The race for one of the world’s most respected sustainability awards is underway, with Ethiopian startups urged to submit applications for the Zayed Sustainability Prize 2027 before the final deadline of 22 June 2026.
- The race for one of the world’s most respected sustainability awards is underway, with Ethiopian startups urged to submit applications...
- The call has been issued by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MInT), which is encouraging innovators and entrepreneurs to...
- Now in its 18th year, the programme has supported solutions that have improved the lives of more than 400 million...
- Funding and International Exposure The prize offers substantial financial support to successful applicants.
Keep reading for the full breakdown on climate — everything you need to know is covered below.
The call has been issued by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MInT), which is encouraging innovators and entrepreneurs to showcase solutions that address pressing global challenges in health, food security, energy access, water management, and climate action.
The initiative offers a platform for local startups to gain international visibility while contributing to sustainable development efforts worldwide.
Global Platform for Sustainable Innovation
The Zayed Sustainability Prize, established by the United Arab Emirates, recognises organisations and innovators whose work delivers measurable social, environmental, and economic impact. Now in its 18th year, the programme has supported solutions that have improved the lives of more than 400 million people worldwide.
Applications for the 2027 cycle are open in five organisational categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, and Climate Action. Ethiopian startups working in any of these sectors are eligible to compete for global recognition and funding opportunities.
According to the organisers, applicants must demonstrate proven results and show how their solutions create lasting impact for communities. Entries are assessed using three core criteria: impact, innovation, and inspiration.
Funding and International Exposure
The prize offers substantial financial support to successful applicants. Winners in each of the five organisational categories receive US$1 million to expand their solutions and reach more beneficiaries. In addition, finalists receive US$100,000 to help advance their projects and strengthen their operations.
Beyond funding, participants gain access to a global network of investors, industry leaders, policymakers, and development partners. The programme has become a launchpad for organisations seeking to scale their innovations and enter new markets.
For Ethiopian startups, the competition presents an opportunity to showcase locally developed solutions on an international stage while attracting partnerships that can accelerate growth and impact.
Deadline Approaches
Applications must be submitted through the official Zayed Sustainability Prize portal. The submission window closes on 22 June 2026 at 17:00 EST, after which entries will undergo a three-stage evaluation process involving due diligence reviews, expert assessments, and jury selection. Finalists are expected to be announced in September 2026, with winners revealed during the awards ceremony in January 2027.
MInT has encouraged eligible Ethiopian startups to apply promptly and take advantage of the opportunity to gain global recognition, secure funding, and contribute solutions that address some of the world’s most urgent sustainability challenges.