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Contests are competitive events for individuals to showcase their talents, ideas, and projects for a chance to win prizes, recognition, and funding. These opportunities are open to a wide range of participants, from high school students to seasoned professionals, and even entrepreneurs who are eager to challenge themselves and gain visibility for their work.
Find a curated list of updated contests and competitions from around the world here.
Nominations are open for the CBF Biodiversity Excellence Award for Caribbean Heroes (BEACH) 2025. The CBF Biodiversity Excellence Award for Caribbean Heroes (BEACH) is a prestigious recognition for individuals and organizations making remarkable contributions to the CBF'S mission.
Date Posted: 13 May, 2025
The Young European of the Year is given to young Europeans between the ages of 18 and 26 who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to a peaceful, diverse and inclusive Europe.
Date Posted: 10 May, 2025
Since their inception in 1945, the AAAS Science Journalism Awards have honored distinguished reporting on science by professional journalists. The awards, an internationally recognized measure of excellence in science journalism, go to individuals (rather than institutions, publishers or employers) for coverage of the sciences, engineering and mathematics.
Date Posted: 10 May, 2025
Applications are invited for the World Food Forum Startup Innovation Awards 2025. The WFF Startup Innovation Awards, powered by Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC) is a global competition showcasing entrepreneurs who are using the power of technology to transform agrifood systems to end global hunger and achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Date Posted: 09 May, 2025
The Youth Innovation Challenge invites applicants from 15 to 30 years of age to propose a solution to address marine issues, including conservation, biodiversity, and marine debris. Solutions can incorporate a variety of approaches but must include environmental education. Solutions must be innovative, feasible, and informed by research.
Date Posted: 09 May, 2025
Applications and nominations are invited for the One Young World Break the Hate Challenge 2025. If you're done playing nice with hate, if you want to call it out, tear it down and refuse to shut up...One Young World has a challenge for you.
Date Posted: 08 May, 2025
Nominations are invited for the U.S. Chamber Foundation Citizens Awards 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and nominate a business for it!
Date Posted: 07 May, 2025
Inspired by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ida'a Award aims to drive a transformative shift in the Arab media sector by infusing it with fresh talent and new competencies.
Date Posted: 07 May, 2025
Join Hack4Livestock 2025 - a dynamic hackathon uniting innovators, technologists, and agricultural experts to solve Nigeria's biggest livestock challenges through sustainable, tech-driven solutions.
Date Posted: 07 May, 2025
The #WeAreTogether International Prize honors citizens and organizations worldwide who have made outstanding contributions to humanitarian efforts. This prestigious award supports impactful projects and promotes international cooperation and volunteerism.
Date Posted: 06 May, 2025
Applications are open for the Yale Environment360 Film Contest 2025. The Yale Environment 360 Film Contest provides a global platform for filmmakers to amplify environmental awareness and action.
Date Posted: 06 May, 2025
Applications are open for the Dream Foundry Contest for Emerging Writers 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 05 May, 2025
Applications are open for the InfraVision International Competition 2025 for Students. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 05 May, 2025
Entries for the 2025 African Fact-Checking Awards, the longest-running awards programme honouring fact-checking journalism by the media in Africa, are now open to journalists, journalism students, and professional fact-checkers - across the continent.
Date Posted: 03 May, 2025
Applications are open for the KPMG Al & the Future of Work: Designing What Comes Next Challenge 2025. KPMG invite startups in Europe to build scalable, people-centric innovations that leverage Al to transform how we work, learn, and collaboration, from activation and upskilling to role redesign and workforce strategy.
Date Posted: 01 May, 2025
Applications are ongoing for the Good Soil Forum Seed Capital Pitch Competition 2025. This is your chance to showcase your business, gain national exposure, and compete live for transformative funding in front of investors and a national audience.
Date Posted: 29 Apr, 2025
Ready to rethink the future of democracy? Join the Democracy Firewall Hackathon 2025 and turn bold ideas into powerful solutions against disinformation. Apply to join this event in Strasbourg and win €3,000!
Date Posted: 29 Apr, 2025
Nominations are open for the Research Nova Scotia Public Impact Award 2025. This Public Impact Award recognizes a researcher whose work has benefitted Nova Scotians by tangibly improving the economy, environment, healthcare system, or society.
Date Posted: 29 Apr, 2025
The Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering 2026 is now accepting nominations. The QEPrize welcomes public nominations that honor engineering improvement from all sectors of the profession and a diverse range of nominators worldwide.
Date Posted: 28 Apr, 2025
Nominations are welcomed for the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement 2026. Click here to learn more about this award and nomimate an individual for it.
Date Posted: 28 Apr, 2025
1. Sony World Photography Awards
• Host: World Photography Organisation
• Field: Photography
•Representation: A leading photography competition that recognizes the best in contemporary photography. Categories include professional, open, youth, and student.
• Prizes: Cash prizes, photography equipment, and international exhibitions. The overall winner (Photographer of the Year) receives a $25,000 prize.
2. The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition
• Host: The Royal Commonwealth Society
• Field: Writing and Literature
• Representation: The world's oldest international writing competition for young people, it encourages creativity and critical thinking on global issues relevant to the Commonwealth.
• Prizes: Winners receive a trip to London for a formal awards ceremony, laptops, and participation in international cultural exchange programs.
3. The Global Citizen Prize
• Host: Global Citizen
• Field: Social Impact
• Representation: Recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to ending extreme poverty and addressing major global challenges like inequality, climate change, and public health.
• Prizes: Winners receive financial support to continue their advocacy work, and there are various subcategories with differing prize amounts and recognition.
4. Imagine Cup
• Host: Microsoft
• Field: Technology and Innovation
• Representation: A technology competition where students create
software applications that tackle a wide variety of challenges. The contest encourages innovation and problem-solving using Microsoft's technology stack.
• Prizes: Cash prizes up to $100,000, mentorship opportunities, and a chance to showcase projects at global tech conferences.
5. One Young World Essay Competition
• Host: One Young World
• Field: Global Leadership and Advocacy
• Representation: This competition targets young leaders who propose solutions to pressing global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and education reform.
Prizes: Winners receive a fully-funded trip to the annual One Young World Summit, where they meet global leaders and network with fellow changemakers.
6. MIT Solve Global Challenges
• Host: MIT Solve Initiative
• Field: Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Representation: Solve offers a platform for innovators to present solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges, such as healthcare, education, and economic prosperity.
• Prizes: Over $1 million in funding is available, with winning teams receiving support from MIT, mentorship, and networking opportunities with industry experts.
7. World Robotics Olympiad (WRO)
• Host: World Robot Olympiad Association
• Field: Robotics and STEM
• Representation: WRO is an international robotics competition that engages students in building and programming robots to complete specific tasks.
• Prizes: Trophies, medals, and scholarships for top teams, with opportunities to showcase at global tech events.