GCSP Prize for Innovation 2026
By Geneva Centre for Security Policy
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Quick Answer
CHF 10,000 (about ₹11.5 lakh) cash prize from the Geneva Centre for Security Policy for an innovative project that improves global security. The 2026 round is closed.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 24 September 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Geneva Centre for Security Policy. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
The 2026 round of the GCSP Prize for Innovation in Global Security is closed: applications shut on 23 September 2026 at 23:59 (UTC+2), and winners are due to be announced in autumn 2026. The official page does not announce a next call, but it describes the prize as an annual award, so founders and NGOs can use this page to prepare for the next one.
The prize is run by the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP). The first-place project receives CHF 10,000 (about ₹11.5 lakh) and a certificate of excellence. It is a prize for a piece of work, not a grant for a business plan, and it is open to entrants from any country, including India.
What the prize offers
The first-place winner gets the cash prize, paid by bank transfer, plus a certificate of excellence. Second and third place receive certificates of recognition, and two further projects receive honourable mentions. The rules say no certificates of participation are given to entries outside the top five. Winners also agree to have their names and project descriptions published for promotion and to be available for media requests such as photographs and interviews. The official page does not say what the prize money must be spent on.
Who can apply
Any individual, group of individuals or organisation, from the private or public sector, can enter. Submissions may come from any country, so an Indian startup, NGO, university team or researcher is eligible. The project should look beyond national borders and bring a new idea or approach to sustainable global security. The page gives examples of what can qualify: technological and conceptual innovations, original research, grassroots initiatives, new programmes or institutional achievements.
This suits a founder whose work has a security angle that crosses borders, for example tools for conflict prevention, disaster resilience, or protecting people in crises. It is a poor fit for a project that only serves one local market with no wider relevance. GCSP employees, staff, current fellows and participants, and their family members, cannot enter until a year has passed since the relationship ended. A project that has already won a GCSP prize cannot win another.
How to apply
Entries go through the online submission form on the GCSP events page, and entries sent any other way are not considered. They must be in English. The 2026 rules asked for:
- a project abstract of up to 250 words;
- a project description of up to 750 words;
- a description of the technical process, if it applies;
- an estimate of the budget the project needs;
- an explanation of what is new about the project's contribution to global security;
- a description of its short-term and long-term impact;
- a statement on whether AI tools were used to prepare any part of the submission, and which ones;
- optionally, up to five image files.
A practical tip: write the abstract last, once your 750-word description is tight, and keep your novelty and impact sections concrete with evidence rather than ambitions.
How entries are judged and what happens next
A panel of independent GCSP experts scores each valid entry. The 15 best-scored entries go to a panel of judges co-chaired by the GCSP Director and the Director of the Geopolitics and Global Futures Department. The judges choose first, second and third place and two honourable mentions using four criteria: dedication to sustainable global security, preservation of human dignity, security and justice, creativity, and originality. Winners are told just before the public announcement and are named at an event in autumn 2026. All decisions are final, and the organisers do not enter correspondence about them.
About the Geneva Centre for Security Policy
The GCSP is an international foundation based in Geneva, Switzerland, serving a global community of individuals and organisations. The prize was launched in 2015 as part of its Creativity and Innovation Initiative and is organised by its Geopolitics and Global Futures Department. Past winners are listed on the GCSP website.
Things to check before you apply
- The prize is open to entrants from any country, so you compete against a global field. Plan your entry to stand out on originality.
- Winners must be available for publicity and may be asked to provide information that shows the rigour and integrity of the work.
- The organisers can disqualify an entry, amend the rules or cancel the prize at any time, and the competition is governed by Swiss law.
- Indian recipients of foreign money should check tax treatment with an adviser before accepting a prize.
- Read the official rules for the next call before you start, because details can change from year to year.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
Prizes & Awards
What You Get
The project in first place receives a cash prize of CHF 10,000 (about ₹11.5 lakh), paid by bank transfer, and a certificate of excellence. Second and third place receive certificates of recognition, and two more projects receive honourable mentions. All winners are named publicly at an event in autumn.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
A panel of independent GCSP experts scores every valid entry. The 15 best-scored entries go to a panel of judges co-chaired by the GCSP Director and the Director of the Geopolitics and Global Futures Department, who pick first, second and third place and two honourable mentions. They judge dedication to sustainable global security, preservation of human dignity, security and justice, creativity and originality.
Application Process
- 1
Online submission
Send the abstract, description, budget and impact in English.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GCSP Prize for Innovation 2026 still open?
No. The official page says registration is closed, and the deadline was 23 September 2026 at 23:59 (UTC+2). The page does not announce a next call, but it calls the prize annual, so check the GCSP events page for the next one.
Can Indian startups and NGOs apply for the GCSP Prize for Innovation?
Yes. The rules say submissions may come from any country and from any individual, group or organisation in the private or public sector. Your project must still go beyond national borders and address global security in a new way.
How much is the GCSP Prize for Innovation?
The first-place project receives CHF 10,000 (about ₹11.5 lakh) and a certificate of excellence. Second and third place receive certificates of recognition, and two more projects get honourable mentions.
How is the prize money paid?
The rules say the first prize is paid via bank transfer. The page does not state how the prize may be used or how long payment takes.
What counts as a project for this prize?
The rules give a broad range, including technological and conceptual innovations, original research and grassroots initiatives. What matters is that it contributes to sustainable global security with a new approach.
What do I need to submit?
You need a 250-word abstract, a project description of up to 750 words, the technical process if applicable, a budget estimate, a statement of novelty and a description of short- and long-term impact. You must also declare any AI tools you used, and you may add up to five images.
Is it free to enter?
The official page and rules mention no entry fee. Entries are made through an online form.
Do I have to travel to Geneva?
The rules only say winners will be announced at an event in autumn 2026. The page does not say whether winners must attend in person, so check the rules of the next call.
When are the winners announced?
Winners are announced publicly at an event in autumn 2026, and each winner is notified just before the announcement. The page gives no exact date.
Is the prize a grant or equity?
It is a cash prize, not equity. The rules do not describe any ownership stake or reporting duty, though winners agree to publicity and media requests.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
