The Young Climate Prize is a biannual mentorship and award program founded by The World Around to identify, mentor, and empower global climate leaders under 25 who are tackling urgent social and environmental challenges.
About Young Climate Prize
More than an award, The World Around's Young Climate Prize cultivates a powerful international community of changemakers, whose lived experience and creative vision drive tangible, scalable climate solutions around the world. Since its launch in 2022, the program has supported 50 young innovators from 35 countries, working on solutions ranging from waste management and alternative fuel sources to material innovation and even birdwatching. Every two years, 25 finalists under 25 are selected through a global open call and paired with leading architects and designers as mentors—past Design Champions have included Bruce Mau, Paola Antonelli, and Formafantasma. At the end of the program, four winners are selected to showcase their work on stage at The World Around Summit—a sold-out event that takes place at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
CYCLE 03 TIMELINE
OCTOBER 2025Open Call for Nominations
We launch our global search for nominees to take part in Cycle 03. Know a changemaker who’s 25 or under? Put them forward for the Young Climate Prize!
APRIL 2026Applications Open
Cycle 03 open for applications Earth Day 2026! If you're under 25 leading a climate action project, this is your chance to be mentored by global experts, and win a trip to present your work in New York City. Individuals and teams worldwide are invited to apply.
JUNE 2026Applications Close
The application period ends. Our team begins reviewing submissions from the next generation of climate pioneers.
SEPTEMBER 202625 Under 25 Announced
During NY Climate Week 25 young changemakers will be announced as finalists for Cycle 03. We welcome the new cohort shaping the future of climate action.
SEPTEMBER 2026Design Academy Begins
Our finalists enter a three-month academy of workshops, lectures, and mentorship guided by global Design Champions.
JANUARY 2027Jury Convenes
The jury reviews each finalist’s progress and project impact to select the next generation of prize honorees.
FEBRUARY 2027Winners Announced
Three prize winners and a special jury honoree are revealed and celebrated for their leadership and innovation.
APRIL 2027Winners Present at Summit 2027
The prize culminates in a public presentation at The World Around Summit during Earth Week in New York City.
YOUNG CLIMATE PRIZE EVENTS
WATCH YOUNG CLIMATE STORIES
Explore Young Climate Stories—our original film series capturing candid conversations between mentors and the youth reshaping our planet.
Jon Marshall & Stanley Anigbogu
Bruce Mau & Covalence Global
Paola Antonelli & Alfonse Chiu
Henk Ovink & Namra Khalid
Past Prize Winners
Our winners from Cycle 01 and 02 were chosen by an elite jury of experts for the quality and impact of their projects.
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Alumni
Meet the brilliant past finalists who participated in Cycles 01 and 02 and continue to lead bold climate action—locally rooted, globally connected, and creatively unstoppable.
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ALUMNI VIDEOS
Discover the self-made films from our Young Climate Prize cohorts and experience the powerful voices and ideas of a new generation of global changemakers.
Uru Uru Team
Hyapak
Corn Furniture
GeoTek
LightEd
Nomad Garden
The Color, Green
Ecovironment
“The World Around creates space for voices, ideas, and solutions that often go unheard, especially from the Global South. Being part of this community reminds me that design isn’t just about structures; it’s about systems, dignity, and justice. I’m hopeful because I see a generation rising, builders, dreamers, and changemakers, who are reimagining both our built and natural environments with empathy, urgency, and care.”
PAST JURY
An extraordinary international jury of world-renowned experts and luminaries dedicated their time to selecting three winners from the cohort of 25 under 25
Past Design Champions
A global network of leading architects, artists, curators, scientists, and storytellers who volunteer their time to mentor, teach, and uplift the next generation of climate leaders.
“The World Around provides a powerful source of hope for young people by creating a platform where we can share our work aimed at preserving the planet. In a time when it’s easy to feel disheartened about the future, this space helps us unite our voices, challenge existing boundaries, and inspire new ways of thinking. It has reignited my belief that the Earth can still be saved, and that by amplifying and expanding these efforts globally, we can make a meaningful and lasting impact ”
Partners
Our work is made possible thanks to the support of our generous and engaged community.
Young Climate Prize Design Partner
Young Climate Design Partner
“MillerKnoll Foundation is honored to support the work of The World Around and Young Climate Prize. The truly amazing youth in this program give us hope for the future. Their insights and ideas align with our belief in the collective power of people, partnerships, and philanthropy, fueled by design, to create a better world. ”