Entries are open for the 2023 Ashden Awards. Eight prizes of up to £25,000 each will supercharge climate innovation creating a fairer future, with a focus on natural climate solutions and widening access to clean energy.
The awards are seeking trailblazing, empowering initiatives in the UK and low-income countries. The winning innovations will tackle inequality as well as the causes and effects of global heating. More than 200 businesses, charities and public sector projects have been boosted by an Ashden Award since the prizes were launched in 2005.
Applications open on 18 January and close on 8 March, with winners announced this autumn after a rigorous judging process. Entry is free, and winners receive a grant of up to £25,000, publicity, and connection to new funders, investors and partners.
Organisations should visit the Ashden website to find application forms, detailed descriptions of each award and the award process, and award criteria. The website also features more about past winners and the benefits of winning an award.
The 2023 Ashden Awards
UK Awards
The Ashden Award for Community Nature Adaptation will boost inclusive schemes supporting UK communities to tackle the dangers of flooding, heat stress and water scarcity.
The Ashden Award for Skills in Sustainable Land Management will target colleges and others enabling alternatives to extractive farming, waterways management and land use in the UK.
The Ashden Award for Energy Innovation will seek out UK organisations ready to create major impact in areas including heating, manufacturing and digitalisation.
Global South Awards
The Ashden Award for Integrated Energy Africa will support innovators connecting diverse systems to make sure clean energy is accessible and affordable for everyone, with a focus in and around the continent’s towns and cities.
The Ashden Award for Energising Agriculture will reward those helping off-grid communities grow, store, process and sell their crops.
The Ashden Award for Natural Climate Solutions will support the work of Indigenous people and local communities restoring and protecting their territories.
The Ashden Award for Skills Powering Energy Access will boost organisations bringing training to marginalised people in low-income countries, recognising the importance of skills in all areas of the energy access sector.
The Ashden Award for Energising Refugees and Displaced People will accelerate clean energy solutions helping refugees raise their incomes – and so look forward to a more secure life and brighter future.