Question 1

Co-Creation Prize Mission

Accepted Answer

The Co-Creation Prize ignites science, entrepreneurship, and collective action through co-creation, celebrating collective winners to drive breakthrough innovations.

Question 2

Who is eligible to apply?

Accepted Answer

We welcome global applications from innovators, scientists, PhD academics, entrepreneurs (startups), engineering networks, and enterprises dedicated to challenging the status quo in water, renewable energy, and microplastics.

Question 3

What are the evaluation criteria and selection process?

Accepted Answer

Submissions are evaluated across five categories: Breakthrough Impact (30%), Innovation (25%), Scalability (20%), Team Strength (15%), and Return on Lives (10%). Startups must have a validated MVP, proof of concept, or pilot-ready solution, and are evaluated on product readiness, impact potential, and SDG alignment. Scientists and researchers must present indexed or peer-reviewed research with real-world relevance and are encouraged to collaborate with startups or public/private partners. The selection process includes an online application, shortlisting, pitch round, co-creation lab, final evaluation, and awards ceremony in Davos during WEF.

Question 4

3. Application process & phases in details

Accepted Answer

Application and Screening Process: online application click here. Fill in the list of qualifications and provide with less than 5 min video see FAQ for further guidelines.

Online Pitch Event: Selected innovators will present a 10 slides online pitch for 10 min. A jury will ask questions and assess the projects for potential synergies, innovation level, and cross-sector integration capabilities.

Co-Creation Workshop in Barcelona: Shortlisted participants will be invited to Barcelona for a co-creation 3 days workshop. This event facilitates the exploration of prospective solutions, innovation mapping, and real-time mockup applications for technological assessment.

Semi-Finals with Enterprises & Public Sector: Enterprises focusing on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria will be invited to scout and co-develop innovations to scale solutions, accelerate market integration, and enhance innovation speed and market fit. In parallel, we will evaluate public sector needs and infrastructure readiness through Earth05's local partners, including NGOs, governmental agencies, and indigenous communities. This stage aims to facilitate co-developed solutions and foster public-private partnerships, leveraging a network of over 10,000 members for rapid deployment.

The Finals: The winning award will be presented by a prominent figure at the prestigious annual gathering of world leaders at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, 2025.

Question 5

4. Application Closing Date August 28, 2026

Accepted Answer

Closing Dates?

Submit  proposals early and receive preliminary feedback. This feedback can be used to refine and improve submissions before the final closing date.

FINAL CLOSING DATE: August 28, 2026 at MIDNIGHT (EST)

Question 6

5. What should I include in my Video Pitch?

Accepted Answer

Start with a quick introduction of your team and the challenges you're addressing. Present your solution, noting its alignment with the SDGs and its unique features.

Explain how it works in real scenarios, its technological foundation, and any proprietary aspects. Mention peers or entities you'd collaborate with and why. Highlight technologies that could boost your solution's impact.

Detail how you'd use €2-5M funding to improve lives in developing countries and indigenous communities, focusing on the expected social return on Lives (ROL). Aim to clearly demonstrate the significant life improvements your project could bring to the underprivileged with this support.

Keep video less than 5 minutes long.

Security and Privacy: Be assured that all applications are treated with the utmost confidentiality, accessible only to the jury members and the Earth05 internal team of experts evaluating the submissions.

Question 7

What should applicants include in their online pitch event presentation?

Accepted Answer

Prepare a 10-slide presentation showcasing your team's expertise, solution scalability, technological innovation, and collaboration readiness. Include risk mitigation strategies, geographical considerations, and a wish list of potential partners. Specify peer technologies for co-creation, desired enterprise partnerships, and necessary government accesses. Outline strategies for scaling with potential funding, detailing how €2-5M would improve lives in developing countries and indigenous communities, focusing on the social Return on Lives (ROL). Clearly demonstrate the significant life improvements your project could bring to the underprivileged.

Question 8

Can teams of scientists, researchers, or academics apply?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Teams of scientists, researchers, and academics are encouraged to apply. We value collaborative efforts and diverse expertise to drive impactful solutions.

Question 9

Can teams from any country apply for the Earth05 Prize?

Accepted Answer

Yes, teams from any country are eligible to apply. The Earth05 Prize is a borderless initiative, welcoming global participation.

