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Launched in 2015 as part of the GCSP’s Creativity and Innovation Initiative, the GCSP Prize for Innovation in Global Security recognises groundbreaking contributions that address the world’s most pressing security challenges.
Opportunity Details
Organised by GCSP's Geopolitics and Global Futures Department, this prestigious annual award celebrates individuals and organisations that are advancing bold, creative, and impactful solutions in the field of global security.
Open to all disciplines and sectors, the prize highlights the most inspiring and original achievements of the year - whether through new initiatives, technological innovations, research publications, or institutional accomplishments.
The first-place laureate receives a CHF 10,000 cash award in recognition of their outstanding contribution to global peace and security.
1. The prize is awarded for projects by any individual, group of individuals, or organisation (from private or public sectors), which contribute to global security and have been submitted for consideration according to these rules and regulations.
2. Applications may come from any country, but the projects should go beyond national borders in their reach or thinking and seek to address global security in innovative ways or through new ideas. A broad range of projects could qualify for consideration, including, but not limited to, technological and conceptual innovations, original research, or grassroots initiatives.
3. The prize is intended to encourage and recognise excellence in contributing to new approaches to enhancing sustainable global security.
4. The prize is awarded by the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), as part of its Programme for Geopolitics and Global Futures, under the Creativity and Innovation Initiative.
5. Employees and staff of the GCSP, as well as their family members, are not eligible participants.
6. Applications must be submitted via the online application form in order to be considered for the prize, and shall include:
7. Applications submitted via any other channel will not be considered.
8. Applications must be in English.
9. The deadline for applications is Thursday, 25 September 2025 at 23:59 UTC+2.
10. A panel of independent GCSP experts will evaluate and attribute a score to each valid application received. The 15 best-graded applications will then be passed to a panel of judges, which will be co-chaired by the Director of the GCSP and the Director of the Geopolitics and Global Futures Department, for their consideration.
11. The panel of judges will select the winners (first, second and third place), and the selection will be based on the following criteria:
12. The GCSP reserves the right to disqualify any application from further consideration.
13. The winners (first, second and third place) will be notified immediately prior to the public announcement, using the means of contact provided upon application.
14. The winners (first, second and third place) will be announced publicly during an event to be held in November 2025.
15. The prize for the application coming in the first position is CHF 10’000 (paid via bank transfer) and a certificate of excellence. The two other finalist applications will receive a certificate of recognition. No equivalent or alternative will be provided.
16. The organisers reserve the right to oblige any potential winner to provide information such that the organisers might be satisfied with the rigour and integrity of the work, as well as the compliance of the project with the goal of sustainable global security.
17. If a winner is announced as one of the top three applications but is disqualified for any reason before receipt of the prize, the organisers may, at their sole discretion, declare another winner.
18. The organisers reserve the right to amend the rules and regulations. If the rules and regulations are amended, the organisers will contact those who have already submitted applications and update them about the altered rules.
19. Entry implies acceptance of these rules, and all applicants agree to be bound by them upon submitting an application.
20.The organisers will keep personal details submitted with the application for a reasonable time so that contact can be taken up with potential winners, to verify that these rules have been complied with. An ‘opt out’ policy regulates the marketing communication, and if the applicant wishes to subsequently unsubscribe from receiving information, they should contact the GCSP directly.
21. The GCSP will not pass on any personal details to any other organisation, with the sole exception of naming the winner(s) and publicising the winner(s) in accordance with these rules and regulations.
22. The winner(s) agree to have his/her/their name(s) published for promotion purposes along with a description of the winning project, and to be available for media requests, including photographs and interviews.
23. All decisions made by the organisers in relation to the Contest are final, and no correspondence concerning decisions will be entered into.
24. The organisers reserve the right to cancel the prize at any time.
25.The organisers are not liable for any damage, loss, or disappointment suffered by any person taking part or not being able to take part.
26. This competition is governed by Swiss law, and the place of jurisdiction is Geneva.
Explore the achievements of our past winners here.