Established in 1976 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Rolex Oyster, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch, the Rolex Awards for Enterprise champions exceptional individuals with innovative projects that improve our knowledge of the world, protect the environment, help preserve habitats and species, and improve human well-being.
Intended to be a one-off celebration, the Awards drew such international attention that it was transformed into a biennial programme. Over the 48 years since its inception, it has supported 160 Laureates, whose projects have made profound impact across some 65 countries. Aligned with the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, it highlights Rolex’s commitment to broader environmental goals.
The Rolex Awards are unique in several ways. Unlike most other award programmes, it is not designed to recognise past achievements—they are given to new or ongoing projects. The Rolex Awards are managed at the company’s headquarters in Geneva. All applications are analysed by researchers and the best entries assessed with the help of specialists in relevant fields (about 37,000 people have applied for Rolex Awards since the 1976 launch). A shortlist of applications is then judged by an independent, interdisciplinary jury of experts.
These five Laureates are conferred the Rolex Award in recognition of their “spirit of enterprise” and the originality and impact of their contributions to the world. The Award not only provides tangible assistance through funding for their initiatives but also grants them access to the Rolex Laureates network, fostering collaborations that often lead to further meaningful endeavours.
To maintain a high level of neutrality, a new jury is selected for each edition of the Rolex Awards for Enterprise. The 2023 jury comprises 10 exemplary professionals from diverse fields, including explorers, scientists, environmentalists, philanthropists, public policy experts, public health experts, and filmmakers from various locations.
Astrophysicist, Nobel Laureate, and 2023 Rolex Awards for Enterprise jury member, Brian Schmidt, emphasises the lasting impact of the awards, stating, “The Rolex Awards establish a connection with the Laureates that lasts years, and they’re able to tell their story and provide mentoring and connections. I don’t think there’s any other award quite like it.”
Liu Shaochuang
The Chinese Aerospace scientist, who played a crucial role in the development of China’s Lunar and Mars rovers, has shifted his focus to utilising satellite tracking for studying wild camel habitats in the Gobi Desert regions of China and Mongolia. His current objective is to establish two new conservation reserves aimed at preserving the last remaining wild herds in the region.
Beth Koigi
The young Kenyan social entrepreneur co-founded a start-up in 2017 with the goal of providing solar-powered condensation technology to 3,000 people in 10 communities who are in need of clean water resources. Koigi’s efforts currently involve using her atmospheric water generators to produce over 200,000 litres of clean water per month, benefitting over 1,900 people. The potential impact of this innovative technology is enormous. In Koigi’s native Kenya half the population lack access to clean drinking water while, according to the UN, half the world’s population could be living in areas of high water stress by 2030.
Constantino Aucca Chutas
Aucca Chutas, a biologist and founder of the Asociación Ecosistemas Andinos (ECOAN) in 2000, and the co-founder of Acción Andina in 2018, will be scaling up his community-centred forest ecosystem restoration and protection programme in the high Andes. These initiatives are designed for sustainable scalability. His remarkable efforts have resulted in the planting of 4.5 mill trees, the active engagement of over 60 local communities, and the establishment of 16 protected areas in the mountainous regions of Peru and other high Andean geographies.
Denica Riadini-Flesch
The Indonesian social entrepreneur founded SukkhaCitta after a successful career as an economist. Her vision extends beyond conventional boundaries, aiming to broaden the horizons of a regenerative farm-to-closet clothing supply chain. This initiative is not just about sustainable fashion but also about strengthening women’s empowerment and preserving the rich tapestry of local Indonesian cultures. SukkhaCitta actively pursues its mission by equipping local rural craftswomen in Indonesia with essential business skills, imparting environmental stewardship education, and providing access to a global network of customers spanning 32 countries. In doing so, it stands as a testament to the transformative power of social entrepreneurship, weaving together the threads of sustainability, empowerment, and cultural preservation.
Inza Koné
The primatologist’s tireless efforts in Côte d’Ivoire have gone the distance to bear fruits, such as resulting in the Tanoé-Ehy Forest becoming a community-managed natural reserve as of 2021. Koné’s approach focuses on protecting native biodiverse forests while safeguarding their endangered fauna and reducing poverty in the locale. The Rolex Award will enable Koné to continue preserving its outstanding biodiversity, supporting community management and encouraging sustainable livelihoods for people in the region.
Amidst the efforts of inspiring figures such as Koigi, Aucca Chutas, Riadini-Flesch, Koné, and Liu, it is heartening to uncover the diverse ways in which these visionaries are wholeheartedly committed to enhancing a world frequently clouded by adversity.
Spanning nearly five decades, the Rolex Awards for Enterprise is a testament to the presence of courageous souls diligently working to safeguard the marvels of planet Earth, ensuring their enduring legacy for generations to come. This dedication is a beacon of hope, countering the prevailing sense of gloom that often shrouds our world. Through their tireless efforts, these bold individuals exemplify the relentless commitment to ensuring the continued existence of Earth and its wonders for countless future generations.
