Organizer Information
The 2026 GCSP Prize for Innovation in Global Security is awarded by the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), an internationally recognized institution dedicated to advancing peace, security, and global governance through education, dialogue, and policy innovation.
The prize is part of GCSP’s Programme for Geopolitics and Global Futures under its Creativity and Innovation Initiative. The institution works at the intersection of diplomacy, security studies, and international cooperation, bringing together experts, policymakers, and innovators to address complex global challenges. Through this prize, GCSP seeks to identify and support forward-thinking projects that contribute to sustainable global security beyond traditional national frameworks.
Title & Description
2026 GCSP Prize for Innovation in Global Security
The 2026 GCSP Prize for Innovation in Global Security is an international Award/Prize designed to recognize and support innovative projects that contribute to global security in new, interdisciplinary, and impactful ways.
The competition invites individuals, groups, and organizations from any country to submit projects that address global security challenges through creative and forward-looking approaches. Eligible submissions may include technological innovations, conceptual frameworks, original research, policy ideas, or grassroots initiatives.
Projects must demonstrate a global scope, meaning they should extend beyond national boundaries and address systemic issues affecting international peace, stability, and security.
The prize emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and the protection of human dignity, encouraging participants to rethink traditional approaches to security. Selected projects are evaluated based on their originality, creativity, and contribution to sustainable global security frameworks.
Through this initiative, GCSP aims to foster new ideas that respond to emerging geopolitical risks and global transformations.
Categories
- Research
- Policy Innovation
- Technology / Innovation Systems
- Interdisciplinary Projects
- Conceptual Security Studies
- Social Innovation
- Grassroots Initiatives
- Strategic Studies
Eligibility
- Open to individuals, groups of individuals, and organizations (public or private sector)
- Open internationally (all countries eligible)
- Projects must address global security beyond national frameworks
- Employees, staff, fellows, and current participants of GCSP are not eligible
- Former participants may apply only after a 1-year exclusion period following termination of affiliation
- Submissions must be in English
- Applicants must comply with all submission requirements and rules
Program Benefits & Awards
Cash Prize & Recognition:
- First Prize: CHF 10,000 + certificate of excellence
- Second Prize: certificate of recognition
- Third Prize: certificate of recognition
- Two honourable mentions were awarded
Professional Benefits:
- Evaluation by GCSP expert panel and senior jury
- Global visibility within security, policy, and innovation communities
- Presentation of winning projects at an official GCSP event (Fall 2026)
Additional Recognition:
- Public announcement of winners
- Media exposure and institutional promotion
- Opportunity to contribute to global security discourse
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Project abstract (max 250 words)
- Full project description (max 750 words)
- Technical process description (if applicable)
- Estimated project budget
- Explanation of novelty and contribution to global security
- Short-term and long-term impact analysis
- AI usage declaration (including tools used and extent of use)
- Optional: up to 5 images
Additional requirements:
- Submission must be in English
- Must be submitted via official online form only
- One submission per project
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 23 September 2026
- Winner Announcement: Fall 2026 (official public event)
Location
Geneva, Switzerland
Additional Details
- Projects must focus on global security innovation and cross-border impact
- Evaluation criteria: sustainability, human dignity, creativity, originality
- Top 15 submissions are shortlisted by an expert panel before final jury review
- Winners may be required to provide additional verification of project integrity
- The organiser reserves the right to amend the rules or cancel the competition
- All intellectual responsibility remains with applicants, including AI-assisted work
- Personal data is stored for administrative and winner contact purposes under Swiss law (GDPR-aligned)
- Jurisdiction: Geneva, Switzerland
- Participation implies full acceptance of all terms and conditions