Zayed Sustainability Prize names 2027 finalists after record 10,233 entries

The Zayed Sustainability Prize has unveiled its 2027 finalists following a record-breaking 10,233 submissions from 177 nations, marking a 32% increase compared to the previous year and the most competitive cycle in the award's history. Among the shortlisted innovators are groundbreaking solutions such as AI predicting pregnancy complications months ahead of time, robots inspecting water pipes, and heat-resistant corals aiding reef restoration.

These finalists are spread across six categories: health, food, energy, water, climate action, and global high schools. The winners of the 2027 Zayed Sustainability Prize will be announced on January 12 during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week ceremony. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and the director general of the prize, praised the finalists' work, stating that it demonstrates the power of solutions grounded in real-world needs and capable of delivering significant, measurable impacts.

Each finalist receives funding, with organizational finalists in health, food, energy, water, and climate action receiving $100,000 each, and global high school finalists receiving $25,000. Winners in their respective categories will receive larger awards, with organizational winners taking home $1 million and global high school winners receiving $150,000.

The prize jury, led by Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, emphasized that meaningful progress is achieved through determination, local knowledge, and communities' ability to adapt and thrive. The Zayed Sustainability Prize, now in its 18th year, continues to attract a diverse range of entries, including small and medium-sized enterprises, non-profit organizations, and high schools, all working to improve lives.

The winners of the 2027 prize will have a positive impact on more than 411 million lives worldwide, enhancing access to healthcare, nutritious food, reliable energy, and safe water while fostering stronger and more resilient communities.