.
This competition is open to all students worldwide born between the years 2006 and 2012, who are enrolled in secondary education or an equivalent educational program. Participants can join individually or form teams of up to five students, who can be from different classes, grades, or even institutions. An adult supervisor, such as a teacher or school administrator, is strongly encouraged for each team to provide guidance and support throughout the process.
Rounds and format
The competition progresses through several phases: Registration and Submission Phase , Scholars Announcement , Scholars Phase : where scholars refine their ideas, Regional Winner Phase : with mentoring and presentations, Regional Winners Announcement , Public Voting Phase , and The Earth Prize Awards Ceremony .
How entries are judged
Submissions are evaluated based on the Final Idea (80%) and Pitch Video (20%). The Final Idea is judged on applicability, innovativeness, inspirational impact, relevance, and scalability. The Pitch Video is also assessed on these aspects. Social media engagement campaigns are also a component for regional winners.
Selection process
Scholars are selected based on their Fresh Idea submission. Regional Winners are proposed by the Adjudicating Panel after evaluating Scholar submissions (Final Idea and Pitch Video). The Global Winner is decided by public voting among the seven Regional Winners.
How to prepare
- Access to bespoke online learning materials provided by The Earth Prize
- Mentoring by university students
- Interaction with world-renowned Ambassadors
- Discord Community for support and guidance
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
The competition provides bespoke learning materials covering key environmental sustainability concepts and featuring young change-makers. These resources are designed to support students in developing their projects and understanding complex environmental issues.
Frequently asked questions
How do students typically approach developing innovative solutions for this competition?
Students are encouraged to identify a pressing environmental issue they are passionate about and then brainstorm creative, actionable, and scalable solutions. Utilizing the provided learning materials and mentor support can significantly enhance the development of their Fresh and Final Ideas.
What are the key factors that the adjudicating panel considers when evaluating submissions?
The adjudicating panel evaluates submissions based on several criteria, including the applicability, innovativeness, inspirational impact, relevance, and scalability of the proposed solution. The clarity and effectiveness of the pitch video also play a significant role in the later stages.
How can participants effectively manage their time and project development throughout the competition phases?
Effective time management involves breaking down the project into smaller, manageable tasks, setting internal deadlines, and consistently engaging with the learning content and mentors. Utilizing the Discord community for peer support and feedback can also be beneficial.
What kind of mentorship support is available to students, and how can they best utilize it?
Participants receive personalized mentorship from university students and have opportunities to interact with world-renowned ambassadors. Students can best utilize this support by actively asking questions, seeking feedback on their ideas, and engaging in one-to-one mentoring sessions.
How does participation in The Earth Prize benefit students in their future academic and career paths?
Participation offers global recognition, enhances university applications, and develops critical skills such as problem-solving, research, and project management. The experience provides a strong foundation for careers in environmental science, sustainability, and social entrepreneurship.
What are the common pitfalls or mistakes participants should avoid during the submission process?
Common pitfalls include plagiarism, failing to meet submission deadlines, and not clearly articulating the problem and solution. Participants should ensure their submissions are original, well-researched, and adhere to all guidelines to avoid disqualification.
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