Rolex Awards for Enterprise - Environment and Exploration

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Enriched International · Found: 2026-03-10 22:07

Supports pioneering projects in environment, science, exploration. 200,000 CHF for Laureates, 100,000 CHF for Associate Laureates. Many marine-focused projects.

Source: https://www.rolex.org/rolex-awards/

Funding Details

Funder: Rolex (Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative)
Funding Goal: Support exceptional individuals with innovative projects that improve life on the planet, expand knowledge, propose solutions to major challenges, or preserve natural and cultural heritage. Focus areas include environment, science and health, applied technology, exploration, and cultural heritage.
Funding Amount: 200,000 CHF for Laureates; 100,000 CHF for Associate Laureates (approx. 200,000 and 100,000 EUR respectively)
Deadline: Periodic, typically every two years. Most recent cycle: 2023 laureates. Next cycle expected circa 2025-2026. (periodic)
How to Apply: Applications submitted via rolex.org. An independent jury of international experts selects laureates through a process involving peer review, assessment, interview, and evaluation. Applications reviewed on a competitive basis.
Target Region: Global
Contact: accessibility@rolex.com (general accessibility); contact via rolex.org
Last Checked: 2026-03-15 12:49

Application Checklist

Eligibility

Applicant must be an individual, not an organisation
Applicant must demonstrate a spirit of enterprise and leadership
No specific nationality restrictions — open to individuals globally
Candidates should have limited access to traditional funding channels

Project Scope

Project must fall within: environment, science & health, applied technology, exploration, or cultural heritage
Project must be original and demonstrate potential for significant impact

Required Documents

Application submitted via rolex.org online portal when open

Constraints

Award cycle is approximately biennial — check website for open application periods

Summary

The Rolex Awards for Enterprise are a prestigious global prize programme established in 1976 by Rolex as part of its Perpetual Planet Initiative. The programme supports exceptional individuals worldwide who demonstrate a spirit of enterprise and are carrying out pioneering projects with the potential to create a better world. The most recent cohort of laureates was selected in 2023, with new cycles expected approximately every two years. The programme covers five thematic categories: environment, science and health, applied technology, exploration, and cultural heritage. Within the environment category, past laureates have worked on projects including saving endangered species via satellite remote sensing, community-led reforestation, and protecting tropical forests. The programme does not restrict entries to any specific technical domain, and innovators from all backgrounds and disciplines are eligible. Eligible activities include scientific research, applied technology development, environmental conservation, cultural heritage preservation, exploration, and social innovation. The key criterion is that projects must be original and demonstrate the potential for significant, lasting impact. Projects with a clear implementation plan and feasibility are prioritised. The programme is global with no geographic restrictions; applicants from any nationality are welcome. Laureates are chosen from all continents, with the founding spirit rooted in helping pioneers who lack access to traditional funding channels. Applicants must be individuals (not organisations). An independent international jury — typically comprising explorers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and educators — selects laureates through a rigorous process of peer review, assessment, and interview. There is no specific partnership requirement. Laureates receive a cash grant (200,000 CHF for full Laureates; 100,000 CHF for Associate Laureates), access to the network of 160+ past Laureates, international media exposure, and a Rolex chronometer. No co-funding is required from the applicant.

Historical Context

The Rolex Awards were created in 1976 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Rolex Oyster watch. Since its founding, approximately 37,000 applications have been received and 160 Laureates selected. The Awards have run every two years since 1978. The Young Laureates category (ages 18-30) was introduced in 2010. The 2023 laureates were the most recent cycle announced.

Sources

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