Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy 2026 ($2 Million in Total Prizes)

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Applications are open for Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy 2026. The Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy calls on scalable companies using technology to enhance circular economy practices across a variety of industries in Africa. This prize offers $2 million in total prizes, including a $1 million Grand Prize. Participating companies will also gain access to exclusive networking and the opportunity to pitch to industry leaders and key decision-makers.

The winning team will demonstrate a commercially viable, technology-enabled circular economy business operating in Africa with a clear path to scale. The business will reduce waste, keep materials in circulation, and deliver measurable environmental and social impact through stronger, more resource-efficient value chains. Teams will be evaluated based on commercial viability, market scalability, workforce and social impact, and circularity and environmental impact.

Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy Categories

Teams from a variety of businesses are encouraged to apply and teams will be required to submit category-specific metrics from industries such as the following:

Agriculture & Food Systems
Plastics & Packaging
Electronics
Textiles
Construction & The Built Environment

Award Rounds

Application Submission & Semifinalist Announcement
- Teams submit their designs and business models. Ten teams will advance in the prize as semifinalists and receive $50,000.
Pitch Event & Finalist Announcement
- Semifinalists will pitch their innovations to industry leaders and decision-makers. A panel of judges will select five teams to advance as Finalists and receive $50,000 each.
Grand Prize Submission & Announcement
- Finalist companies will submit materials for the grand prize submission (sign into the Prize Portal to view the full rules). The winning team will receive $1 million and the runner-up will receive $250,000.