Bright Future Prize 2026 is set to be world-class
ACT's Bright Future Prize empowers the next generation of aspiring changemakers to turn their big ideas into reality.
Now in its fifth year, after a three-week application window, entries to the 2026 prize closed at the start of March and it’s set to be a truly world-class affair.
Open to 15- to 21-year-olds from anywhere The Ardonagh Group has a presence, entries came in from an incredible 10 countries across the globe, including for the first time from Bermuda, France, New Zealand and Singapore – demonstrating the growing global reach of the opportunity.
The dedicated £40,000 fund will be shared by the eventual winners across all four prize categories, each reflecting a different way young people can make a difference. The prize money is there to truly kickstart our winners’ project proposals, taking them from ideas on paper to initiatives making real positive impact.
Big ideas in the making
Diversity in location was matched with variety in project idea, with range and calibre in abundance.
Bright ideas from our applicants included novel education platforms to support disadvantaged young people, nutrition products tailored for girls’ menstrual cycles, uniting technology and logistics to connect with isolated Amazon communities, expeditions to study marine ecosystems, dance classes aimed at migrant groups, and a fitness app that converts steps into tree planting.
It will be a tough decision for the ACT board of trustees as they deliberate who will reach the shortlist.
What happens next
At the start of April, after selection by ACT’s trustees, the shortlist of finalists will be revealed – showing who’s in contention to win across the four prize categories.
We’ll then get to know our finalists even better as we film each of them to hear in their own words the detail – and most importantly the passion – that lies behind their ideas.
The films will be shared over our Finalists Showcase in May before the winners are selected by the board of ACT Trustees towards the end of June.
Regardless of who wins, all on the shortlist will join the ever-growing Bright Future Alumni network of former finalists and winners over the past five years.
Stay up to date with the 2026 prize
- Follow ACT on Instagramand Facebook where you can find us @ardonaghct.
- Visit the Bright Future Prize page on the ACT website.
- Get in touch with the ACT team by contacting info@ardonaghtrust.org
