The Board of Directors of the NextWave Awards 2026 international prize has announced the opening of applications for the award. Participants are invited to submit their projects in one of five main categories covering science, business, the arts, sports, and education. Applications are open until May 8, 2026 on the official award website.
The competition will be held across five directions. The Science category brings together research and development in fields ranging from IT and engineering to biomedicine and green energy. The Business category is dedicated to innovative business models, management solutions, and startups in fintech, manufacturing, EdTech, and ESG. Creative initiatives will be considered under the Arts category, which includes everything from classical painting and architecture to NFTs, performance art, and interior design. Two additional categories have been established: Healthy Lifestyle & Sport, for athletic achievements and initiatives promoting healthy living, and Education, for programs and digital solutions that are transforming the learning process.
Each category has a transparent evaluation system. In science, the jury will assess scientific novelty, methodology, and the potential for practical implementation; in business, they will focus on the sustainability of the model, financial performance, and impact on the industry. For arts projects, the key criteria will be artistic value, cultural significance, and the innovativeness of the format, while in sports and education the emphasis will be on measurable results, contribution to community development, and social impact. The award follows unified evaluation standards: all submitted entries will go through a multi-stage selection process and professional jury review.
NWA 2026 timeline:
Application deadline: May 8, 2026
Shortlist formation deadline: June 1, 2026
Expert Council voting deadline: June 12, 2026
For full details and all evaluation criteria, please refer to the Award Regulations.