Building something that helps people or the planet? Start here.
Cash and expert support for one founder building a business with real environmental or social impact, anywhere in the wider MENA region. Idea stage to fully operating — all of it welcome.
Each account may enter one award only — choose the one that fits your work best.
- Applications close
- 10 September 2026
- Winners announced
- late October 2026
Impact, not industry
This award isn't limited to green businesses. If what you're building genuinely helps the environment or genuinely helps people — a circular product, a service that gets someone into work, a solution to a health or education gap — you're in scope. We ask what kind of impact you create, not what sector you're in.
Who it's for
Founders and co-founders building a business around environmental or social impact. Any stage — an idea with real potential, something you've started building, or already operating with impact happening today.
What counts as impact
Two kinds, and many startups are both.
Green impact
- Circular economy — waste, reuse, repair and recycling
- Resource efficiency — water, energy, materials
- Clean energy and emissions
- Pollution reduction
- Nature and biodiversity
- Sustainable production and consumption
- Environmental awareness
Social impact
- Reducing poverty
- Jobs and income for those who need them most
- Education and skills
- Health and wellbeing
- Inclusion and equality
- Access to basic services
- Stronger communities
If your work doesn't fit any of these, tell us in your own words on the form — the list is there to help you, not to rule you out.
How your application is judged
Proof it's real
How strong is the evidence that the impact is genuinely happening? Real data, adoption, outcomes.
Clear impact
How significant, credible and clear is the environmental or social benefit?
Clarity and communication
How well are the problem, the solution and the impact communicated?
Innovation
How novel or clever is the approach compared with what already exists?
Entry is open to all. Impact that is already happening, and can be demonstrated, scores most strongly.
Impact that's already happening scores most strongly. Idea stage is genuinely welcome — just be honest about which one you are.
Key dates
- Applications close
- 10 September 2026
- Winners announced
- late October 2026
Apply in Arabic, English or French
Questions
Do I need a registered company?
No. Entry is not restricted by stage, revenue, company registration, or the age of the startup. There is no requirement to show revenue, profitability, or a minimum trading history.
What if I only have an idea?
An idea-stage applicant is fully eligible to enter. Entry is open to all — and impact that is already happening, and can be demonstrated, scores most strongly.
Do I have to be based in the region?
You may be based anywhere, provided the startup has a genuine impact connection to the wider MENA region.
Who owns my idea?
You do. Applicants retain ownership of their own ideas, materials and content.