The Wege Prize 2026 is an annual international competition designed for college and university students.
It invites young innovators to collaborate across cultures, institutions, and disciplines to create solutions for the circular economy.
Organized by The Ellen MacArthur Foundation in the United Kingdom, the competition addresses urgent global challenges like climate change and resource scarcity.
Thus, African students gain access to a powerful entrepreneurship contest that combines visibility, funding, and mentorship.
About the program and its objectives
The Wege Prize 2026 empowers students to rethink economies through circular solutions.
Participants are expected to develop projects based on three principles: eliminating waste, circulating materials, and regenerating natural systems.
By redesigning products, services, or systems, students contribute to tackling “wicked problems.”
In addition, the contest emphasizes solutions that are innovative, viable, and scalable.
Eligibility and team requirements
Participation in the Wege Prize 2026 follows strict criteria.
Each team must include five members exactly.
They must represent at least three different academic disciplines and two separate higher education institutions.
Furthermore, all participants must be full-time students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate programs worldwide.
Thus, the competition ensures diversity and strong collaboration across backgrounds.
Benefits of joining Wege Prize 2026
The Wege Prize 2026, hosted by The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, provides several advantages.
- A total prize fund of 65,000 USD for winning teams.
- Access to expert judges and continuous feedback.
- Opportunities for international collaboration and recognition.
- Support in turning innovative ideas into real, scalable solutions.
Moreover, finalist teams may receive up to 3,000 USD in travel reimbursement to present at the Awards Ceremony.
This combination of funding and mentorship makes the competition a key funding opportunity for African innovators.
Competition timeline and key dates
The contest unfolds in four main phases over nine months.
- August 8, 2025: Applications open.
- October 5, 2025: Team application deadline.
- December 15, 2025: Phase 2 – first project draft.
- February 22, 2026: Phase 3 – semifinalist submission.
- May 10, 2026: Final project submission.
- May 15, 2026: Final presentations and Awards Ceremony in Michigan, USA.
Thus, students follow a structured journey from initial ideas to final presentations.
How to apply for Prize
Applications for Wege Prize 2026 are submitted online.
👉 Apply directly on the official platform
Each application must present:
- The chosen “wicked problem.”
- The systemic factors involved.
- The proposed circular economy solution.
- The stakeholders and methods of engagement.
In addition, teams should show how their projects contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Additional opportunities for African entrepreneurs
Beyond the Wege Prize 2026, African students and startups can explore other competitions.
📌 Discover calls for projects in French
📌 Explore funding opportunities in English
These initiatives provide further funding, mentorship, and global exposure for entrepreneurs.
Conclusion
The Wege Prize 2026, led by The Ellen MacArthur Foundation (United Kingdom), represents a unique chance for student innovators in Africa and worldwide.
By offering funding, mentorship, and international recognition, it stands as a major student entrepreneurship competition.
In addition, it supports Africa’s role in building sustainable, circular economies for the future.
Thus, the Wege Prize 2026 is more than a contest: it is an opportunity to redesign our economies for lasting impact.