Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy 2026

The Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy is a competition designed for scalable companies that utilize technology to advance circular economy practices across various industries within Africa. The prize offers a total of $2 million in funding, including a $1 million Grand Prize. Participants also gain access to exclusive networking opportunities and the chance to pitch their innovations to industry leaders and key decision-makers. Eligible companies must demonstrate over two years of continuous operation, possess more than $500k in revenue and raised capital, and have established institutional, corporate, or public-sector partnerships. Furthermore, their solution must be currently deployed on the African continent, show clear evidence of social impact and job creation, and demonstrate operational readiness to deploy $1M+ in funding. The winning team is expected to present a commercially viable, technology-enabled circular economy business operating in Africa with a clear path to scale, focusing on reducing waste, keeping materials in circulation, and delivering measurable environmental and social impact through more resource-efficient value chains. Teams are evaluated based on commercial viability, market scalability, workforce and social impact, and circularity and environmental impact. Key industries of focus include Agriculture & Food Systems, Plastics & Packaging, Electronics, Textiles, and Construction & The Built Environment.

Teams are required to submit their designs and business models. Semifinalists will then pitch their innovations to industry leaders and decision-makers. Finalist companies will submit additional materials for the grand prize submission.