Toyota and its Israeli importer, Union Motors, have opened applications for the new Israel Earth Prize aimed to promote environmental policy and entrepreneurship in Israel.
Five chosen initiatives will each receive a million shekels (about $282,000) per year for five years.
“Driving our world to a sustainable, greener future, brings with it a great opportunity to create a better future. As part of our ‘Going Beyond Zero’ approach we encourage organizations, communities and individuals to join us and win our support,” the partners announced.
The prize is open to non-governmental organizations, startups and entrepreneurs with solutions for carbon emission reduction, conservationism, urban sustainability, circular economy, climate crisis measurement and abatement, clean transportation and sustainable nutrition.
Winners will be announced in March by the prize committee: University of Haifa natural resources and environmental management Prof. Ofira Ayalon; Tel Aviv University environmental studies Prof. Vered Blass; Mohammed Alnabari, mayor of the Negev Bedouin township of Hura; Ron Gonen of New York-based investment firm Closed Loop Partners; social business entrepreneur Hana Rado; and PICO Venture Partners managing partner Elie Wurtman.