FAQ
Read our Frequently Asked Questions on The Earth Prize.
Competition Structure & Winners
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Who are the Regional Winners?
The Regional Winners are the seven top teams selected from each world region participating in The Earth Prize competition. Each of the seven regions produces one winner, and the Prize is evenly divided among them.
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What are the seven Regions?
The competition recognizes the following seven regions:
- Africa
- Asia
- Central & South America
- Europe
- Middle East
- North America
- Oceania & Southeast Asia
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Who is The Earth Prize Global Winner and how is it chosen?
The Earth Prize Global Winner is the single most outstanding team selected from the seven Regional Winners. This team is chosen through public online voting.
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What is the prize breakdown for 2027?
The total prize money for The Earth Prize 2027 is $104,500:
- Regional Winners (×7): $10,000 each
- Scholars (×35): $500 each
- Continuation Fund (×12): $500 each
- Mentor of the Month (×12): $500 each
- Educators (×10): $500 each
Participation & Eligibility
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Who can participate in The Earth Prize?
The competition is open to teenage students (typically ages 13–19) worldwide who want to design impactful solutions to environmental challenges.
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Am I allowed to participate in The Earth Prize without an Educator?
Yes. Educators are no longer required to participate or to create a team. Students may now form and submit a team independently.
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Can schools submit multiple teams?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of teams a school may submit, as long as each team works independently on its own project.
Registration & Platforms
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Where do I register for The Earth Prize Competition?
You register directly through The Earth Prize Website, where you create your team account and begin the competition process.
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Where do I submit my project?
All projects must be submitted through the official submission portal provided by The Earth Prize available soon.
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Last year I had credentials. Where do I use them now?
Previous credentials are no longer valid. You must create new login details for both:
- The Earth Foundation Community
- The Earth Prize submission portal
Discord & Community
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What is The Earth Foundation Community on Discord?
The Earth Foundation Community is The Earth Prize's official Discord community — a space for students to connect, collaborate, access announcements, and interact with mentors and staff.
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What is Discord?
Discord is an online communication platform that hosts topic-based channels where users can chat via text, voice, or video. It is widely used by communities, clubs, and youth organizations.
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Do I have to join The Earth Prize Discord Community?
No, joining Discord is optional, but it is highly encouraged because it provides access to updates, support, community interaction, workshops, events and other opportunities for youth. If you can\'t join discord you will still get access to all key updates and competition information.
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How many teammates can we have?
Teams can have up to 5 students. Single-member teams are also welcome!
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What if Discord doesn't work in my country?
If Discord is blocked or unavailable in your country, you can still fully participate in The Earth Prize. Once you register, you will receive all essential information by email.
If you are unable to use Discord, you will be able to connect with mentors outside of Discord through:
If you are unable to use Discord, you will be able to connect with mentors outside of Discord through:
- Live Q&A sessions organized by The Earth Prize team, and
- The official contact form provided after registration.
Project Guidelines
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What does a submission contain?
A complete submission typically includes:
- 1) The Problem: A short explanation of the environmental problem the team is addressing, backed by evidence it’s real — a study, government or NGO report, credible news article, official statistics, or (where formal data isn’t accessible) a photo/screenshot or evidence from interviews and informal data collection.
- 2) Dig Deeper: Problem Discovery: Evidence that the team confirmed the problem is widely felt — who they talked to, why, and what they learned that surprised them or changed their thinking. A direct quote, conversation summary, or survey results with names/roles (e.g. “local farmer”, “school nurse”, “5 students at our school”).
- 3) Your Idea: A description of the proposed solution and how it directly responds to what the team heard in Problem Discovery — including whether something similar has been tried elsewhere, and whether the team checked for existing patents, trademarks, or copyright.
- 4) Create: A photo or video of something the team has made — a sketch, model, mockup, prototype, or demo — plus what challenges they faced and what they’d change. Can also include results or data from testing.
- 5) Validate Your Solution: Evidence that people have tried the solution and what they said — or, if it hasn’t been tested yet, a clear explanation of the barrier (cost, access, technical complexity) and the team’s plan to get feedback once it’s solved.
- 6) Implementation & Funding: The team’s next 2–3 steps, who they need on their side, and a specific, itemised breakdown of how they’d allocate the USD 10,000 prize money to advance their idea.
- 7) The Pitch (Video): A 60–90 second, one-continuous-take, unscripted video covering the problem, what the team did, and what’s next.
- References: Submissions to The Earth Prize must adhere to rigorous citation and referencing standards, properly acknowledging external data, research, and opinions in order to avoid plagiarism. Source referencing on The Earth Prize Submissions Platform must follow a particular footnote-based referencing standard specific to The Earth Prize competition. For instructions on how to reference your Idea, please go to the Participants Submission Guidelines.
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What is The Earth Prize Blueprint?
