The Earth Awards invites invites design submissions from around the world in six categories: Built Environment, Fashion, Products, Systems, Future and Social Justice. The Earth Awards Web site adds: “Ideas, great or small, realized or prototypes, will be considered but must distinguish themselves in six criteria: Achievable, Scalable, Measurable, Useful, Original and Ecological.” In contrast with other ideas competitions, there is actually quite a bit of money available for prizes. The grand prizewinner will receive $50,000, while category winners will each receive $10,000.
Once submissions are received, the high-profile selection committee, comprised of leading designers such as Yves Behar and Diane Von Furstenburg as well sustainability thought-leaders, including Rick Fedrizzi, CEO of USGBC, and Majora Carter, will judge a shortlist of six finalists. The six finalists will be presented in an exhibition focused on sustainable design.
Along with the exhibition, The Financial Times will hold a “Sustainable Business Conference” and gala dinner, and invite CEOs, entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists to match innovation with investment, “fulfilling The Earth Awards’ commitment to shepherd winning innovations closer to market.” The Earth Awards competition says that “all finalists will have the unique opportunity to pitch their project to world business leaders, who will help them to transform their designs into market-ready solutions.”
Submissions are due May 10th, 2010. The selection committee will review submissions from May 17th – July 23rd, 2010. The awards gala in London will be held September 16th, 2010
Learn more about submitting ideas and the 2009 grand prizewinner, Neri Oxman.
