The World Around Young Climate Prize 2026 for Young Innovators Worldwide

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Applications are open for The World Around Young Climate Prize 2026. The Young Climate Prize is a mentorship and award initiative that supports global leaders under the age of 25 who are living and working on the front lines of the climate crisis. These young innovators are delivering immediate, locally grounded, and scalable climate solutions through self-initiated projects rooted in community, proven in real-world conditions, and designed for adaptation across regions.

Since its launch in 2022, the program has supported 50 young innovators from 35 countries, working on solutions ranging from waste management and alternative fuel sources, to material innovation and even birdwatching. If this sounds like you, or someone you know, use the link below to submit a nomination ahead of the next application cycle.

YOUNG CLIMATE PRIZE Benefits

Individual mentorship by one of the world’s great designers
Weekly attendance to The World Around’s Design Academy, providing training and tools for storytelling, communication, and public engagement
Strategic guidance on scaling and strengthening your project
Join a global peer network of young climate leaders
The opportunity to travel to New York City and present their work on stage
Participation in Young Climate Prize Fellowship for three years beyond the program

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Applicants must be between the ages of 13 and 25 at the time of application
Groups of a maximum of three may enter. Each group member must meet the eligibility criteria
Applicants can be located anywhere in the world
Applicants must be the founder or co-founder of a live project with demonstrable impact in addressing or mitigating the impacts of climate change in their community. They must be actively leading the project at the time of application
Eligible projects may span a wide range of climate-related issues, sectors, and creative practices, with a particular emphasis on design as a driver of climate solutions

Program Timeline

APRIL 22, 2026: Applications Open
- Cycle 03 opens for applications on Earth Day 2026! If you’re under 25 leading a climate action project with a focus on immediate, local and scalable impact, simply share the story of your project in a two-minute video for a chance to be part of this year’s cohort.
June 30, 2026: Applications Close
- The application period ends on June 30, 2026 at 11:59PM ET. Our team begins reviewing submissions from the next generation of climate pioneers.
September 2026: Cohort 03 Announced
- During NY Climate Week 25 young changemakers will be announced as finalists for Cycle 03. We welcome the new cohort shaping the future of climate action.
September 2026: Design Academy Begins
- Our finalists enter a three-month academy of workshops, lectures, and mentorship guided by global Design Champions.
January 2027: Jury Convenes
- The jury reviews each finalist’s progress and project impact to select the next generation of prize
April 2027: Winners Present at Summit 2027 in NYC
- The prize culminates in a public presentation at The World Around Summit during Earth Week in New York City.