Young Climate Prize 2026

Details

On the occasion of Earth Day 2026, global nonprofit organization The World Around announces that applications are open for the third cycle of its Young Climate Prize, an accelerator that supports changemakers under the age of 25 who are living and working on the front lines of the climate crisis.

For this third program cycle, Young Climate Prize is proud to be supported by its Design Partner MillerKnoll and its Initiative Partner OBEL. This support represents a major recognition of the program’s capacity to empower collective intelligence across generations and regions, and position design thinking as an invaluable tool in leading and scaling impactful climate action.

The Young Climate Prize creates a community of innovators whose lived experience and creative vision drive tangible, scalable climate solutions around the world. Their self-initiated projects are grounded in communities, tested in real-world conditions, and designed for adaptation across regions. Since its launch in 2022, the program has supported 50 young people from 35 countries, working on solutions ranging from waste management and alternative fuel sources to material innovation and even birdwatching.

Each biennial program cycle, a cohort of climate leaders is selected through a global open call. Following the cohort selection, each young person is strategically paired with a mentor whose experience, expertise, and network can help advance their initiatives via one-on-one sessions.

Through the Young Climate Prize Design Academy, the full cohort participates in a series of masterclasses designed to develop their personal and professional skills, as well as strengthen, scale, and deepen the impact of their projects. Together, the mentors and masterclass hosts comprise a multidisciplinary, international group of experts at the leading edge of their respective fields.

Confirmed mentors and master class hosts for Cycle 03 include:
Paola Antonelli
Al Borde
Humberto Campana
Douglas Cardinal
Aric Chen
Vishaan Chakrabarti
Carson Chan
And more

At the end of the program, an international jury will convene to select the cycle’s three winners—the Young Climate Designer, Young Climate Visionary, and Young Climate Voice—who will present their projects at The World Around Summit 2027, the organization’s flagship annual program dedicated to “Architecture’s Now, Near & Next” in New York City.

“Being part of this community reminds me that design isn’t just about products or buildings;
it’s about systems, dignity, and justice.”
—Stanley Anigbogu, Founder, LightEd and Young Climate Prize Cycle 01 Alumnus

This cycle of the Young Climate Prize builds on the successes of two previous cohorts. Past participants have leveraged tools gained through the Young Climate Prize to win prestigious fellowships and awards, including programs supported by the United Nations, 776 Foundation, and the Swarovski Foundation. Many have formed collaborative relationships with other cohort members and industry leaders they met during the program.

“Through my participation in The World Around Young Climate Prize, I realized that when we want to talk about nature, borders do not exist. We need spaces to share our struggles, build partnerships, show vulnerability and to lean into the hope that there are more people interested in supporting the work that we are doing.”
—Dayana Blanco Quiroga, Jury Prize winner, Young Climate Prize Cycle 0

Application Information
Applications for Young Climate Prize Cycle 03 close on June 30, 2026, at 11:59pm EDT. The Prize welcomes applications from anyone between the ages of 13 and 25, anywhere in the world, who is leading a self-initiated climate action project with demonstrable impact. No prior training or formal qualifications are required. Application and participation in the program are free. Submissions are accepted in English or Spanish.