The Earth Prize Blueprint is the detailed submission your team completes to enter The Earth Prize. A validation-first description of the environmental or sustainability solution you are proposing. Rather than starting with the idea itself, it asks your team to show evidence the problem is real, confirm it with real people, build and test something, and only then present your proposed solution. It can be technological, scientific, entrepreneurial, or community-based.
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Who is the Team Lead?
The Team Lead is the student responsible for coordinating the team's work, inviting teammates (if any) to join the submission portal, communicating with The Earth Prize organizers, and submitting final materials on the submission portal.
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If a team has members from different regions, which region should the team choose?
If a team includes members from multiple regions, the team will follow the region of the team lead for participation purposes.
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Do I need to have a prototype?
Yes. The Blueprint’s “Create” section requires a photo or video of something you’ve made or developed so far. This doesn’t have to be an impressive or finished prototype, though: a sketch, a cardboard model, a mockup, a basic app, or even a test that didn’t work, all count. The bar is “something exists”, not “something polished”.
Competition Details
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How does the competition work?
Teams register, learn through The Earth Prize website and The Earth Foundation Community, develop their ideas, and submit their projects via the submission portal. Throughout the competition, teams gain access to learning materials, mentors, and feedback.
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What kinds of solutions are accepted?
The competition accepts any solution aimed at improving environmental sustainability — including ideas related to climate change, pollution, biodiversity, waste, water, energy, or sustainable materials.
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Is there a cost to participate?
No. Participation in The Earth Prize is free for all students and schools.
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How are submissions evaluated?
A panel of expert judges evaluates submissions against six criteria, weighted out of 25 points total:
- Problem Validation (5 pts) — is there clear evidence the problem is real and matters to the people affected?
- Proof of Concept (5 pts) — has the team built or tested something tangible and shown real user engagement (or a credible plan to get there)?
- Solution Quality (4 pts) — does the idea respond directly to the validated problem, and is it differentiated from existing approaches?
- Next Steps & Commitment (4 pts) — are there concrete next steps and identified partners or supporters?
- Feasibility & Planning (4 pts) — is there a specific, itemised financial plan and a realistic sense of risk?
- Communication & Inspiration (3 pts) — does the pitch clearly convey the idea and inspire confidence?
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What support do teams receive?
Teams may access educational resources, mentor guidance, inspirational videos, and optional community support through Discord and our website (Learning Content).
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Can projects from previous years be resubmitted?
Yes—teams may build on previous ideas, but submissions must show new development and substantial improvement.
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How do I register?
Registration is done through the official The Earth Prize website, where you create your team profile and begin the competition steps.
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What happens after winning?
Winners may receive continued visibility, networking opportunities, and support to help advance or scale their environmental solutions.
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Who organizes The Earth Prize?
The Earth Prize is organized by The Earth Foundation, a Swiss-based NGO dedicated to youth innovation and environmental sustainability.
General Participation
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Can teachers still participate in The Earth Prize?
Yes. While teachers are no longer required for students to enter the competition, educators are still highly encouraged to participate by supporting, guiding, or advising student teams.
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What is the role of an Educator in the competition now?
Educators can help students brainstorm ideas, provide academic guidance, supervise team progress, ensure safety and ethics, and act as a mentor, even though formal educator registration is no longer required.
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Can a teacher oversee multiple teams?
Yes. Teachers may support or advise as many teams as they wish, as long as each team's work is independent.
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Are teachers responsible for team registration?
No. The Team Lead can now register their own teams independently on the submission portal. Teachers may assist if needed but are not required to manage accounts.
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Are there other ways for teachers and students to participate in the Earth Prize Community if they don't take part in the competition?
Yes! Our new Educators Hub will provide ongoing professional learning opportunities and programming to engage both teachers and students as innovators for the planet. Register for our newsletter or join the Discord community to stay up-to-date.
Registration & Accounts
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Do teachers need to create an account on the submission portal?
No. Only student teams and their designated Team Lead need to register. Teachers may join the platform if they want to follow student progress, but it is optional.
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I had an Educator account last year. Can I still use it?
No. Previous accounts are no longer active. If teachers wish to participate in The Earth Prize Community or Competition they must create a new account on The Earth Prize website to receive updates and/or join the Discord Community.
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Can teachers join The Earth Foundation Community?
Yes. Teachers are welcome to join The Earth Foundation Community on Discord to receive updates, communicate with organizers, and interact with the community.
Supporting Students
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How should teachers support students in developing their Earth Prize Blueprint?
Teachers can help guide research, encourage critical thinking, ensure students understand environmental topics, and support brainstorming. However, the idea and work must remain student-driven.
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How much involvement is allowed from educators?
Educators may provide advice, guidance, and structure, but the project must be student-created. Teachers cannot complete the submission or create the main content.
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Can teachers review student submissions before they are sent?
Yes. Teachers can provide feedback, help ensure clarity, and check for completeness, but the Team Lead must submit through the portal.
Educational Materials
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Are there teaching materials or lesson plans available?
