Zayed Sustainability Prize
A global award recognizing and rewarding innovative, impactful, and inspiring sustainable solutions across Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools.
- Funding amount
- Varies by program
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Zayed Sustainability Prize (Global)
- Application deadline
- Closed (30 Jun 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Zayed Sustainability Prize is a pioneering global award established by the UAE leadership to honour organizations and high schools that deliver impactful, innovative, and inspiring sustainable solutions worldwide. Inspired by the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Prize champions sustainable development and humanitarian action. It targets five key categories—Health, Food, Energy, Water, and Climate Action—for nonprofit organisations and small-to-medium enterprises, plus a Global High Schools category. Each category addresses critical global challenges and supports solutions demonstrating a clear vision, quantifiable impact, and long-term sustainability commitment. Beyond an award, the Prize acts as a catalyst for change—driving technological advancement, fostering innovation, and promoting collaboration to create lasting positive impact on communities globally. Winners gain global recognition and financial support to scale their solutions, along with access to a network of sustainability leaders and a platform to showcase their work. The annual application cycle requires submission through the official Prize Portal.
Highlights
- Global award for sustainable solutions by UAE leadership
- Open to nonprofit organisations (NPOs), SMEs, and high schools worldwide
- Categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action + Global High Schools
- Financial support plus global recognition and networking
- Offerings include cash, networking, training workshops, and incubation support
- Deadline: 30 June 2026 for the current cycle
Who can apply
The Zayed Sustainability Prize is open to:
- Nonprofit Organisations (NPOs) and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) globally, applying under the Health, Food, Energy, Water, or Climate Action categories.
- High schools worldwide applying under the Global High Schools category. These must submit proposals for transformative sustainability projects in their local communities. All applicants must demonstrate innovative, impactful solutions aligned with the Prize’s focus areas and contribute to a sustainable future. There is no requirement for specific entity type registrations like DPIIT or MSME.
Zayed Sustainability Prize is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for Zayed Sustainability Prize closed on 30 Jun 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize receive significant global recognition and financial support to scale their innovative sustainability solutions. While exact amounts vary, the prize is designed to empower NPOs, SMEs, and high schools to expand the reach and impact of their projects. Additional benefits include:
- Global recognition and enhanced credibility
- Access to a global network of sustainability leaders and potential mentors
- Opportunities for collaboration and exposure on an international stage
- Training workshops and incubation support to accelerate growth The prize does not require equity—it is a grant-style award.
About the provider
Zayed Sustainability Prize is offered by Zayed Sustainability Prize. It is delivered directly by Zayed Sustainability Prize as a competition. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
The selection process is rigorous and multi-staged:
- Initial Due Diligence: All applications undergo thorough review by a specialized research and analysis firm.
- Selection Committee Review: Independent experts and thought leaders assess shortlisted submissions for technical merit, impact, and scalability.
- Jury Decision: An esteemed Jury comprising high-profile individuals and former heads of state makes the final decision on finalists and winners in each category, based on committee recommendations and their own evaluation. This structured approach ensures transparency and fairness throughout the process.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Zayed Sustainability Prize, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Zayed Sustainability Prize?
The Zayed Sustainability Prize is a global award established by the UAE leadership to recognise and reward organisations and high schools that deliver innovative, impactful, and inspiring sustainable solutions in sectors such as Health, Food, Energy, Water, and Climate Action.
Who can apply?
Nonprofit organisations (NPOs) and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) worldwide may apply under the Health, Food, Energy, Water, or Climate Action categories. High schools worldwide can apply under the Global High Schools category. All applicants must present sustainable solutions aligned with the Prize's focus areas.
How much funding is provided?
Each category winner receives a cash prize, though official sources vary on the exact amount. The Prize also offers networking, training workshops, and incubation support. Winners are not required to give up equity.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for the current awards cycle is 30 June 2026. Applications typically open in January and close in June each year.
Are there any specific eligibility requirements such as DPIIT or MSME registration?
No, the Prize does not require DPIIT or MSME registration. It is open to NPOs, SMEs, and high schools globally regardless of such registrations.
What categories does the Prize cover?
The Prize has six categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action (open to NPOs and SMEs), and Global High Schools (open to high schools worldwide). Each rewards innovative sustainability solutions.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the official Prize Portal. The process includes: (1) registering on the portal, (2) filling out the detailed application form for your chosen category, and (3) submitting the completed application before the deadline.
What is the selection process?
Initial applications undergo due diligence by a research firm. Then a Selection Committee of independent experts reviews shortlisted submissions. Finally, a Jury of high-profile individuals and former heads of state chooses the winners in each category. This process ensures transparency.
What are the benefits besides the cash prize?
Winners receive global recognition, access to a network of sustainability leaders, potential mentorship, training workshops, incubation support, and a platform to showcase their work internationally. The award helps scale projects and build credibility.
Where can I find more details and apply?
You can visit the official Prize website at https://entry.zayedsustainabilityprize.com/ to apply and access full guidelines.
Does Zayed Sustainability Prize take equity?
No. Zayed Sustainability Prize is competition and is non-dilutive — the provider does not take an equity stake in your startup.
Who offers Zayed Sustainability Prize?
Zayed Sustainability Prize is offered by Zayed Sustainability Prize. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to Zayed Sustainability Prize
Not sure Zayed Sustainability Prize is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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