Yes!

We welcome applications from across the globe, targeting innovators, scientists, academics (PHD), entrepreneurs (startups), engineering network and enterprises committed to challenge the status quo’s water, renewable energy & microplastics.

Applicants should prepare a 10-slide presentation that highlights their team's expertise, the scalability of their solution, technological innovation, and readiness for collaboration. The deck should cover risk mitigation strategies, geographical considerations, and a wish list of potential partners. This includes specifying which peer technologies they aim to co-create with, which enterprises they seek for open innovation partnerships, and which government accesses are needed, along with the reasons for these choices. Additionally, the presentation should outline strategies for scaling the solution with potential funding, 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.

Earth05 Co-Creation Prize – Selection Criteria Submissions will be evaluated across five weighted categories: Breakthrough Impact (30%) Potential to significantly improve the lives of 500 million people by 2030 through innovation in water, energy, or regenerative systems. Innovation (25%) Originality, technical depth, and problem-solving creativity—whether through new materials, AI integration, or system redesign. Scalability (20%) Capacity for global replication and adoption, with clear pathways for growth beyond pilot stage. Team Strength (15%) Demonstrated expertise, diversity of skills, execution capacity, and past track record in delivering high-impact work. Return on Lives (10%) Alignment with the ROL (Return on Lives) metric—measurable outcomes in social, environmental, and economic terms. Applicant-Specific Criteria Startups (Seed Stage and Beyond) Must have a validated MVP, proof of concept, or pilot-ready solution Evaluated on product readiness, impact potential, and SDG alignment Clear roadmap to scale and institutional adoption Scientists & Researchers Must present indexed or peer-reviewed research with clear real-world relevance Collaboration with startups or public/private partners is encouraged Impact must extend beyond academic contribution into applied innovation Selection Process Online Application: Complete form + <5 min video submission Shortlisting: Jury scores entries using weighted criteria Pitch Round: Top candidates present a 10-slide pitch to jurors Co-Creation Lab: Selected teams participate in a 3-day in-person workshop Final Evaluation: Solutions are matched with public/private partners Awards Ceremony: Winners announced and honored in Davos during WEF

It is an open borderless initiative.

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 5th at MIDNIGHT (CEST) 18.00 New York.

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.

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.

Earth05 is committed to contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. ​ 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.

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

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.

prize@earth05.org

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.

Entering the Prize application fee is 250 Euro.

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.