The Right Livelihood Awards are annually made to individuals and organizations offering practical and exemplary answers to the most urgent challenges facing us today. The Award is sometimes referred to as the “Alternative Nobel Prize.” Past laureates include several whose work in issues of environment and natural resources advances social justice and grassroots development in the developing world. Normally, the Foundation makes three cash awards and one honorary award each year. Nominations are invited from anyone worldwide (excluding self-nominations, close relatives, and Foundation staff and jury). The deadline for nominations is 16 January 2026. Nominate
awards/prizes
Rice University — Business Plan Competition for Early-Stage Startups
The Rice University (Texas, USA) invites student teams to participate in the Rice Business Plan Competition 2025. Entrepreneurs receive the opportunity to pitch their startups to investors, receive mentoring, network with the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and enhance their startup strategy. Typically, startups have a technology component in Energy/Clean Technology; Life Science/Biotechnology; or Digital Services. The competition is open to degree-seeking students currently enrolled at a college or university anywhere in the world. The grand prize winner receives up to $300 thousand in investments. The application deadline is 31 January 2026. Business Plan Competition
Harvard University — Award for Student Research on Asian Tropical Forest Biology
The Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University sponsors the Ashton Award for Student Research to support graduate and advanced undergraduate students working on Asian tropical forest biology. Applications are accepted from advanced undergraduates and graduate students worldwide. Awards are up to US$4 thousand to support research expenses. The application deadline is 01 February 2026. About the Ashton Award
Amazon — Research Awards
Amazon invites researchers to submit proposals focusing on data-driven solutions that reduce carbon and energy footprints in device manufacturing and use-phases. The overall goal is to inform business planning and resilience in order to make Amazon the most environmentally and socially responsible place to buy or sell goods and services. Selected partners may receive up to US$100 thousand in unrestricted funds. The application deadline is 05 November 2025. Amazon Research Awards
Food and Agriculture Organization — Farmer Soil Contest
Applications are open for the Farmer Contest to celebrate and empower farmers who demonstrate effective and innovative practices for improving soil health. The contest aims to celebrate and empower farmers who demonstrate effective and innovative practices for improving soil health and promoting sustainable soil management globally. The champion farmer will be invited to participate in the 2025 World Soil Day (WSD) celebration. Submission closes on 10 November 2025. Farmer Soil Contest
F. M. Kirby Foundation — Social Impact Prize
- M. Kirby Impact Prize is an annual global prize of US$150 thousand that amplifies and accelerates the work of enterprises working to scale their impact on social or environmental problems around the world. Applicants must have strong evidence of impact over at least 3 years and a plan for how to use the prize to scale that impact in the next 3-5 years. The prize is open to nonprofit, for-profit, or hybrid organizations working anywhere in the world. The deadline for applications is 03 December 2025. Know more
Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation — Science without Borders Challenge 2026
The Science Without Borders (SWB) Challenge is an international student art competition. The theme for this year’s challenge is “Microscopic Marine Life.” Students are asked to create artwork celebrating the vital role of tiny ocean organisms—like phytoplankton, zooplankton, bacteria, and protists—that sustain marine ecosystems, produce oxygen, recycle nutrients, and regulate Earth’s climate. The SWB Challenge is open to primary and secondary school students (aged 11-19 years) from all around the world. The winners will receive scholarships of up to US$500. The deadline is 02 March 2026. Science Without Borders Challenge
Global LEAP Awards — Solar Generators
TheGlobal LEAP Awards Solar Generator Competition aims to identify and promote the highest-performing solar-powered generator kits for use in energy-constrained settings, with a total prize pool of US$100 thousand. Eligible products must be commercially available, include solar PV input, battery, inverter and provide AC output. The nomination deadline is 29 October 2025. Solar Generator Competition
Smithsonian.com — Annual Photo Contest 2025
Smithsonian.com accepts submissions from photographers worldwide in the theme of “Natural World,” among other categories. The Grand Prize is US$2,500 and the winners in each category will receive US$500 each. The deadline for submissions is 01 December 2025. Submit your photos
University of Delaware — Diamond Challenge for High School Entrepreneurs
The Diamond Challenge seeks social innovations that solve a social problem and make a positive impact on people or the environment. Teams must consist of 2-4 high school students typically between 14-18 years of age and have one adult advisor (21 years of age or older). The winners will receive a prize package worth over US$12 thousand. Finalists receive access to our Diamond Challenge Summit, automatic entry into our summer accelerator and accelerator scholarships. Concepts have to be submitted before 15 January 2026. Link to the challenge