01 — Why this award

Impact achieved, not impact promised

As a global fintech company, Klarna works at scale, using data, digital infrastructure and innovation to serve millions of consumers and merchants worldwide. 

As global emissions continue to rise, many of the most significant climate challenges still lie ahead. That’s why Klarna primarily supports solutions with strong potential for future impact. Through programs such as the Climate Transformation Fund and the AI for Climate Resilience Program, Klarna provides catalytic funding and targeted support where it is needed most.

This award focuses on something complementary, recognizing climate solutions that are already delivering proven real-world impact, and helping accelerate what is already working. 

What the Award provides

• Unrestricted funding of up to USD 100,000
  1-2 winners will be selected, receiving a total grant (split or awarded to one) of USD 100,000 as unrestricted funding.

• Amplification through Klarna’s communications and media outreach

• Complementary dedicated support to help deepen and accelerate impact

• Announcement at 24 June, London Climate Week – Blue Earth Innovation Hub
  The selected winner is expected to attend in London on 24 June to participate in the award announcement and briefly present their organization and achievements.

The award is designed as unrestricted funding, the winner can use it where it matters most, to accelerate what’s already working, strengthen the team, and unlock even greater impact next.

02 — Who can apply

Eligibility

Who can apply or be nominated?

The award is open to any mission-driven organisation working on climate solutions, anywhere in the world.

• Startups, NGOs, social enterprises, cooperatives, and other mission-driven organisations

• Any climate solution area — energy, land use, transport, industry, waste, carbon removal, and beyond

• Any geography — this is a fully global award

• No minimum years of operation — impact data speaks for itself

• Both self-applications and third-party nominations are welcome

  
  

03 — What we're looking for

Selection criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Achieved Climate Impact: Clear evidence of cost-effective measurable real-world impact already delivered, ideally supported by robust data and performance metrics.

• Speed and traction: Demonstrated urgency in moving from concept to real-world deployment. Evidence of progress beyond the idea or pilot stage.

• Challenger approach: Did this solution challenge conventional thinking? We're looking for teams that rejected the obvious path and found a better one, whether through a new method, a new market, or a new way of working.

• Credibility: Ability to substantiate claims with data or third-party validation.

• Under-recognized impact: Solutions delivering meaningful climate impact that have not yet received proportional visibility or support.

• Smart design for scale: Effective use of data, technology, or design to achieve impact that grows. Not just doing good work, but building systems that enable more of it.

• Acceleration Plan: A clear and credible explanation of how the award will unlock further impact. 

Impact is assessed relative to each organization’s size and budget, ensuring smaller or emerging initiatives can compete on equal footing with larger ones.

04 — How to apply

Application

Applications and nominations should be concise and evidence-driven. You will be asked to provide:

Who you are
Your organisation, team, mission, and how long you've been operating.

What you achieved
Provide evidence of measurable real-world impact already delivered.

How you know
Your measurement methodology, data sources, and any third-party verification. This is the most important part of the application.

How you fit the criteria
Provide motivations for how you fit the criteria around speed and traction, adopting a challenger approach, using smart design and plans for further acceleration of your solution. 

What comes next
How the award would accelerate your impact. Be specific about what the funding and visibility would unlock.

If you are nominating another organisation, provide as much of the above as you can. We will follow up with the nominated organisation directly.

05 — Process & timeline

How it works

Applications and nominations are reviewed by the Milkywire team with final selection by Klarna, supported by a four-person expert jury.

24 Mar 2026
Applications open
Submit your application or nominate an organisation you believe deserves recognition.

20 April 2026
Applications close
Deadline for all submissions and nominations.

May 2026
Shortlisting & jury review
Milkywire reviews all applications. Shortlist presented to Klarna and the expert jury for final selection.
Winner will be informed at the end of May and invited to the event at London Climate Action Week.

24 Jun 2026
Winner announced at London Climate Action Week
The winner is presented at the Blue Earth Forum, the official innovation hub of LCAW, at Protein Studios, London.

Apply or nominate

Know an organisation delivering extraordinary, cost-effective climate impact that isn't getting the attention it deserves? Apply or nominate below.

Apply now
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