Are you a student working on a final-year project?
This competition may be the stepping stone you never expected…
Why participate?
Turn your academic work into a force for good and gain real recognition.
This award offers a unique opportunity to showcase your ideas to professionals in the field.
You’ll present your project in front of a panel of Veolia experts not just to be judged, but to be heard, guided, and supported.
A Real Reward
Four winners will be awarded and will receive:
• €2,200 prize
• An inspiring visit to a leading Veolia site
Dive into the heart of Veolia's solutions.
A Collective Impact
Your success is also that of your university:
In support of higher education, the winning schools will receive 3,000 euros.
Launched for the first time in 1998, this Veolia competition has been rewarding the most innovative end-of-study thesis of students, from university, engineering or business schools for over 20 years.
Am I eligible? We explain everything
There's no need to be an eco-superhero to participate. You just need to meet the following requirements.
You are eligible if:
- you completed your final-year project wether independently or as part of a team (up to 3 people),
- you are graduating in 2025 or 2026 from a 4- or 5- year degree program.
Please note:
- Your final-year project must be finalized before your final presentation in November.
- The Presentation must be in English.
Behind the scenes of the contest
Here's how it works:
- Submit your application through an online form BEFORE JULY 31ST.
- Select your category: Choose one of the 4 main competition categories:
. Decarbonize
. Depollute
. Regenerate
. Improve quality of life - If your application is preselected: Create a 4-minute video presenting your project and upload it to the platform.
- Submit a first version of your work before the end of September.
- If you're selected as a finalist: Submit the final version of your work and defend your final-year project before a jury in November.
The Grand Finale?
The winners will be invited at Veolia’s headquarters to receive their award in December. The ceremony in the presence of COMEX members will be, preceded by an exclusive site visit!
Overall, a valuable experience that will foster your professional development and increase your visibility.
A competition shaped by Veolia's values
We are not looking for just technical solutions or management models.
We are looking for bold, tangible visions for a fairer, greener, more resource-conscious world.
Who can win?
There is no typical profile.
Past winners came from universities or engineering schools,business schools, social sciences, design or even law. What brings them together? The desire to act.
Are you passionate about urban biodiversity, renewable energies, circular agriculture, responsible data or soil decontamination…?
This contest is made for you!
The 4 main categories
Four concrete ways to transform the world.
Decarbonize
Imagine solutions to reduce CO2 emissions, improve energy efficiency, or adapt to climate change.
› Think innovation, efficiency, and climate action..
Depollute
Tackle pollution in air, water, and soil, including microplastics and hazardous waste
› The world needs your practical powerful ideas.
Regenerate
Rethink resource use, waste management, and the circular economy.
› Smart cities, AI, and water cycles all belong here.
Improve quality of life
Build more inclusive, sustainable communities, focusing on health, hygiene, biodiversity, and social connection.
› Lets build tomorrow, today.
How to participate?
Download 2026 competition rules.
Submit your application form before July 31st.
Have questions? Reach out to us.
All details and updates can be found right here:
(Open on May 12)