Applications must be broadly in the areas of the environment, applied science and technology, or exploration.
The five winners will each receive 100,000 Swiss francs, double the amount of prize money previously offered to young Award winners. They will also benefit from worldwide publicity and receive a Rolex chronometer.
In addition to demonstrating a spirit of enterprise and leadership, candidates must put forward projects or work plans that have a clear purpose, are original and have the potential for significant impact.
Candidates must be aged between 18–30 years at the end of the application period, on 30 June 2017.