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.

Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) is currently accepting applications for its Afreximbank-Edordu Research Competition 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 01 May, 2026

Falling Walls Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Falling Walls Lab Competition 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 01 May, 2026

Application is currently being accepted for The World Around Young Climate Prize 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 30 Apr, 2026

UNESCO has opened applications for its Youth Eco Camp TURAQTY JOL 7.0 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 30 Apr, 2026

The Cad Factory is currently accepting applications for the Joyce Spencer Textile Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 29 Apr, 2026

Government of Canada is currently accepting applications for its Canada’s Volunteer Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 29 Apr, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the Artists’ Collecting Society Studio Prize 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 29 Apr, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for The Itet Gem Foundation Annual Essay Competition 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 Apr, 2026

UNESCO is currently accepting applications for its Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 Apr, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the Volvo Environment Prize 2027. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Apr, 2026

Music for All has opened applications for its Individual Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Apr, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the UNDP - Danish-Egyptian Dialogue Initiative “Youthس” Storytelling Challenge 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Apr, 2026

The International News Media Association (INMA) is currently accepting applications for its “30 Under 30” Awards for Young News Media Professionals 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Apr, 2026

International Energy Agency (IEA) is currently accepting applications for its Youth Energy Efficiency Leadership Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Apr, 2026

Japan Water Forum has opened applications for its Kyoto World Water Grand Prize 2027. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Apr, 2026

Global Environment Education Partnership (GEEP) has opened applications for its Youth Innovation Challenge 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 25 Apr, 2026

MyGov India is currently accepting applications for the Tagline Competition for Online Gaming Authority of India 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 24 Apr, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 24 Apr, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the 15th CavinKare–MMA ChinniKrishnan Innovation Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 24 Apr, 2026

Appliccations are currently being accepted for the Green Youth Champion Awards 2026.Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 23 Apr, 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.