Yes. The Earth Prize offers educational content, learning videos, and sustainability modules that teachers can use to introduce students to environmental topics. Educators are especially encouraged to join the Educator Hub.
Our new Educator Hub will provide ongoing professional learning opportunities and programming designed to engage both teachers and students as innovators for the planet. To stay up to date, educators can register for our newsletter or join our Discord community.
Our new Educator Hub will provide ongoing professional learning opportunities and programming designed to engage both teachers and students as innovators for the planet. To stay up to date, educators can register for our newsletter or join our Discord community.
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Can these materials be incorporated into classroom teaching?
Absolutely. Teachers are encouraged to integrate the resources into their curriculum, extracurricular programs, or project-based learning activities.
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Do students have to follow the platform learning modules?
While not mandatory, the learning modules provide valuable background knowledge and can greatly strengthen student submissions.
Project Requirements
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Do teams need a prototype?
Yes. The Blueprint’s “Create” section requires a photo or video of something you’ve made or developed so far. This doesn’t have to be an impressive or finished prototype, though: a sketch, a cardboard model, a mockup, a basic app, or even a test that didn’t work, all count. The bar is “something exists”, not “something polished”.
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What should teachers know about safety and ethics?
Educators should ensure students follow safe research practices, respect local regulations, and avoid using materials or methods that pose risks.
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Can teachers help teams conduct experiments?
Yes—teachers may supervise experiments, help students access equipment, ensure safety, and provide academic support.
Competition Process
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How are submissions evaluated?
A panel of expert judges evaluates submissions against six criteria, weighted out of 25 points total: Problem Validation (5), Proof of Concept (5), Solution Quality (4), Next Steps & Commitment (4), Feasibility & Planning (4), and Communication & Inspiration (3). Teachers do not participate in judging.
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How many teams from a single school can participate?
There is no limit. Schools may register as many student teams as they want.
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What if students want to participate independently of school?
This is allowed. Students can join the competition without formal school involvement, although teacher guidance is still welcomed.
After the Competition
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Do teachers receive recognition?
While the competition is student-focused, educators may receive acknowledgment for mentorship, participation, and impact, depending on the year's guidelines.
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Can teachers continue mentoring teams after the competition?
Yes. Teachers can support students in further developing or implementing their ideas, even after the competition cycle ends.
About the Mentors
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Who are The Earth Prize Mentors?
The Earth Prize Mentors are a global community of volunteers — students, professionals, researchers, educators, retirees, and other passionate individuals — with backgrounds in sustainability, science, innovation, engineering, entrepreneurship, or related fields. They guide teams by offering expertise, feedback, and inspiration to help students build confidence and strengthen their ideas, while ensuring all work remains student-led: Mentors guide, challenge, encourage, and inspire — they don’t design or deliver projects on students’ behalf.
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What is the role of a Mentor?
Mentors help students:
- Understand environmental issues
- Strengthen their research and strategy
- Improve the clarity and feasibility of their idea
- Receive professional insights from real-world sustainability work
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Are Mentors assigned to specific teams?
Typically, mentors interact with students through the designated mentorship features on the platform or Discord channels. The structure may vary by year, but mentors are generally available to support multiple teams.
Reaching Mentors
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How can students contact mentors?
Students can reach mentors through:
- The Earth Foundation Community on Discord, in designated mentor-support channels
- Official Q&A or mentorship sessions hosted during the season
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Can mentors and students communicate via email or personal accounts?
No. For safety and security, all student–mentor communication must remain within The Earth Prize's official platforms (e.g., Discord, the submission portal, or scheduled sessions).
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Are mentors available throughout the entire competition?
Yes, though availability may vary. Mentors commit to at least 2 hours per month and typically engage across key phases — helping teams during the Registration and Submissions Phases as they develop their Earth Prize Blueprint, and again during the Scholar Phase, where each Scholar Team is matched 1:1 with a Mentor.
Mentors' Responsibilities & Guidelines
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What are mentors expected to do?
Mentors are expected to:
- Provide knowledgeable, constructive feedback
- Encourage creativity and problem-solving
- Ask guiding questions rather than giving answers
- Help students understand environmental topics
- Promote safe and ethical project development
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What are mentors not allowed to do?
Mentors cannot:
- Create ideas for students
- Write or edit the project submission
- Run the team's experiments or build prototypes
- Share personal contact information
- Mentor outside official Earth Prize channels
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How much time should mentors dedicate?
Time commitments are flexible. Many mentors contribute a few hours during peak phases, while others provide more in-depth guidance depending on availability.
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How do mentors ensure student safety?
Mentors must:
- Follow The Earth Prize's communication guidelines
- Keep all interactions on official channels
- Maintain professionalism at all times
- Report any concerns to organizers
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Can mentors decline questions or redirect students?
Absolutely. Mentors may redirect students to additional learning materials or other experts if a question exceeds their expertise.