Overview

About the Program

The Sustainability Innovation Award (SIA) is icealex's annual programme recognising and accelerating the most impactful sustainability-focused innovations in Egypt.

SIA accepts nominations from startups, student projects, and social enterprises working on solutions in environmental sustainability, clean energy, waste management, circular economy, and climate resilience.

Beyond recognition, SIA winners receive a structured follow-on support package including mentorship, visibility, and connections to impact investors and sustainability-focused corporates.

What you get

Program Benefits

🏅

Award Recognition

National spotlight

💼

Follow-on Support

Mentorship & resources

🌱

Impact Network

Sustainability ecosystem

📢

Media Coverage

PR & visibility

💰

Prize Fund

Cash support

🤝

Investor Access

Impact investors

Highlights

Program Highlights

✓ Open to startups, student teams, and social enterprises

✓ Focus areas: clean energy, waste, circular economy, climate

✓ Winners receive cash prize + structured support package

✓ Annual cycle — nominations open each year

✓ Jury of sustainability experts and industry leaders

✓ Alumni network of Egypt's top sustainability innovators

Eligibility

Who Can Apply?

→ Egyptian-registered startups, NGOs, or student teams
→ Innovation must address an environmental or sustainability challenge
→ Early-stage to growth-stage ventures accepted
→ Solution must be operational or prototyped (not just an idea)

Partners

Program Partners

UN Environment Programme GIZ Egypt Impact Investors

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can nominate? +

Anyone can nominate a project — self-nominations and third-party nominations are both accepted.

Is there a nomination fee? +

No, nominations are free of charge.

What sectors qualify? +

Clean energy, waste management, circular economy, sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and climate-resilience technologies all qualify.

What do winners receive? +

Winners receive a cash prize, a structured mentorship package, introductions to impact investors, and significant media coverage.

Can international teams apply? +

SIA is focused on Egyptian-registered entities, but founding team members may be of any nationality.

NOMINATIONS OPENING SOON

Upcoming

⏱

Duration

Annual cycle

📍

Location

Alexandria, Egypt

🎓

Format

In-person ceremony + virtual nominations

Notify me when open

Questions? projects@icealex.com

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Sustainability Innovation Award (SIA)