Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Zayed Sustainability Prize has expanded its support, announcing funding for all its finalists for the 2027 edition after adopting the same approach in the 2026 edition. In a move that reflects the evolution of the award’s role from a platform for honoring to an integrated support system that accompanies projects in their various stages. It contributes to accelerating its implementation on the ground.
All finalists will receive grants worth $100,000 for individual projects and $25,000 for student teams. In confirmation that reaching this stage is no longer the end of the path. Rather, it is an actual beginning towards implementation and expansion.
This approach embodies the award’s commitment to supporting solutions that have proven their readiness and ability to make a tangible impact in their communities.
Final nomination
During the last edition of the award, 33 finalists were selected in categories including health, food, energy, water, climate action and global high schools. While a limited number of them were crowned winners, the remaining finalists also received financial support. 22 projects were funded to contribute to developing and expanding its solutions. Ensuring that promising innovations are not overlooked, but rather effectively enable them to grow and achieve tangible impact.
The approach extends the UAE’s role in supporting initiatives that contribute to addressing development and environmental challenges around the world. Through the award, it continues to consolidate its position as an active partner in enabling innovation and enhancing the ability of communities to deal with challenges in the areas of water, energy, food and health.
realistic models
The approach is demonstrated in realistic models from the field. In South Korea, eGreen Global is a small to medium-sized company developing innovative solutions in the agricultural sector. Disease-free potato seeds are produced using micro-tuber technology within indoor plant factories.
The technology has contributed to providing more than 10 million potato seeds annually, benefiting approximately 15 million people. In an example that reflects the role of innovation in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of food production.
In Lebanon, a team of public school students developed a surface water purification system that integrates solar energy with artificial intelligence. The award’s support enabled them to develop their prototype and test it in the field. Which contributed to transforming a student idea into a viable project.
Global interest in the award
The last edition of the award recorded a record 7,761 applications from 173 countries, a 30% increase compared to the previous edition. This reflects growing global interest in the award and confidence in its role in supporting innovators and expanding the scope of their solutions.
The participating projects varied between health solutions supported by artificial intelligence, circular diets, initiatives to adapt to climate change, and innovative solutions in the fields of energy and water. Which reflects the nature of the challenges targeted by the award and the solutions it supports.
The humanitarian impact of the award has reached more than 411 million beneficiaries around the world. Safe water reached 12 million people, and healthy food was provided to 27 million. Health care services extended to 79 million, while electricity illuminated 54 million homes.
This impact reflects the role the award plays in supporting practical solutions that contribute to improving the lives of communities and enhancing their ability to meet challenges.
The award reinforces this trend through the “Post-2020” initiative, which contributed to improving the lives of 429,800 people in 19 countries by delivering the solutions of the winners and finalists to the communities most in need.
The award is currently receiving applications to participate in its 2027 session from small and medium-sized companies, non-profit institutions and secondary schools. Applications will close on June 22, 2026. The winners will be announced during the awards ceremony, which will be held in Abu Dhabi in January 2027.
