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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.
Applications are currently being accepted for the Irish Cancer Society Patient Advocate in Cancer Research Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 17 Jun, 2026
The World Academy of Science (TWAS) has opened applications for its Atta-ur-Rahman Award in Chemistry 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 17 Jun, 2026
King Baudouin Foundation (KBF) is currently accepting applications for its Prize Jacqueline Nonkels 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 16 Jun, 2026
Applications are currently being accpeted for the School Enterprise Challenge 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 16 Jun, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 15 Jun, 2026
Wharton Africa Business Forum is currently accepting applications for its New Venture Competition 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 15 Jun, 2026
MDPI Sustainability Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Tu Youyou Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more abou this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 15 Jun, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) Prize for Innovation 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 15 Jun, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the Entrepreneurship World Cup 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 13 Jun, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the Morgan Stanley Alliance for Children's Mental Health Innovation Awards 2027. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 13 Jun, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) Science Diplomacy Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 12 Jun, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) Prize for Innovation 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 12 Jun, 2026
Ele-Vate AI is currently accepting applications for The Presidential African Youth in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition for Young Africans 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 11 Jun, 2026
SAYUJ is currently accepting applications for its BOSCH–BMU Innovation Challenge Cohort 2 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 11 Jun, 2026
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) is currently being accepted for the Ray Y Gildea Jr Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 11 Jun, 2026
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) is currently accepting applications for its Ralph Brown Expedition Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 11 Jun, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the IDB Lab - WeXchange Women STEMpreneurs Competition 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 11 Jun, 2026
Gairdner Foundation is currently accepting applications for its John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award 2026. Interested applicants are encourged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 11 Jun, 2026
Gairdner Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Peter Gilgan Canada Gairdner Momentum Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 11 Jun, 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for The Dan David Prize 2027. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 11 Jun, 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.