Innovators worldwide are invited to register their environmental solutions by October 30
Sharjah, UAE, 24 September 2025 – BEEAH, the region’s leading sustainability and innovation pioneer, has launched the latest edition of the Future Pioneers Award (FPA), reaffirming its mission to recognize groundbreaking ideas and reward sustainability innovators from around the world. The initiative aims to financially incentivize nascent innovations that hold the potential to transform communities and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah, the 14th edition of the FPA is inviting individuals, groups of up to five members (students or professionals), schools, universities, and corporations worldwide to submit their projects. Each submitted innovation will be evaluated based on its objective and results, focusing on its originality, scalability, and applicability in alignment with one of this year’s themes: energy efficiency; waste reduction and circular economy; clean and renewable energy; AI and digital tools for sustainability; sustainable design; and net-zero strategies.
During its over 13-year legacy, including its beginnings under the name ‘Environmental Excellence School Award (EESA)’, the FPA has recorded over 3,200 submissions and has rewarded 161 winners, whose innovations have contributed to sustainability targets locally as well as internationally. In 2024, the award drew applicants from ten countries, including the UAE, United States, United Kingdom, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, India, and Oman, reflecting its growing geographic reach.
In previous editions, award-winning entries included innovations that improved renewable energy efficiency and encouraged community recycling efforts through mobile applications. Among last year’s outstanding winners was also a professor, researcher, and US-patent holder based in the UAE, who won for demonstrating the potential of integrating nanoparticles into traditional refrigerants to deliver significant emissions savings.
Hind Al Huwaidi, Chief Executive Development Officer at BEEAH, said: “Reflecting BEEAH’s own journey growing from a UAE pioneer to a regional innovator, the Future Pioneers Award is a homegrown initiative that began by engaging schools and students, and has expanded to include sustainability advocates and innovators across institutions and organizations from around the world. With the generous support of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the award continues to foster exchange of global best practices and collaborations across generations and borders. A sustainable future cannot be achieved alone, and we are proud that this award is serving as a platform to unite innovators across societies and areas of expertise. We look forward to this edition, which we believe will be our most exciting yet.”
This year, individuals, groups, schools, universities, and corporates across the globe can apply under four distinct categories. Each category has unique evaluation criteria that must be satisfied before subsequent evaluation:
1. Sustainability Initiative
This category accepts completed sustainability projects or campaigns. Some criteria for the initiative include:
- Proven measurable impact of the initiative on society
- A compelling sustainability message that inspires action
- Thorough documentation of the project or social media campaign
2. Sustainability Prototype
This category accepts functional prototypes that address a sustainability challenge. Some criteria for the prototype include:
- Clear potential to create a positive impact
- Proof of concept demonstrating feasibility
- Proof that all materials used are economical, safe, and sustainable
3. Sustainability Documentary
This category accepts short films (10–15 minutes) highlighting sustainability issues, solutions, or stories. Some criteria for the documentary include:
- Clear potential to raise awareness or inspire action
- A strong sustainability message or goal
- Supporting materials, such as video excerpts, a trailer, or stills
4. Sustainability Solution
This category accepts scalable innovations that address a real-world sustainability challenge. Some criteria for the solution include:
- Demonstrate positive environmental or social impact
- Proven practical application or implementation
- Use of advanced technology and AI tools
For each category, top three winners will be selected based on the scores awarded by a judging committee. The deadline for registration of entries is October 30, 2025, with the awards ceremony set to take place in April 2026.
For more information on the Future Pioneers Award, full list of judgement criteria, and categories, interested individuals are encouraged to visit https://futurepioneersaward.com.
