Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy 2026

Overview

The Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy 2026 seeks scalable companies utilizing technology to enhance circular economy practices across various industries in Africa. This initiative aims to identify and support businesses that are committed to reducing waste, keeping materials in circulation, and delivering measurable environmental and social impact through more resource-efficient value chains. The competition offers substantial monetary prizes and provides participants with exclusive networking opportunities and the chance to present their solutions to influential industry leaders and decision-makers. Participating companies are expected to demonstrate commercially viable, technology-enabled circular economy businesses already operating within Africa, with a clear strategy for scaling their operations. The solutions should contribute to stronger and more sustainable value chains. The prize is designed to foster innovation in critical sectors such as Agriculture & Food Systems, Plastics & Packaging, Electronics, Textiles, and Construction & The Built Environment. Evaluation criteria for the competing teams will focus on commercial viability, market scalability, the extent of workforce and social impact generated, and the overall effectiveness of their circularity and environmental impact. The prize emphasizes practical, deployed solutions that can make a tangible difference in the African context.

What to build

Participants must present a commercially viable, technology-enabled circular economy business currently operating in Africa, demonstrating a clear path to scale. The business should reduce waste, keep materials in circulation, and deliver measurable environmental and social impact through more resource-efficient value chains. Solutions are encouraged across industries such as Agriculture & Food Systems, Plastics & Packaging, Electronics, Textiles, and Construction & The Built Environment.

Prizes

Key dates

• Application DeadlineAugust 13, 2026

Eligibility

Companies must have over 2 years of continuous operation and over $500,000 in revenue and raised capital. They should have institutional, corporate, and/or public-sector partnerships. The solution must be currently deployed on the African continent, with clear evidence of social impact and job creation. Demonstrated operational readiness to deploy $1 million or more in funding is also required.

How to enter

1. Click on the provided application link.
2. Complete and submit the application form by the deadline.

Judging criteria

• Commercial viability
• Market scalability
• Workforce and social impact
• Circularity and environmental impact

Resources

• FAQ
• Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy Official Page
• Application Portal