The 2026 GCSP Prize for Transformative Futures in Peace and Security is open for applications until March 20, 2026. The prize seeks groundbreaking concepts with potential global impact in addressing peace and security challenges across fields like cybersecurity, climate change, or autonomous weapons. The first-place winner receives a fully funded two-month incubation program (valued at CHF 15,000) at the GCSP’s Creative Spark in Geneva, along with a trophy.
GCSP Prize for Transformative Futures 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) |
| Program Focus | Novel Solutions for Global Peace and Security Challenges |
| Category | International Prize / Concept Incubation |
| Eligible Applicants | Individuals, Groups, or Organizations (Private/Public Sector) |
| Submission Scope | Concepts with Impact Beyond National Borders |
| Top Prize Value | CHF 15,000 (Incubation Program Value) + Trophy |
| Program Location | GCSP’s Creative Spark, Geneva, Switzerland |
| Application Deadline | 20 March 2026 at 23:59 UTC+1 |
GCSP Prize for Transformative Futures in Peace and Security 2026
The GCSP Prize for Transformative Futures in Peace and Security is an international award established to recognize and encourage excellence in creative and innovative contributions to enhancing sustainable global peace and security. The prize seeks to reward groundbreaking concepts that offer exceptional promise in addressing complex challenges in the 21st century.
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Submissions are welcomed from a wide variety of fields, reflecting the interconnected nature of global security. Eligible areas include, but are not restricted to, issues arising from: transformative technologies, pandemics, biothreats, autonomous weapons, climate change, human rights, cybersecurity, education, or disarmament. The key criterion is that the potential impact of the concept must extend beyond national borders in its scope and thinking.
Prize and Recognition Structure
The GCSP Prize is structured to provide significant support to the first-place winner, while also formally recognizing the achievements of other top concepts. Winners will be announced publicly during an event held in May 2026.
Tier 1: First-Place Prize (Fully Funded Incubation Program)
- Incubation Programme: The first-place winner receives a fully funded two-month incubation programme at the GCSP’s Creative Spark in Geneva, Switzerland.
- Financial Value: This incubation program is valued at CHF 15,000 and must be completed within one year of the award date. The program provides the necessary environment and resources for the concept to be further developed and implemented.
- Formal Recognition: The winner also receives a prize trophy and a certificate of excellence.
Tier 2: Second and Third Place Recipients
- Formal Recognition: The second- and third-place recipients will receive certificates of recognition, formally acknowledging the high quality and potential of their submitted concepts.
Tier 3: Honourable Mentions
- Formal Mention: Two submissions will be selected to receive certificates of honourable mention, highlighting their valuable contribution to innovative thinking in the field.
Requirements for the GCSP Prize Submission
The prize is open to submissions from diverse groups across the public and private sectors globally. The focus of the requirements is on the novelty and global impact of the proposed concept.
- Applicant Eligibility: The prize is awarded for groundbreaking concepts by any individual, group of individuals, or organisation (from private or public sectors).
- Geographical Scope: Submissions may come from any country, but the potential impact of the concepts must go beyond national borders in their reach or thinking.
- Language: All submissions and required documents must be in English.
- Global Focus: The concepts must seek to address global peace and security challenges in innovative and creative ways, contributing to new approaches for enhancing sustainable global peace and security.
How to Apply for the GCSP Prize (Step by Step)
All entries must be submitted via the official online submission form by the deadline. No submissions sent through any other channel will be considered.
- Develop the Concept: Create a clear, groundbreaking concept that offers exceptional potential in addressing a global peace and security challenge.
- Draft Abstract and Description: Prepare the project concept abstract (250 words maximum) and the well-developed project concept description (750 words maximum).
- Detail Implementation and Budget: Draft the description of the technical process (if applicable) and include an estimate of the budget required for the project concept.
- Define Impact and Novelty: Write an explanation of how the concept provides a novel contribution to the field and describe the short-term and long-term impact of the project in global peace and security.
- Submit Online: Complete and submit the online form, including all documentation and up to five optional image files, by the deadline.
Application Deadline: 20 March 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the deadline for submitting an application for the 2026 GCSP Prize?
The deadline for submissions is 20 March 2026 at 23:59 UTC+1.
2. What does the first-place winner receive, and what is its value?
The first-place winner receives a fully funded two-month incubation programme at the GCSP’s Creative Spark in Geneva, valued at CHF 15,000.
3. Who is eligible to submit a concept for the prize?
Any individual, group of individuals, or organisation (from private or public sectors) from any country is eligible, provided the concept has global impact potential.
4. What is the maximum length allowed for the main project concept description?
The main project concept description should not exceed 750 words in length.
5. In which city and country is the incubation program located?
The incubation program is located at the GCSP’s Creative Spark in Geneva, Switzerland.
6. Are there any restrictions on the fields of study or discipline for the concept?
No, submissions may come from a wide variety of fields, including (but not restricted to) climate change, cybersecurity, disarmament, or transformative technologies.
7. What specific criteria must the concept meet regarding its geographic impact?
The potential impact of the concepts submitted should extend beyond national borders in their scope or thinking.
8. What is the primary purpose of the prize?
The prize encourages and recognizes excellence in contributing to new approaches to enhancing sustainable global peace and security.
9. What are the two types of recognition given to the second and third place recipients?
The second- and third-place recipients receive certificates of recognition, while two others receive certificates of honourable mention.
10. Besides the project description, what key financial document is required in the submission?
Applicants must include an estimate of the budget required for the project concept.
