The Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy is a global competition run by the Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program — a partnership between the Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation. It challenges companies to prove that a circular-economy model can be commercially viable and scalable across Africa, keeping materials in use and out of landfill. Teams compete across three rounds — application, a pitch event, and a final grand-prize submission — for a share of US$2 million. Judging weighs commercial viability, market scalability, workforce and social impact, and circularity and environmental impact. The program targets solutions in agriculture and food systems, plastics and packaging, electronics, textiles, and construction and the built environment.
Benefits & funding
- Total prize pool of US$2 million.
- Grand prize: US$1,000,000; runner-up: US$250,000.
- 10 semifinalists each receive US$50,000.
- 5 finalists each receive US$50,000.
- Free to register and participate — no entry fee.
Eligibility
- A company or team, not an individual — open regardless of nationality.
- More than two years of continuous business operations.
- More than US$500,000 in cumulative revenue and raised capital.
- A solution currently deployed on the African continent.
- Existing institutional, corporate, and/or public-sector partnerships.
- Clear evidence of social impact and job creation, and readiness to deploy US$1M+ in funding.
- Entities or individuals from US-embargoed countries or on the OFAC Specially Designated Nationals list, and Milken Institute / Motsepe Foundation staff and their families, are excluded.
Can you apply?
Open to all applicants
No nationality, residency, education, or experience limits are listed.
We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Register and sign in at the prize portal (portal.milkenmotsepeprize.org).
- 2Complete the online application and submit supporting materials before the deadline.
- 3Round 1 — applications are reviewed and 10 semifinalists are announced.
- 4Round 2 — semifinalists pitch to judges; 5 finalists are selected.
- 5Round 3 — finalists submit final materials; the grand-prize winner and runner-up are announced.
Program timeline
Submission window opens.
6 May 2026
Application deadline — late submissions are disqualified.
13 Aug 2026 (18:00 UTC)
10 semifinalists announced.
By October 2026
Pitch event and 5 finalists announced.
Q4 2026
Later in the cycle
Grand-prize winner and runner-up announced.