The RELX Group has launched the RELX Environmental Challenge 2026, an international competition supporting innovative solutions that improve access to clean water, sanitation, and ocean sustainability.

The initiative continues its long-standing commitment to environmental impact by funding practical, scalable projects that address urgent global challenges.

Now in its 15th year, the challenge has expanded its prize structure to further support breakthrough innovations in environmental sustainability.

Overview of the RELX Environmental Challenge

The RELX Environmental Challenge is an annual global competition that recognizes projects demonstrating clear, practical solutions in environmental sustainability. Since its inception in 2011, it has supported innovators working on water access, sanitation systems, and environmental health.

For the 2026 edition, the programme introduces a new expanded funding model, increasing its total impact and broadening its thematic scope.

Key features of the challenge include:

Global open call for innovative environmental solutions
Focus on water, sanitation, and ocean-related sustainability
Financial support for scalable and impactful projects
Recognition for both early-stage and advanced innovations

2026 Prize Structure and Funding

The 2026 edition introduces a significantly expanded prize pool designed to support a wider range of environmental innovations.

Two major awards will be granted:

$75,000 prize for Clean Water or Sanitation innovation
$75,000 prize for Ocean-related innovation

In addition to financial support, winners receive access to ScienceDirect, a major scientific research database offering access to hundreds of thousands of peer-reviewed environmental science articles.

This combination of funding and research access aims to strengthen both the development and implementation of winning solutions.

Purpose and Focus Areas

The RELX Environmental Challenge focuses on real-world, implementable solutions that address critical environmental issues affecting communities globally. The initiative prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable impact and scalability.

Eligible project themes include:

Clean water access and purification systems
Sanitation infrastructure and hygiene solutions
Ocean health and marine ecosystem protection
Climate-resilient environmental technologies
Community-based environmental innovation
Health, education, equity, and human rights outcomes linked to environmental access

Projects must demonstrate a clear practical application and address a defined environmental or social need.

Who Can Apply

The challenge is open to a wide range of applicants globally, including:

Researchers and scientists
Engineers and technologists
Start-ups and social enterprises
Non-governmental organisations
Academic institutions
Innovators and interdisciplinary teams

Applicants are expected to present solutions that are both innovative and feasible, with a strong emphasis on real-world implementation.

Evaluation Criteria

Entries submitted to the RELX Environmental Challenge are assessed based on their potential to deliver meaningful environmental and social impact.

Key evaluation criteria include:

Practical applicability of the solution
Potential for real-world implementation and scale
Environmental impact (water, sanitation, or ocean health)
Contribution to health, education, equity, or human rights
Innovation and originality of approach
Feasibility and sustainability of the project model

Judges typically include experts in environmental science, sustainability, and innovation.

Benefits Beyond Funding

Winning the RELX Environmental Challenge offers more than financial support. In addition to cash prizes, winners gain access to scientific resources that can strengthen their research and implementation capacity.

Benefits include:

Direct funding of up to $75,000 per winning project
Access to ScienceDirect, a leading scientific research platform
Increased visibility for global environmental solutions
Opportunities for networking with scientific and policy communities
Enhanced credibility for scaling innovations

This combination of resources supports both innovation development and long-term sustainability.

Application Timeline

For the 2026 cycle, the key deadline is:

Application closing date: 12 July 2026 (23:59 GMT)

Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals early to ensure eligibility and compliance with submission requirements.

Why the RELX Environmental Challenge Matters

The RELX Environmental Challenge plays a significant role in advancing global environmental innovation by supporting solutions that directly address pressing challenges in water, sanitation, and ocean health. These issues remain central to global development, public health, and climate resilience.

By funding practical, scalable projects, the initiative helps to:

Improve access to clean water and sanitation
Support marine ecosystem protection
Encourage environmentally sustainable innovation
Strengthen global scientific collaboration
Bridge the gap between research and implementation

The expanded 2026 structure reflects growing urgency around environmental sustainability and the need for scalable solutions.

Call for Action

The RELX Environmental Challenge 2026 offers a high-impact opportunity for innovators working on water, sanitation, and ocean-related solutions. With substantial funding, global recognition, and access to scientific resources, the programme is designed to accelerate practical environmental innovation.

For researchers, entrepreneurs, and organisations focused on sustainability, this challenge represents a valuable platform to scale solutions that can improve environmental outcomes and support communities worldwide.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding