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.

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is currently accepting applications for its WIN DRR Leadership Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more abou this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 10 Jun, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for The Hunter Prize for Public Policy 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 09 Jun, 2026

One Young World is currently accepting applications for its Spirit of Togetherness Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 09 Jun, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the SURF Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it
Date Posted: 09 Jun, 2026

Devpost is currently accepting applications for its Build with Gemini XPRIZE Hackathon 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 08 Jun, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 06 Jun, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the ifa Research Award on International Cultural Relations 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 06 Jun, 2026

World Photography Organization is currently accepting applications for its Series competition 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 05 Jun, 2026

World Photography Organisation is currently accepting applications for its Single Image Competition 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 05 Jun, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) elearning Academy Global Youth Contest 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 04 Jun, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the New Voters x ChallengeUS Future Leaders Competition Summer 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 03 Jun, 2026

Fetisov Charitable Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Fetisov Journalism Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 03 Jun, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the Breakthrough Junior Challenge 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 03 Jun, 2026

United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is currently accepting applications for its Outer Space Security Conference Youth Video Competition 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 03 Jun, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the AL-Sumait Prize for African Development 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 03 Jun, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 03 Jun, 2026

Ele-Vate AI has opened applications for its Presidential African Youth in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 03 Jun, 2026

Novo Nordisk Foundation has opened applications for its ParticipACTION Community Challenge 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about the opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 02 Jun, 2026

National Forest Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Matching Awards Program 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 02 Jun, 2026

ESG Africa Conference is currently accepting applications for its ESG Student Innovation Challenge 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 02 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.