2026 Milken-Motsepe Prize for the Circular Economy (US$2 million)

Description

The Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation are dedicating the latest edition of their innovation award to the circular economy, with $2 million in prize money for technology companies that transform waste and resources into value on the African continent. The grand prize is $1 million, the second prize is $250,000, and both semifinalists and finalists each receive $50,000 : meaning fifteen teams will receive funding even before the finals. The competition targets companies that are already operational: more than two years of continuous activity, more than $500,000 in cumulative revenue and capital raised, a solution effectively deployed in Africa, established institutional or commercial partnerships, a documented social impact (particularly in job creation), and the operational capacity to absorb more than $1 million. All sectors of the circular economy are eligible: agricultural waste recovery, recycling of electronic equipment, textiles, construction materials, plastics, and more. Registration takes place on the award’s official portal, where the complete rules are available. The announced registration deadline is August 13, 2026; this date must be confirmed on the official portal at the time of application. For a growing African circular economy company, this award combines non-dilutive funding of exceptional magnitude, international exposure to investors, and entry into the Milken Institute network : one of the most powerful visibility accelerators for impact-driven companies on the continent.

Official source and verification

Eligibility criteria

• More than 2 years of continuous operation
• More than $500,000 in cumulative revenue and capital raised
• Solution currently deployed in Africa
• Established institutional, commercial, or public partnerships
• Documented social impact, particularly in job creation
• Operational capacity to deploy more than 1 million USD

Application procedure