Rutopia
2018
Built an ecotourism platform that empowers indigenous communities in Mexico.
Disciplines represented: Engineering / Design / Finance
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Wege Prize 2027
a collaborative student design competition for the problem solvers of tomorrow
Application period opens August 3
What It Is
Part design competition, part global learning lab—Wege Prize challenges transdisciplinary teams of university students to develop real-world solutions to complex problems through the framework of the circular economy.
$65K USD in cash prizes
$30K
1st
$20K
2nd
$10K
3rd
+ 2× Finalist Awards of $2,500 each
A Circular Sea-Change
The Linear Economy:
A Dead End
Take
Make
Dispose
The Circular Economy: A New Beginning
- Design Out waste + pollution
- Circulate products + materials
- Regenerate natural systems
Who Can Compete
- Any university student, anywhere in the world full-time undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate
- Diverse teams of exactly 5 students representing at least 3 disciplines and 2 institutions
- Free to apply and participate no entry fees, no barriers, and IP stays with the team
What Sets Wege Prize Apart
- Judges who coach—not just score direct feedback + iterative phases drive ideas forward
- All circular economy projects are welcome if you're making something circular, you belong here
- Transdisciplinary by design mirrors how real-world collaboration actually works
How It Works
Wege Prize teams are challenged to collaboratively propose and develop a product, service, or business/
- Phase 1 / Apply August 3 – October 4 90 teams accepted
- Phase 2 / Incubate October – December 30 teams advance
- Phase 3 / Validate January – February 15 semifinalists
- Phase 4 / Present March – May 5 finalists
Feedback loops with judges at every phase
Past Winners
click names to learn more
Banofi Leather
2023
Developed a bio-based leather alternative to disrupt the fashion industry.
Disciplines represented: Business / Ecology / Energy
Nutri-Más
2026
Transformed a problematic waste stream into a potent solution for malnutrition.
Disciplines represented: Agriculture / Business / I.T.Interested? Let's Stay Connected
Contact us at wicked@wegeprize.org and join our mailing list for priority access to 2027 competition resources.