FULLY FUNDED: Apply For The RELX Environmental Challenge 2026 for Clean Water, Sanitation and Ocean Innovation

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FULLY FUNDED: Apply For The RELX Environmental Challenge 2026 for Clean Water, Sanitation and Ocean Innovation

Applications are open for the RELX Environmental Challenge 2026, a global innovation competition supporting impactful environmental solutions focused on clean water, sanitation, and ocean sustainability. Organized by RELX, the challenge seeks innovative projects from individuals, teams, nonprofits, educational institutions, and businesses that can improve environmental sustainability and resilience through scalable and practical solutions.

The RELX Environmental Challenge has supported environmental innovators since 2011 and has awarded more than US$1.2 million to projects across more than 25 countries. In 2026, the programme celebrates its 15th anniversary with an expanded funding structure and the introduction of a new Ocean Innovation category.

The challenge is designed to support early-stage projects with strong potential for real-world impact. Organizers are particularly interested in innovations that are community-driven, sustainable, scalable, and capable of improving access to safe water, sanitation systems, marine ecosystem protection, and climate resilience.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link to apply

Host Institution

* RELX

Program Type

Fully Funded

Program Benefits

In 2026, the RELX Environmental Challenge will award two major prizes of US$75,000 each. One prize will support a Clean Water or Sanitation project, while the second prize will support an Ocean Innovation project.

Winning projects will also receive one year of complimentary access to ScienceDirect, RELX’s scientific research database containing extensive environmental science resources and publications.

Beyond financial support, the challenge offers global visibility, recognition, networking opportunities, and access to environmental experts and judges who can help innovators strengthen and scale their solutions.

Eligibility Criteria

The competition is open to individuals aged 21 years and above, teams, nonprofits, educational institutions, and companies operating in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Applicants from around the world are eligible to participate.

Projects submitted under the Clean Water or Sanitation category must demonstrate innovative approaches that improve sustainable access to safe water or sanitation where access is currently at risk. Projects in the Ocean category should support marine ecosystem protection, ocean health, or ocean-based environmental sustainability solutions.

Applications are evaluated based on several criteria including innovation, scalability, sustainability, practical applicability, equity of access, stakeholder involvement, and local community engagement. Early-stage projects with strong potential for replication and measurable impact are especially encouraged to apply.

Eligible Countries

Open worldwide to eligible individuals, teams, nonprofits, educational institutions, and companies.

Application Procedure

Click the official link below to apply for this opportunity

Official Link

https://www.relx.com/corporate-responsibility/engaging-others/relx-group-environmental-challenge