RELX Environmental Challenge 2026

The RELX Environmental Challenge 2026 is an international, skill-based competition run by RELX (UK) Limited, a global supplier of information-based analytics and decision tools. First held in 2011, the annual contest recognises projects that deliver practical solutions for sustainable access to safe water and sanitation. Marking its 15th year, the 2026 edition broadens its scope by presenting two separate US$75,000 awards.

One award is designated for Clean Water or Sanitation, and the other for Ocean-related innovation. The former category invites projects that can clearly improve sustainable access to safe water in vulnerable regions or upgrade current sanitation systems. Eligible work includes new technologies, community engagement models, and policy-level measures aimed at securing equitable, long-term access to these essential services.

The newly added Ocean category supports initiatives that safeguard ocean health, protect vital marine ecosystems, or develop novel ocean-based approaches that contribute to wider environmental sustainability and resilience. This may cover efforts such as tackling plastic pollution, restoring coral reefs, advancing sustainable aquaculture, or using ocean data for climate action. The Challenge operates within RELX's broader Corporate Responsibility programme, reflecting the company's commitment to global environmental stewardship.

• Go to the official application portal at https://relxenvironmentalchallenge.awardsplatform.com.
• Register for an account and read the Official Challenge Rules in full on the platform before starting.
• Fill out the online application form with comprehensive details on your project, covering its aims, approach, expected outcomes, and its alignment with the Challenge’s central themes.
• Confirm that the submission is your own work and explicitly demonstrate how it satisfies the evaluation criteria, including innovation, replicability, scalability, and community involvement.
• Submit your application during the specified period: 09:00 GMT on 13 March 2026 through 23:59 GMT on 12 July 2026.
• For queries or clarifications about the application process or Challenge specifics, email environmental.challenge@relx.com.

Applications are first checked against the Challenge criteria by the RELX Environmental Challenge advisory group, which brings together internal RELX staff and external specialists in water, sanitation and sustainability. This group shortlists a set of semi-finalists from the full applicant pool.

The shortlist then goes to a judging panel made up of external industry experts and internal RELX leaders. Shortlisted applicants are asked to present formally to this panel and answer questions directly. The shortlist is expected to be announced in or after August 2026, with winners revealed in or after October 2026. All judging decisions are final and cannot be appealed.