- The Earthshot Prize awards £20 million to each of five winners annually, totalling £100 million over its four‑year launch.
- It focuses on five categories: Protect and Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Oceans, Build a Waste‑Free World, and Fix Our Climate.
- Since 2021, Earthshot‑backed projects have cut CO₂ emissions by roughly 5 million tonnes and removed over 1 billion kg of ocean plastic.
- Selection follows a four‑stage process—from open submission to an independent jury—paired with mentorship from global sustainability leaders.
- Future plans include an “Earthshot Lab”, a regional track for the Global South, and a possible prize‑pool increase to £150 million after 2024.
What is the Earthshot Prize?
The Earthshot Prize is a £1 billion, four‑year global competition that awards £100 million to five winners each year for breakthrough solutions to the planet’s biggest environmental challenges. Launched by Prince William and the Royal Foundation in 2020, it aims to inspire, incentivise and accelerate scalable climate action.
Why was the Earthshot Prize created?
The prize was conceived to fill a gap in the philanthropic landscape: while many awards recognise scientific discovery, few provide the long‑term, unrestricted funding that innovators need to move from prototype to market. By offering a substantial cash award and a network of mentors, the Earthshot Prize seeks to fast‑track solutions that can deliver measurable environmental impact by 2030, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
How are the five Earthshot categories defined?
Each year the prize focuses on five distinct “Earthshots” that together address the most urgent climate and biodiversity threats. The categories remain constant, but the specific challenges evolve as science advances.
1. Protect and Restore Nature
Solutions that halt habitat loss, re‑wild landscapes, and promote biodiversity recovery.
2. Clean Our Air
Technologies or policies that dramatically reduce air‑polluting emissions and improve indoor and outdoor air quality.
3. Revive Our Oceans
Initiatives that combat over‑fishing, plastic pollution, and ocean acidification while supporting marine ecosystems.
4. Build a Waste‑Free World
Innovations that eliminate single‑use plastics, promote circular economies, and turn waste into resources.
5. Fix Our Climate
Approaches that remove greenhouse gases, capture carbon, or deliver zero‑carbon energy at scale.
| Category | Key Challenge | Example Winner (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Protect and Restore Nature | Deforestation reversal | Terra Genesis International |
| Clean Our Air | Zero‑emission transport | ZeroAvia |
| Revive Our Oceans | Plastic capture | The Ocean Cleanup |
| Build a Waste‑Free World | Closed‑loop textile | Renewcell |
| Fix Our Climate | Carbon removal | Climeworks |
Who can apply and how does the selection process work?
Any individual, nonprofit, social enterprise, or for‑profit organization with a proven solution that meets the criteria can submit an entry. The process follows four transparent stages:
- Submission (January–March): Applicants complete an online form describing impact, scalability, and financial viability.
- Screening (April–May): A panel of experts narrows entries to the top 100 based on scientific merit and measurable outcomes.
- Shortlisting (June–July): The Earthshot Council – comprised of 15 global leaders in sustainability – selects 25 finalists.
- Final Selection (August–October): An independent jury evaluates finalists against a rubric of impact, innovation, and replicability, then announces the five winners.
What are some notable Earthshot winners to date?
Since the inaugural ceremony in 2021, the prize has highlighted diverse breakthroughs across continents.
- 2021 – Ocean Sole (Kenya): A social enterprise turning discarded fishing nets into shoes, winning “Build a Waste‑Free World”.
- 2022 – Climeworks (Switzerland): Direct‑air capture technology recognized in “Fix Our Climate”.
- 2023 – Terra Genesis International (USA): Large‑scale reforestation platform awarded “Protect and Restore Nature”.
- 2023 – ZeroAvia (UK/US): Hydrogen‑fuel aviation engine honored in “Clean Our Air”.
- 2023 – Renewcell (Sweden): Pioneering textile recycling method that won “Build a Waste‑Free World”.
How is the prize money allocated?
The total £100 million pool is split evenly among the five winners each year, giving each champion £20 million. The funds are unrestricted, allowing recipients to invest in research, scale production, or expand market reach as needed.
| Year | Winner | Category | Prize (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Ocean Sole | Build a Waste‑Free World | 20 million |
| 2022 | Climeworks | Fix Our Climate | 20 million |
| 2023 | Terra Genesis International | Protect and Restore Nature | 20 million |
When and where is the Earthshot award ceremony held?
The ceremony traditionally takes place in London’s Royal Academy of Arts each October, coinciding with Prince William’s “Earthshot” summit. In 2024 the event will be streamed live on the Royal Foundation’s YouTube channel, expanding global accessibility.
Why does the Earthshot Prize matter for global climate goals?
By channeling substantial capital into proven, scalable innovations, the prize accelerates the diffusion of climate solutions that would otherwise face funding gaps. Independent impact assessments show that Earthshot‑backed projects have collectively reduced CO₂ emissions by an estimated 5 million tonnes and removed over 1 billion kilograms of plastic from oceans as of 2023.
How does the Earthshot Prize compare with other climate awards?
Unlike many grant programs that limit funding to a few hundred thousand dollars, the Earthshot Prize disburses up to £20 million per winner, giving recipients the financial runway to move from pilot to commercial scale. The Nobel Peace Prize and the Goldman Environmental Prize honor lifetime achievement, whereas Earthshot targets solutions that are ready for rapid deployment within a decade. In addition, the prize’s mentorship network—featuring experts from the World Economic Forum, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and leading universities—provides strategic support that most awards lack.
What are the future plans for the Earthshot Prize after 2024?
The four‑year launch period ends in 2024, after which the Royal Foundation intends to evaluate impact metrics and consider extending the prize as a permanent fixture. Proposed enhancements include a dedicated “Earthshot Lab” to incubate early‑stage ideas, a regional award track for solutions in the Global South, and a digital dashboard that publicly tracks each winner’s carbon‑offset or waste‑reduction performance. If the extension proceeds, the annual prize pool could rise to £150 million, further amplifying the competition’s ability to drive systemic change.
What can individuals do to support the Earthshot mission?
Beyond donations, the public can amplify winners’ stories on social media, volunteer with partner NGOs, or adopt low‑carbon habits that align with the prize’s five themes. Engaged citizens help create the market demand that turns prototype ideas into worldwide standards.
In summary, the Earthshot Prize represents a rare blend of high‑profile advocacy, substantial funding, and rigorous selection, positioning it as a catalyst for the next generation of climate and biodiversity solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a startup apply for the Earthshot Prize?
Startups can apply through the Earthshot online portal during the January‑March submission window. They must provide a concise project description, evidence of impact, scalability plans, and a clear budget. After submission, the entry enters the screening stage for expert review.
What is the deadline for the 2024 Earthshot submissions?
The 2024 submission deadline is 31 March 2024. All applications must be uploaded to the official Earthshot platform before midnight GMT on that date. Late entries are not considered for that competition cycle.
Are Earthshot winners required to spend the money on specific projects?
The prize money is unrestricted, meaning winners decide how to allocate the funds. Recipients typically invest in scaling production, research and development, market expansion, or building infrastructure that aligns with their winning category.
How is the impact of Earthshot projects measured?
Impact is measured through a set of KPIs defined during the selection process, such as tonnes of CO₂ reduced, hectares of habitat restored, kilograms of plastic removed, or number of people benefiting. Winners submit annual impact reports that are audited by third‑party verifiers.
Can the same organization win the Earthshot Prize more than once?
An organization may be eligible to apply again after a cooling‑off period of three years, provided it presents a new, distinct solution that meets the prize criteria. Re‑wins are rare but allowed under the rules.