Deadline:31St August, 2026
The Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy calls on scalable companies using technology to enhance circular economy practices across a variety of industries in Africa. This prize offers $2 million in total prizes, including a $1 million Grand Prize. Participating companies will also gain access to exclusive networking and the opportunity to pitch to industry leaders and key decision-makers.
The winning team will demonstrate a commercially viable, technology-enabled circular economy business operating in Africa with a clear path to scale. The business will reduce waste, keep materials in circulation, and deliver measurable environmental and social impact through stronger, more resource-efficient value chains. Teams will be evaluated based on commercial viability, market scalability, workforce and social impact, and circularity and environmental impact.
Teams from a variety of businesses are encouraged to apply and teams will be required to submit category-specific metrics from industries such as the following:
- Agriculture & Food Systems
- Plastics & Packaging
- Electronics
- Textiles
- Construction & The Built Environment
Award Rounds
- Application Submission & Semifinalist Announcement
- Teams submit their designs and business models.
- Ten teams will advance in the prize as semifinalists and receive $50,000.
2. Pitch Event & Finalist Announcement
- Semifinalists will pitch their innovations to industry leaders and decision-makers.
- A panel of judges will select five teams to advance as Finalists and receive $50,000 each.
3. Grand Prize Submission & Announcement
- Finalist companies will submit materials for the grand prize submission (sign into the Prize Portal to view the full rules).
- The winning team will receive $1 million and the runner-up will receive $250,000.
Eligibility
We are seeking companies that meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Over 2 years of continuous operation
- Over $500k in revenue and raised capital
- Institutional, corporate, and/or public‑sector partnerships
- Solution currently deployed on the African continent
- Clear evidence of social impact and job creation
- Demonstrated operational readiness to deploy $1M+ in funding
For more information and application.