Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy 2026: Win a Share of $2 Million in Prizes

Applications are now open for the Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy 2026, an exciting opportunity for African businesses developing innovative solutions that reduce waste and promote sustainable production. With a total prize pool of $2 million, including a $1 million Grand Prize, the competition seeks scalable companies using technology to transform the continent’s circular economy.

If your business is creating value by reusing materials, reducing waste, or improving resource efficiency, this global competition could provide the funding and recognition needed to scale your impact.

What Is It About?

The Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy is organized by the Milken Institute in partnership with the Motsepe Foundation. The competition aims to identify commercially viable, technology-enabled businesses that are replacing the traditional “take-make-waste” model with regenerative, resource-efficient value chains across Africa.

The prize welcomes innovations from industries such as agriculture and food systems, plastics and packaging, electronics, textiles, construction, and other sectors where circular economy practices can reduce environmental impact while creating jobs and economic value.

The competition follows a multi-stage process. Ten semifinalists will each receive $50,000, five finalists will receive an additional $50,000 each, the overall winner will receive $1 million, and the runner-up will receive $250,000.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy 2026, applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Be an established company with more than two years of continuous operations.
• Generate over $500,000 in revenue and raised capital.
• Have institutional, corporate, or public-sector partnerships.
• Currently deploy a technology-enabled circular economy solution in Africa.
• Demonstrate measurable environmental, social, and job creation impact.
• Show operational readiness to effectively deploy funding of more than $1 million.

What You’ll Gain

Successful participants will enjoy far more than financial support. Benefits include:

• A share of $2 million in prize funding.
• A $1 million Grand Prize for the winning company.
• Networking opportunities with investors, business leaders, and policymakers.
• The chance to pitch directly to industry experts and decision-makers.
• Global exposure through the Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program.
• Access to a growing innovation ecosystem that helps businesses scale across Africa.

Deadline and Application Process

Applications for the Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy 2026 are open until August 13, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time (6:00 PM UTC). Eligible companies can submit their applications through the official Milken-Motsepe Prize online portal.

Before applying, ensure your business meets all eligibility requirements and prepare evidence of your commercial success, environmental impact, partnerships, and scalability.

If your company is transforming waste into value and building a more sustainable future for Africa, this is an excellent opportunity to secure funding, gain international recognition, and accelerate your business growth.

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