Call for I4N Award
About Organisation
The I4N Award is an annual initiative designed to identify and accelerate impactful, nature-positive solutions. It operates in collaboration with a range of partners to contribute meaningfully toward the restoration and regeneration of nature by the year 2030. The core mission of the award is to recognize outstanding environmental innovations, inspire systemic change, and promote a regenerative economy. Innovate 4 Nature (I4N) builds a strong ecosystem by bringing together solution-oriented entrepreneurs, corporate entities, investors, and domain experts. By spotlighting scalable and sustainable innovations, the award fosters a vibrant community of changemakers working across key areas such as ecosystem management, urban planning, food systems, and circular economy practices.
Through this annual platform, I4N aims to shift the global narrative toward nature-aligned growth, creating bridges between emerging innovations and the resources required for their expansion. The award is more than just a prize—it is a gateway to networks, visibility, and targeted capacity-building that helps selected participants accelerate their positive environmental impact. The I4N community thrives on collaboration, innovation, and dedication to long-term ecological solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
About the Grant
The I4N Award provides a comprehensive support package to advance nature-positive solutions globally. With a total value of CHF 150,000 in combined financial and non-financial benefits, the award is structured to assist early-stage innovations in reaching greater impact and visibility. It includes four cash prizes of CHF 25,000 each across four primary focus areas and one special grant of CHF 15,000.
Beyond funding, awardees gain exclusive access to the I4N ecosystem, including valuable connections with corporate partners, investors, and expert mentors. Tailored training and mentorship opportunities are also provided, alongside enhanced exposure through official I4N platforms and select events.
The award supports projects that drive positive environmental change in areas such as sustainable ecosystem management, planet-compatible urban development, regenerative food systems, and circular economy models. I4N focuses on nurturing solutions that are business-driven, scalable or replicable, and capable of contributing to long-term biodiversity preservation.
Through its multi-stage evaluation process, I4N ensures that supported ventures are not only innovative but also viable and impactful. This award serves as a catalyst for practical, market-based environmental solutions that can be expanded or adapted across geographies, supporting global efforts toward environmental regeneration and sustainable development.
Who can Apply?
Applicants for the I4N Award must present a nature-positive solution that demonstrates a sustainable source of income and does not solely rely on donations. The solution should be at the pre-seed or seed stage, with a minimum requirement of a business model, business plan, or a minimum viable product (MVP). Organizations with annual revenues exceeding USD 1 million or those operating as temporary projects are not eligible.
Scalability or replicability is essential—solutions should have the potential to be adapted beyond a specific location. If the innovation is heavily dependent on one unique geographical context, it will not meet eligibility standards. Applications are welcome globally, except from countries considered high-risk for money laundering.
The award accepts applications from founders or executive directors only; applications from third-party fundraisers will not be considered. Previous winners of the I4N Award are not eligible, while finalists from previous years may reapply after a gap of two years, provided they present a new solution.
There are no restrictions on legal structure or organizational age. If selected, at least one representative must be available on Pitch Day (21st October 2025) either in person or online. All applications must be submitted in English, and participation is free of cost.
How to Apply?
To apply for the I4N Award 2025, applicants must complete and submit the online application form in English. The form requires detailed information about the nature-positive solution, business model, scalability, and current development stage. Only direct applications from founders or executive directors will be accepted. Shortlisted candidates will proceed through a multi-stage evaluation process leading up to the final Pitch Day in October 2025.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by 12th June 2025, no later than 6:00 p.m. CET. Late submissions will not be considered under any circumstances.
Last Date To Apply
The final date to submit your application for the I4N Award 2025 is 12th June 2025 at 6:00 p.m. CET. No extensions or late entries will be accepted.
Grant Amount
The I4N Award offers a total of CHF 150,000 in funding, including four CHF 25,000 prizes across four focus areas and one special grant of CHF 15,000.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
