The Wege Prize is an international student competition that invites young people to work in teams and create new ideas for a better future.
Every year, student teams from different countries join the Wege Prize to design solutions that can change the way economies work. It is about moving away from waste and pollution and creating systems that last.
The focus is on solving “wicked problems.” These are tough problems like waste mismanagement, climate change, or lack of resources. Teams must use the idea of a circular economy (where nothing is wasted, and everything is reused or renewed).
The competition is not just about ideas, but about real, practical solutions. Teams will go through a step-by-step process, starting from brainstorming to developing a clear plan that could work in the real world.
Funding and other benefits
- The total prize money is $65,000 (USD). The first-place team will get $30,000, second place $20,000, third place $10,000, and two finalist teams will each get $2,500.
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Teams will receive mentorship, global recognition, and the chance to join a worldwide network of problem-solvers.
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This is an opportunity to learn, grow, and create a solution that could help the planet.
Application criteria
Teams must design a product, service, or system that follows the three core principles of the circular economy:
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Eliminate waste and pollution by seeing them as design problems.
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Circulate products and materials so they can be reused, repaired, or remade.
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Regenerate nature by building systems that support water, soil, and ecosystems.
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Who can apply?
- Students must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate program and remain enrolled through at least December 15, 2025.
- Each team must have five members, with at least three different fields of study and at least two different schools or universities represented.
Deadline and how to apply
Applications are open till October 5, 2025. Click HERE to begin.
The Wege Prize is an annual international student competition encouraging young innovators to develop new ideas for sustainable futures.
Student teams from around the world create solutions to transform economies by addressing "wicked problems" such as waste mismanagement and climate change through the principles of a circular economy, which focuses on eliminating waste, circulating resources, and regenerating nature.
The competition emphasizes practical solutions, moving from brainstorming to concrete plans. Prize money totaling $65,000 is awarded, with additional benefits such as mentorship, global recognition, and networking opportunities.
Participants are guided to create products, services, or systems aligned with circular economy principles, emphasizing waste elimination, resource circulation, and nature regeneration.
Eligible teams consist of five students from diverse fields and universities, enrolled in educational programs through at least December 2025.
Applications for the Wege Prize 2025 are open until October 5, 2025.
This competition challenges participants to ideate and implement solutions for positive global impact.
