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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.
UN Women is currently accepting applications for its Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Global Award for Women's Empowerment 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 12 Mar, 2026
Bennington College is currently accepting applications for its Young Writers Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 12 Mar, 2026
International Water Association (IWA) is currently accepting applications for its Project Innovation Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 11 Mar, 2026
The Iris Project is currently accepting applications for its Iris Prize 2026 for Young Leaders. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 11 Mar, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations/BMW Group Intercultural Innovation Hub 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 11 Mar, 2026
iTNT Hub is currently being acceped for the KRIA’TIVE Innovation Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 11 Mar, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for The FMN Group Innovative Practices in Livestock Farming 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 11 Mar, 2026
The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is currently accepting applicatios for its Paul L. Busch Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 10 Mar, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the African Plant Nutrition Scholar Award Program for African Graduate Students 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click heren to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 10 Mar, 2026
Applications are currenly being accepted for the World Food Forum Startup Innovation Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 10 Mar, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the Pitch by Deel Startup Competition 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 10 Mar, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for The International Chemistry Competition (IChC) 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 10 Mar, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the Peter Drucker Challenge Essay Contest 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 10 Mar, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the Science & SciLifeLab Prize for Young Scientists 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 09 Mar, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 09 Mar, 2026
The Business Continuity Institute (BCI) Awards is currently accepting applications for its Global Excellence in Resilience 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 09 Mar, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for The OPEC Fund for International Development Annual Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 06 Mar, 2026
Royal Commonwealth Society is currently accepting applications for The Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 06 Mar, 2026
VivaTech has opened applications for its Tech for Change Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 06 Mar, 2026
Hindsight Ventures is currently accepting applications for its AFRISE Challenge for African Youth 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 06 Mar, 2026
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.