The Earth Prize is a worldwide competition that celebrates students who are coming up with smart, creative ways to help the planet. From cleaning dirty water, to making cities greener, to saving wasted food – these young changemakers are using science and teamwork to make a real difference. This year, seven amazing teams from around the world have been chosen as Regional Winners of The Earth Prize, representing the world’s continents.
—
Team: PURA from Czechia and Slovakia
Names: Tomáš Čermák and Anna Podmanická
Age: 18 and 19
🧪 Their big idea: PURA is a special water purifier that uses light (photocatalysis) and cold plasma to clean dirty water. It removes dangerous bacteria and medicines left in water which can harm people and the planet.
💬 “We’re now looking to expand our team, engage more students, and gain the support and capital needed to propel PURA into the future.” – Tomáš Čermák
Team: StuyBigCompGroup
Country: United States
Names: Zhi Han (Anthony) Yao, Flint Mueller and James Clare
Age: 17 and 18
📦 Their big idea: After their robotics delivery arrived damaged, this team began thinking of better ways to protect packages. They created Kiriboard — an eco-friendly packaging inspired by Japanese origami and made from recycled cardboard. It can replace plastic packaging like Styrofoam, which breaks down into tiny plastics and is bad for the environment.
💬 “We’re absolutely thrilled to have won The Earth Prize 2025 for North America! With the $12.5k funding, we’ll focus on building connections with companies… and pitch prototypes to major shippers like Amazon, USPS, and FedEx.” – Zhi Han (Anthony) Yao
Team: Preserve Our Roots GREEN
Country: Nigeria
Name: Amara C. Nwuneli
Age: 16
🌳 Her big idea: Amara is turning neglected areas into beautiful eco parks using recycled materials. These parks give people access to nature, teach about climate change, and support biodiversity in cities.
💬 “Millions, including myself, have grown up where nature is a luxury, and now, thanks to The Earth Prize, this vision is becoming a reality!” – Amara Nwuneli
Team: Kultibado
Country: Philippines
Names: Hailey Yap and Yume Yorita
Age: 17
🥕 Their big idea: This team made a web app that helps farmers sell fruits and vegetables that would otherwise go to waste because they look ‘ugly’ or aren’t transported quickly enough before going bad. It reduces food loss, supports farmers, and helps the environment.
💬 “Kultibado aims to foster a paradigm shift where ugly and surplus produce are valued, and where everyone has access to nutritious food.” – Hailey Yap and Yume Yorita
Team: Sustainability Heroes
Country: United Arab Emirates
Names: Israa Ashraf, Almaha Almansoori, Fatma Hussen and Jourey Abdullah
Ages: 15 to 17
📚 Their big idea: EcoMind Academy is an AI-powered learning app that makes sustainability part of everyday school subjects like math and English. It also includes fun challenges to get students involved in real-world eco actions.
💬 “With the $12,500 prize, we’ll focus on developing AI-driven tools, creating impactful educational content, and building partnerships with schools.” – Israa Ashraf
Team: Thermavault
Ages: 16 to 17
Country: India
Names: Dhruv Chaudhary, Mithran Ladhania and Mridul Jain
❄️ Their big idea: Thermavault is a portable fridge that doesn’t need electricity! It uses a salt-based chemical reaction to keep medicine cold for up to 12 hours — perfect for areas where power is hard to find.
💬 “Our electricity-free cooling solution was inspired by the challenges of delivering vaccines to rural areas… Our goal is to save lives where electricity is scarce.” – Dhruv Chaudhary
Team: EcoAction Brazil
Country: Brazil
Name: Isaque Carvalho Borges
Age: 16
🌿 His big idea: In the city of Palmas, where temperatures can reach 50°C, Isaque used satellite data and AI to find the hottest areas in the city. His system shows where to plant trees to cool down urban neighbourhoods.
💬 “With the funding, we are now looking to improve our technology, expand to new regions, and engage other youth-led initiatives.” – Isaque Carvalho Borges
These teenage scientists are proving that age is no barrier when it comes to protecting the planet. Their ideas are not just inspiring – they’re practical, powerful, and already making a difference.To see all the winners and their brilliant projects, visit The Earth Prize website.
Check this out next: How This 17-Year-Old Created a Sensor to Detect Wildfires Early
Share this article with your friends
