Pritzker Emerging Environmental Genius Award

A spark for rising stars

Individuals can make a difference, but it takes more than talent and hard work. It also takes the support of others. This annual award provides that support by uncovering promising young innovators and boosting their careers as champions for the environment.

The 2019 candidates

Our candidates include entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, business and environmental leaders from around the world. Having already demonstrated talent, they stand poised to address global concerns.

meet the candidates

Judges & Nominators

International players from a broad range of fields nominate and evaluate the candidates in a process that is transparent from start to finish.

meet the network

“The Emerging Environmental Genius Award is an early investment in our future, giving today’s top young minds the community and financial support that will take their ideas to the next level.”

Tony Pritzker

Managing Partner, The Pritzker Group

2019 Pritzker finalists: May Boeve, Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, Varshini Prakash

During a year of accelerating environmental problems, climate activists are having a moment in the sun.

Learn more

Meet the 2019 Pritzker candidates 16-20

by Sonia Aronson Our final group of candidates for this year’s Pritzker Emerging Environmental Genius Award are taking on global challenges using technology, storytelling and activism. Soon we will introduce three finalists, selected by a panel of UCLA faculty. After that four judges will choose a winner. In the meantime, please enjoy reading about each of...

Meet the 2019 Pritzker candidates 11-15

By Sonia Aronson The third set of candidates for the Pritzker Emerging Environmental Genius Award fight water scarcity in Africa. They improve air quality and battle rural poverty in India. And they build consensus among people from across the political spectrum to battle environmental problems. Here’s a taste of the work they’re doing. Christa Hasenkopf,...

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@mirandaywwang & @hindououmar are consistently included on lists of the most influential and inspiring climate change leaders.

Miranda was our 2018 Pritzker winner and Hindou is one our 2019 finalists. https://t.co/a3N88tfguh
— UCLA Inst. of the Environment and Sustainability (@UCLAIoES) October 7, 2019