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.

KAUTE Foundation - The Finnish Science Foundation for Economics and Technology is currently accepting applications for its Researchers Abroad Grant Program 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 04 Mar, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the Climate Launchpad Green Business Ideas Competition 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 03 Mar, 2026

Kindnessrules is currently accepting applications for its Asia Pacific Kindness and Leadership Program 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 03 Mar, 2026

Handwriting That Works is currently accepting applications for The World Handwriting Contest 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 03 Mar, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the National E-Nagar Logo Design Competition 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 02 Mar, 2026

UNESCO is currently accepting applications for its World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 02 Mar, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the Bayer Foundation Women Entrepreneurs Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 02 Mar, 2026

Applications are corrently being accepted for the Karim Adeyemi Foundation IDSDP Essay Competition 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about thid opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 02 Mar, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the PICTO Fashion Photography Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Feb, 2026

Springer Nature is currently accepting applications for The Nature Awards Inspiring Women in Science 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Feb, 2026

Council for the Advancement of Science Writing (CASW) is currently accepting applications for its Victor Cohn Prize for Excellence in Medical Science Reporting 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Feb, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the NIH Fogarty International Research Scientist Development Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to clikc here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Feb, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the Falling Walls Foundation Lab Cairo 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Feb, 2026

UN Environment Programme is currently accepting applications for its Young Champions of the Earth 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Feb, 2026

Council for the Advancement of Science Writing (CASW) is currently accepting application for its Evert Clark/Seth Payne Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Feb, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the VivaTech Next Startupper Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 26 Feb, 2026

Pivot Green is currently accepting applications for its Canadian Youth Climate Action Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 26 Feb, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the Google.Org Impact Challenge: AI for Government Innovation 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 26 Feb, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the The Marcus Wallenberg Prize 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 26 Feb, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the UNEP Young Champions of the Earth 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 25 Feb, 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.