Tag Archives: GLOBAL CHALLENGE

THRIVE GLOBAL IMPACT CHALLENGE

Application Deadline: May 25, 2025.

LOCATION: Multiple Regions

The challenges facing agriculture and food systems have never been more urgent. From climate resilience to food security, innovation is essential to build a sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future. The THRIVE Global Impact Challenge is a worldwide search for trailblazing startups with solutions that will revolutionize agriculture.

ELIGIBILITY:

To be considered for the Global Impact Challenge, applicants must meet the following criteria, demonstrating their potential to deliver innovative, scalable solutions that address critical challenges in agriculture and food systems.

Applicants should be early-stage startups or entrepreneurs at the seed to Series A stage. We welcome innovative ideas and solutions that have the potential for growth and scalability.

They invite applications from around the world. Entrepreneurs and startups from any country or region are encouraged to apply, as we value diverse perspectives and global collaboration.

Applicants should demonstrate a clear alignment with one or more of the above summit themes. Solutions should address the specific challenges within these areas and offer innovative approaches for positive impact. 

Includes showcasing tangible outcomes, data-driven results, or successful implementation of solutions that have positively influenced sustainability, carbon reduction, biodiversity, or other environmental aspects. While not mandatory, we highly value applicants who can demonstrate a proven impact on climate and the environment.

BENEFIT:

Three finalists from each of the six themes will be selected to pitch at the THRIVE Global Impact Summit in Silicon Valley.

Each finalist will receive:

Two complimentary tickets to attend the summit & pre-summit networking reception

A personalized pitch coaching session led by an expert pitch coach

Exposure to top industry corporate leaders during Virtual Pitch Day

A dedicated booth at the summit startup showcase

The winning company will receive the THRIVE Global Impact Challenge Award in addition to investment from SVG Ventures up to $1M USD.

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2026 ZAYED SUSTAINABILITY PRIZE IN THE UAE 

Application Deadline: 23 June 2025

LOCATION: UAE

The Zayed Sustainability Prize is the UAE’s pioneering global award that recognises and rewards small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organisations (NPOs), and global high schools with impactful, innovative, and inspiring sustainable solutions.

ELIGIBILITY:

Program Categories:

Health: Improving Healthcare Access

Food: Combating Food Insecurity

Energy: Powering Communities

Water: Supply of Safe Drinking Water

Climate Action: Advancing Climate Migration and Adaptation

Global High Schools: Inspiring Youth Leadership

Candidates from the following regions can apply: The Americas, Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East & North Africa, Europe & Central Asia, South Asia, East Asia & Pacific

Innovation (40%):

Solution must be novel or significantly improve existing solutions.

Demonstrate a unique value proposition.

Exhibit technical and commercial viability.

Show evidence of potential or actual market adoption.

Impact (30%):

Demonstrate a clear positive impact on quality of life.

Address significant social, economic, technological, or environmental challenges.

Exhibit organizational resilience to potential challenges.

Demonstrate good governance and skilled personnel.

Implement fair policies.

Provide a detailed plan for effective use of prize funds.

Inspiration (30%):

Embody core values of sustainability and human development.

Reflect the legacy of Sheikh Zayed.

Inspire further sustainable and human development actions.

Influence community adoption of sustainable behaviors.

BENEFIT:

The total prize fund of US$ 5.9 million is distributed amongst six categories:

Health: US $1,000,000

Food: US $1,000,000

Energy: US $1,000,000

Water: US $1,000,000

Climate Action: US $1,000,000

Global High Schools: US $900,000, with up to US $150,000 awarded to one school from each of the six global regions.

Airfare Tickets

Accommodation

Ground Transport

No Application Fees

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