Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy
Applications are now open for the Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy, a global innovation prize that seeks to identify and support high-growth, technology-enabled companies transforming circular economy practices across Africa.
With US$2 million in total prize funding, the competition recognises commercially viable businesses that reduce waste, extend the lifecycle of materials, and create measurable environmental, economic and social impact through circular business models.
Beyond funding, participating companies will gain access to global investors, industry leaders, strategic partners and networking opportunities designed to accelerate business growth and scale across the African continent.
Prize Funding
The Milken-Motsepe Prize offers US$2 million in total prize funding.
Prize Breakdown
- Grand Prize: US$1,000,000
- Runner-up Prize: US$250,000
- Semifinalists: Up to 10 teams receive US$50,000 each
- Finalists: Up to 5 teams receive US$50,000 each
Successful companies will also benefit from investor exposure, strategic partnerships and opportunities to pitch to industry leaders.
Purpose of the Prize
The prize aims to accelerate African businesses that are using technology to advance circular economy solutions capable of:
- Reducing waste
- Keeping products and materials in circulation
- Improving resource efficiency
- Creating sustainable value chains
- Driving job creation
- Delivering measurable environmental and social impact
The programme seeks businesses with proven commercial traction and strong potential for regional and continental scale.
Focus Areas
Applications are encouraged from companies operating within industries including:
- Agriculture & Food Systems
- Plastics & Packaging
- Electronics
- Textiles
- Construction & the Built Environment
Innovations from other sectors demonstrating strong circular economy principles are also encouraged where relevant.
Who Should Apply?
The competition is designed for established African businesses that have already demonstrated commercial success and are ready to scale.
Ideal applicants include:
- Startups
- Scale-ups
- SMEs
- Technology companies
- Circular economy innovators
- Green technology businesses
- Manufacturing innovators
- Recycling and waste management companies
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Have operated continuously for more than two years
- Generate more than US$500,000 in revenue and raised capital
- Have institutional, corporate and/or public-sector partnerships
- Have a solution currently deployed on the African continent
- Demonstrate measurable social impact and job creation
- Show operational readiness to effectively deploy US$1 million or more in funding
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed on:
- Commercial viability
- Market scalability
- Circular economy innovation
- Environmental impact
- Social impact and workforce development
- Technology integration
- Resource efficiency
Why This Opportunity Matters
Africa's transition to a circular economy presents significant opportunities to reduce waste, create jobs and strengthen sustainable industries.
The Milken-Motsepe Prize is more than a funding competition—it is a platform that connects innovative businesses with investors, strategic partners and global visibility. For African companies already demonstrating market traction, the prize provides catalytic funding and international recognition to accelerate growth and maximise impact.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 6 May 2026 (20:00 UTC)
- Application Deadline: 13 August 2026 (18:00 UTC)
- Semifinalists Announced: October 2026
- Finalist Pitch Event: December 2026
- Grand Prize Winners Announced: May 2027
Click HERE to visit the official website.