Question 10

9. What are the benefits of participating in the Earth05 Co-Creation Prize quest?

Accepted Answer

You're not just participating; you're leading the charge towards a sustainable future and next gen technologies.

Be the catalyst for change.
Join the mission to accelerate breakthroughs beyond borders, disciplines, and limitations.

Earth05 invites scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs to compete across five frontier categories, each designed to unlock critical solutions for the planet and awarded based on co-creation, impact, and prize funding tier.

Benefits for Collective Winners
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate with experts, merging science and entrepreneurship to drive real-world impact and societal progress.
Access to Capital: Connect with international impact investors and philanthropists, with opportunities for direct funding and investor matchmaking through demo days on top stages.
Digital Twin Piloting: Test innovations in a digital twin environment before real-world application, providing a unique opportunity to refine solutions.
AI & Water Lab: Participate in workshop weeks at prestigious research labs in Europe and the Middle East, utilizing top-tier resources for innovation development.
Global Recognition at Davos & Abu Dhabi: Receive global recognition as a change-maker on global stages gaining access to strategic partners and a network of international investors.

Question 11

10. What Is the Return on Lives (ROL) Metric?

Accepted Answer

The Return on Lives (ROL) is Earth05’s proprietary impact framework that measures how innovations support or displace life—across human, environmental, and intergenerational dimensions. It offers a more life-centered alternative to traditional ESG metrics.

How does it work?
ROL Score =
 (Lives Supported – Lives Displaced) ÷ Innovation Investment
Innovations are scored across five categories: basic needs, health, economy, environment, and future sustainability. The score reflects how effectively an innovation benefits life per unit of investment.

What does the ROL Score mean?
> +100: Regenerative (system-changing benefit)
+10 to +100: Supportive (net positive)
–10 to –1: Extractive (harmful, needs correction)
< –10: Destructive (critical harm, must intervene)

Example: Data Centers & Water
A closed-loop cooling system that recycles 500 billion liters of water—benefiting over 27 million people—with a €200M investment yields an ROL score of 87,000 lives supported per €1M invested, qualifying as ROL++ Regenerative.

Question 12

11. Earth05 Key SDGs

Accepted Answer

Earth05 is committed to contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 
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Central to Earth05's mission are key SDGs: SDG1 (No Poverty) SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality), SDG11 (Sustainable Cities & Human settlements), SDG 13 (Climate Change), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
 
SDGs 6, 9 and 17 serve as foundational and guiding principles, embedded in everything we do, underlining our commitment to fostering innovation and building global partnerships for sustainable development.

Question 13

12. What fees are involved in the participation?

Accepted Answer

Entering the Prize application fee is 250 Euro.

Question 14

13. Privacy, policy and use of data?

Accepted Answer

Your privacy and the security of your data are of paramount importance to us. By participating in the Earth05 Prize, you agree to our data handling practices as outlined below:

Data Collection: We collect personal and project-related information during the application process, including but not limited to names, contact information, project details, and any supporting materials you provide.
Use of Data: The information you provide is used exclusively for the purposes of evaluating your application, facilitating your participation in the prize competition, and communicating with you regarding Earth05 Prize related matters. This may include announcements, updates, and feedback related to your application status and the competition process.
Data Sharing: Personal data shared with us will not be disclosed to third parties without your consent, except for the following purposes:
Evaluation: Your application and related information will be shared with our panel of jurors and internal team of experts who are involved in the evaluation process.
Collaboration: With your permission, we may share your contact information and project details with potential partners, sponsors, and other participants for the purpose of fostering collaboration, open innovation, and the co-development of solutions.
Promotion: Winners and notable participants will be featured in our communications, including press releases, social media, and promotional materials, to highlight the achievements and potential impact of their projects. Specific details will be shared only with prior agreement.
Data Security: We implement robust security measures to protect your data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Access to your personal information is strictly limited to individuals who are involved in the administration and evaluation of the prize competition.
Data Retention: Your personal data will be retained for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements.
Your Rights: You have the right to access, correct, or delete your personal information at any time. Please contact us if you wish to exercise these rights. Email: prize@earth05.org 
Changes to Policy: We reserve the right to modify this privacy policy at any time, so please review it frequently. Changes and clarifications will take effect immediately upon their posting on the website. If we make material changes to this policy, we will notify you by email a month ahead of time regarding the update.

Question 15

14. If you encounter any issues with the application, please contact us via email

Accepted Answer

prize@earth05.org

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