Rolex Awards for Enterprise

What the Rolex Awards give you

You get project funding of around 105,000 EUR (about 100,000 CHF) to carry out an ambitious project, plus long-term support from Rolex. Each round picks five winners, called Laureates. Beyond the money you get international media coverage, a Rolex watch, and access to a network of the 165 people who have won before you. You also get ongoing guidance from Rolex and its experts. The awards come from Rolex, the Swiss watchmaker, as part of its Perpetual Planet Initiative.

Who can apply

• Your project: You have an original project that improves life, expands human knowledge, or protects the environment or cultural heritage. It must fit one of five areas: science and health, environment, applied technology, exploration, or cultural heritage.
• You as a person: You can show the drive, creativity and leadership to carry the project through.
• Age: You are at least 18. There is no upper age limit.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• Education: No specific degree or field of study is required.

How to apply

You submit your project proposal online, in English, Spanish or Chinese. Rolex and outside experts review the proposals. Finalists are interviewed to test whether their project is workable, and an independent international jury picks the winners. The programme now runs once a year rather than every two years. No application round was open at the time of writing.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a single, world-famous award with only five winners per round, so competition is intense. Selection turns on the originality and real-world impact of your project, not on your grades or background. A bold, well-planned project that can change lives or protect the planet gives you a genuine case, but expect a very high bar.