Zayed Sustainability Prize Opens Applications for 2026–2027 Cycle

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The international Zayed Sustainability Prize has announced the opening of the application cycle for 2026–2027. Established in honor of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the initiative supports sustainable development and humanitarian innovation.

The prize is awarded to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), non-profit organizations, and high schools implementing projects in health, food security, energy, water, climate action, and the "Global High Schools" category. For 18 years, the prize has recognized initiatives that improve quality of life and promote sustainability.

The impact of previous laureates is substantial. Recent winners include Jade (UAE), which developed an AI system for early childhood development detection now used in 179 countries; the BASE Foundation (Switzerland), whose "Cooling-as-a-Service" model has reduced CO₂ emissions by 81,000 tons; and Stattus4 (Brazil), which uses AI and IoT to save 540 million liters of water daily for nearly 4 million people.

For the current cycle, the total prize fund has been increased to US$7.2 million. Winners in the five main categories will receive US$1 million each, while school category winners will receive $150,000. Additionally, finalists will receive support grants of US$100,000 for organizations and US$25,000 for schools.

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Director General of the Prize, noted that the initiative focuses on solutions providing measurable contributions to vulnerable populations. Over its history, the prize has positively impacted more than 400 million people worldwide.

Applications remain open until 22 June 2026.