The Rolex Awards for Enterprise is an award established by Rolex to recognize individuals or groups that demonstrate innovation and social responsibility in their respective fields. The award has been presented since 1976, focusing primarily on areas such as sustainable development, environmental protection, scientific research, and social service.

Winners and Projects

Each award cycle selects several winners, whose projects typically involve improving community life, protecting natural resources, or advancing scientific and technological progress. In addition to monetary awards, winners also receive support from Rolex to further develop their projects.

Over the past 45 years, Rolex has supported 155 award winners who have made significant contributions in areas such as environmental protection, medical science, applied technology, cultural heritage, and exploration. These winners not only receive financial support but also gain global recognition and promotion from Rolex.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the Rolex Awards for Enterprise typically include the following aspects:

• Age Requirement: Applicants generally need to be at least 18 years old.
• Project Scope: The applicant’s project should involve sustainable development, environmental protection, social service, scientific research, etc.
• Innovation: The project must demonstrate innovative thinking and the ability to address specific social or environmental issues.
• Impact: The project should have the potential for social impact, capable of improving or changing the current state of a community or environment.
• Feasibility: The project must be feasible for implementation, and the applicant needs to demonstrate their capability to drive the project forward.
• Sustainability: The project should be planned for ongoing operation in the future and be able to generate long-term positive impacts.

Specific eligibility criteria may vary with each award cycle, so it is recommended to refer to the official Rolex website or related announcements for the latest information.

2023 Award Winners and Their Contributions

In the 2023 Rolex Awards for Enterprise, the following five winners and their outstanding contributions were recognized:

• Konstantinos Oka Choutas: Founded the Andean Ecosystem Association, planting approximately 25,000 trees in the Peruvian highlands.
• Liu Shaochuang: A remote sensing expert from China dedicated to saving one of Asia’s last large wild animals—the wild camel.
• Beth Goyke: Founded Magic Water Sources, installing air-to-water machines in arid and semi-arid regions to extract clean mineral water from the air.
• Insa Gani: Director of the Swiss Scientific Research Center in Ivory Coast, assisting in the conservation and research of endangered primates.
• Danika Liatini-Fischer: CEO and founder of SukkhaCitta, working to change the production and sales of clothing while empowering rural women in Indonesia.

Rolex’s Commitment to Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development

The Rolex Awards for Enterprise align with the brand’s “Protecting the Earth, Perpetual Motion” (Perpetual Planet) initiative. This program encompasses various fields, including supporting marine conservation, exploring polar environments, and researching climate change, reflecting Rolex’s commitment to sustainable development.

In summary, the Rolex Awards for Enterprise is a unique and meaningful award that not only recognizes the achievements of outstanding individuals but also promotes the advancement of human society and the Earth’s environment.