Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Deadline
- 1/1/2027
In short
The Earth Prize is the world's largest environmental sustainability competition for students aged 13-18, challenging them to propose creative and actionable solutions to environmental issues for global and regional prizes.
The Earth Prize
CompetitionAccepting applications nowApply by 1/1/2027155 days left
13-18 years old
Eligible age
Free
Entry fee
Individuals or teams up to 5
Team size
Jan 31, 2026
Submission Deadline
Overview
The Earth Prize is a premier global competition focused on environmental sustainability, inviting young minds to develop innovative solutions for critical environmental challenges. It aims to recognize and reward participants who demonstrate the most creative and actionable approaches to promoting environmental well-being. Participants are encouraged to think broadly, proposing solutions that can range from local to global initiatives. These projects can manifest in various forms, including new products, organizations, enterprises, or campaigns, all centered on fostering environmental sustainability. The competition provides a platform for students aged 13 to 18 to engage with real-world environmental issues, offering them online mentoring and learning materials to support their development. It emphasizes practical application and impact, with significant prizes awarded to outstanding projects. Aralia serves as an information platform and offers preparation classes for this competition but is not the organizer. Students should refer to the official Earth Prize website for complete rules and updates.
What to build
Students must develop and share a proposed solution to an important environmental challenge. Projects can address local, national, or global issues, be new or existing initiatives, and take the form of organizations, enterprises, or campaigns that promote environmental sustainability.
Prizes
Global Winner
Announced at the Awards Ceremony.
Not specified
Regional Winners (7 teams)
Awarded to implement their project.
$12,500 each
The Earth Prize Scholars
Recognition for outstanding fresh ideas from each region.
Not specified
Mentors of the Year (3 mentors)
Awarded at the Awards Ceremony.
$2,500 each
Key dates
- Registration & Submission Phase beginsSeptember 1, 2025
- Submission Deadline (Problem Definition, Motivation Statement, Fresh Ideas)January 31, 2026
- The Earth Prize Scholars announcedFebruary 16, 2026
- Scholars submit Final Idea and Pitch Video deadlineMarch 9, 2026, 12 PM CET
- Adjudicating Panel selects 7 Regional Winner teams + 7 alternatesMarch 17, 2026
- Regional Winners announcedApril 15 – 21, 2026
- Public Voting Phase opens on Earth DayApril 22, 2026
- Public Voting Phase closesApril 28, 2026
- Awards Ceremony (Global Winner and Mentors of the Year announced)April 29, 2026
Eligibility
This competition is open to students aged 13 to 18, meaning those born between 2006 and 2012, from around the world. Participants must be enrolled in schools or educational programs. Submissions can be made in any language, with an AI tool available. Students can participate individually or in teams of up to five, with team members potentially from different classes, grades, or institutions. An assigned adult Educator (teacher, administrator, program coordinator, or parent for homeschooled students) is strongly encouraged, requiring a certification document. Returning participants are allowed if they still meet age eligibility, but winning or runner-up projects from previous years cannot be resubmitted.
How to enter
- Register for the competition.
- Form a team (if applicable), with the Team Lead inviting participants.
- Develop a proposed solution to an environmental challenge.
- Submit Problem Definition, Motivation Statement, and Fresh Ideas by January 31, 2026.
- If selected as an Earth Prize Scholar, submit a Final Idea and Pitch Video by March 9, 2026, 12 PM CET.
Submission requirements
- Problem Definition
- Motivation Statement
- Fresh Ideas (initial submission)
- Final Idea (for Scholars)
- Pitch Video (for Scholars)