Application Deadline: 13th August, 2026 at 18:00 UTC
LOCATION: USA
The Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy calls on scalable companies using technology to enhance circular economy practices across a variety of industries in Africa. Participating companies will also gain access to exclusive networking and the opportunity to pitch to industry leaders and key decision-makers.
ELIGIBILITY:
The Milken-Motsepe Prize is seeking companies that meet the following eligibility requirements:
Over 2 years of continuous operation
Over $500k in revenue and raised capital
Institutional, corporate, and/or public‑sector partnerships
Solution currently deployed on the African continent
Clear evidence of social impact and job creation
Demonstrated operational readiness to deploy $1M+ in funding
The winning team will demonstrate a commercially viable, technology-enabled circular economy business operating in Africa with a clear path to scale. The business will reduce waste, keep materials in circulation, and deliver measurable environmental and social impact through stronger, more resource-efficient value chains. Teams will be evaluated based on commercial viability, market scalability, workforce and social impact, and circularity and environmental impact.
Teams from a variety of businesses are encouraged to apply, and teams will be required to submit category-specific metrics from industries such as the following:
Agriculture & Food Systems
Plastics & Packaging
Electronics
Textiles
Construction & The Built Environment
BENEFIT:
The prize offers $2 million in total prizes, including a $1 million Grand Prize.
Award Rounds:
Application Submission & Semifinalist Announcement: Teams submit their designs and business models. Ten teams will advance in the prize as semifinalists and receive $50,000.
Pitch Event & Finalist Announcement: Semifinalists will pitch their innovations to industry leaders and decision-makers. A panel of judges will select five teams to advance as Finalists and receive $50,000 each.
Grand Prize Submission & Announcement: Finalist companies will submit materials for the grand prize submission (sign into the Prize Portal to view the full rules). The winning team will receive $1 million, and the runner-up will receive $250,000.
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