Tag Archives: Entrepreneurs

THE MILKEN-MOTSEPE PRIZE IN CIRCULAR ECONOMY

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.

APPLY

WATSON INSTITUTE ENLIGHT FELLOWSHIP

Priority Application Deadline: July 5, 2026. 

LOCATION: China

The Enlight Fellowship, supported by the Enlight Foundation and powered by the Watson Institute, is a fully funded entrepreneurial and leadership development program designed specifically for rising leaders creating solutions to mental well-being globally. The Fellowship fosters cross-cultural collaboration and global impact through expert-led training, facilitators, speakers, and mentors; personalized life coaching; and long-term alumni support. 

ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants must be 18 years or older.

You are a youth entrepreneur or community leader deeply committed to improving mental wellbeing. You are building a solution that addresses mental wellbeing challenges in your community, with a strong focus on creating meaningful, scalable impact in China and across a global cohort. You bring an entrepreneurial spirit, a growth mindset, and a desire to grow as an effective leader.

Your business or organization has been operating for 1-5 years with fewer than 10 employees. You have engaged customers, measurable results, and have secured some funding through grants, investments, donations, or revenue, but you’re ready to grow to the next level.

You must be able to fully commit to the 16-week Fellowship, including the mandatory week-long In-person Immersive in Boulder, Colorado or Qingshan Village, Hangzhou, China, as well as active participation throughout the program. You can attend all weekly virtual workshops held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, Fellows will participate in one of two groups, each with a designated start time: from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM MT or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM MT. We prioritize participants who are fully committed to active engagement throughout the entire program. The program’s success depends on building a strong community where all participants are enthusiastic about both learning and sharing their experiences with others.

Fellows may be based anywhere in the world. The cohort will include youth leaders focused on improving mental wellbeing in China as well as those addressing youth mental wellbeing challenges globally.

You are seeking expert-led entrepreneurial training, mentorship from facilitators and speakers with deep mental wellbeing expertise, a supportive peer community, and a strong network to help you grow as a leader and scale your venture’s impact.

BENEFIT:

This program is fully funded through the generous support of the Enlight Foundation.

Business & Leadership Workshops: Participate in hands-on sessions focused on entrepreneurship, business acumen, and financial literacy skills led by expert practitioners who are successful entrepreneurs and or rising leader themselves.

Financial Tools & Resources: Access practical financial tools, frameworks, and workshops designed to strengthen your venture’s financial foundation. Benefit from the expertise of practitioners and the Watson Institute’s broader network of specialists supporting entrepreneurs at every stage.

Basecamps: Creating Lasting Impact: Design and lead a community-focused 1-day workshop (Basecamp) for earlier-stage ventures, with training and a stipend provided to support you in deepening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in your community.

Pitch Training & in-person Summit: Develop and refine a professional, compelling pitch through dedicated training sessions. Present your venture progress and impact at the in-person Summit to community partners, mentors, potential investors, and Enlight Foundation team members.

APPLY