The Zayed Sustainability Prize, a beacon for global innovation, has once again shattered participation records, signaling an unprecedented surge in worldwide commitment to sustainable development. This pioneering award, which has already transformed over 400 million lives, continues to draw the most forward-thinking solutions from every corner of the globe.
The latest cycle witnessed an impressive 30% increase in global entries, culminating in 7,761 submissions from 173 countries. This remarkable uptick underscores the Prize’s expanding influence in fostering transformative approaches across critical sectors including health, food, water, energy, and climate action, reflecting a collective urgency to address pressing global challenges.
Defining trends across the submissions included a prominent rise in AI-powered solutions, disruptive innovations, and technologies designed to expand access to essential services. This highlights a significant global pivot towards inclusive and locally adapted development models, where advanced technology meets grassroots needs for tangible, widespread impact.
Now in its 17th year, the Prize actively empowers small to medium-sized enterprises, nonprofit organizations, and high schools, enabling them to develop and scale sustainable innovations. These efforts are particularly focused on improving lives in vulnerable and underserved communities, championing clean energy, healthcare access, regenerative agriculture, and safe drinking water solutions.
The Food and Climate Action categories attracted the highest number of entries, reflecting the intensifying global focus on food security, ecosystem protection, and disaster resilience. Significant participation was also recorded in Health, Global High Schools, Water, and Energy, each showcasing unique advancements in their respective fields.
Notably, submissions to the Health category surged by over 60%, featuring innovations such as AI-enabled diagnostics and decentralised care, while the Food category highlighted precision agriculture and agri-robotics. Across all sectors, the integration of cutting-edge technologies with community-led initiatives demonstrates a powerful convergence of innovation, equity, and long-term social impact.
Following the close of submissions, the rigorous evaluation process commences, involving an independent research consultancy, a Selection Committee of global experts, and a final Jury convening in October. This multi-tiered assessment ensures that only the most impactful and scalable solutions are recognized and celebrated.
Winners will be announced at the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony on January 13, 2026, during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, with organizational winners receiving US $1 million and high schools awarded US $150,000 for their projects. This prestigious award, an affiliate of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, remains a powerful tribute to the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, driving sustainable development and inspiring a resilient future for all.
