The Wilkes Climate Innovation Prize supports both nonprofits and for-profit organisations, public sectors and research teams with funding of up to $250,000 to target initiatives in climate change, energy and economic solutions. The prize award seeks to accelerate promising solutions toward real-world validation and implementation. Applications for this current round close on February 28, 2026.
About The Wilkes Climate Innovation Prize
The Wilkes Centre for Climate Science and Policy at the University of Utah awards the prize to eligible for-profit and nonprofit organisations, researchers and public institutions worldwide. The organisation is a research and policy centre focused on advancing science-based responses to climate challenges.
The 2026 prize awards seek to provide practical solutions for climate mitigation, resilience and risk management. The prize award is an annual program that targets technology, finance and policy.
Funding Size
- Typical grant amount: $250,000 USD
- Maximum award: $250,000 USD
- Project duration supported: 6-18 months
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Who Can Apply for the Wilkes Climate Innovation Prize
- Eligible organisation types:
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- Nonprofit organisations.
- For-profit organisations
- Academic and research teams
- Public sectors
- Registration requirements
- Geographic eligibility: Global
- Sector or thematic focus:
- Climate mitigation
- Energy and economy ecosystem
Application Process
- Visit the official application page to review the guidelines.
- Complete the online application form with the necessary details.
- Submit your proposal and required materials by the deadline.
- Applications are reviewed by a panel of independent judges.
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Required Materials
- Project proposal
- Budget
- Proof of organisation registration
- Supporting documents
Key Dates
- Application deadline: February 28, 2026
- Notification timeline: March-April. Semi-finalists and finalists are notified.
- Winner announcements: September
Selection Notes
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- The prize is highly competitive, with global attention on climate innovation projects.
- Priority focus areas: Climate and energy innovation goals
- Exclusions:
- Projects that do not focus on climate mitigation and energy innovation.
Official Source of the Wilkes Climate Innovation Prize
- Official Application Page: https://wilkescenter.utah.edu/prize/2026-climate-innovation-prize/
