Rolex to reward planet-changing ideas

Rolex recently announced the opening of applications to the 2018 Rolex Awards for Enterprise, a series dedicated to Young Leaders seeking support for their initiatives to make the world a better place.

The 2018 Rolex Awards are open to anyone of any nationality between 18 and 30 years of age whose ground-breaking project will help to expand the knowledge of our world and improve the quality of life on the planet. Applications must be in one of three areas: the environment, applied science and technology, or exploration.

The five winners will each receive 100,000 Swiss francs, double the amount of prize money previously offered to young Award winners. They will also benefit from worldwide publicity and receive a Rolex chronometer.

“We are proud to have recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Rolex Awards this year, recognizing the efforts of 140 Laureates since the programme began,” said Rebecca Irvin, Head of Philanthropy at Rolex. “For 2018 we are looking for proposals and initiatives that demonstrate creative energy and an exceptional spirit of enterprise by five Young Leaders.

“Since 2010, when Rolex started granting awards to young people, we have been inspired by the passion and dedication we have seen in the next generation.”

Past winning initiatives have included expanding an education television series, using radio to help poor farmers increase incomes and exploring caves in South America. Other winners have developed medical technology, revived traditions and worked for the conservation of species.

Winners will be selected by a Jury, which is newly created for each Award series. The Jury is an independent, voluntary body of experts, who embody the leadership qualities valued by Rolex. Jurors will meet in early 2018 to select the winners, who will be announced later that year.

In addition to demonstrating a spirit of enterprise and leadership, candidates must put forward projects or work plans that have a clear purpose, are original and have the potential for significant impact. Candidates must be between 18 and 30 years old at the end of the application period, on 30 June 2017. Prospective candidates can apply online for the 2018 Rolex Awards at rolexawards.com.