[American Chemical Society](https://www.acs.org)

January 2027 (Nomination submission deadline)

No monetary award; recognition only. One award typically given per category (10 categories total).

Honors innovative green chemistry technologies that reduce hazards, improve sustainability, and deliver economic benefits across diverse sectors.

Award is recognition-based; federal employees cannot be nominees but may participate as collaborators.

--- ## Description The Green Chemistry Challenge Award recognizes outstanding advancements in green chemistry that significantly reduce or eliminate hazardous substances, minimize energy and water use, and enhance the sustainability of chemical products or processes. Sponsored by the American Chemical Society (ACS), this prestigious award program highlights innovations with clear environmental, human health, and economic benefits, promoting source reduction and impactful chemistry across pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, specialty chemicals, energy materials, and safer chemical design. Awards are given annually in ten distinct categories, each reflecting a major focus area within green chemistry. --- ## Due Dates - January 2027 (Nomination submission deadline, anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - This is a recognition award; no direct monetary funding is provided. - One winner is typically selected in each of the ten categories. - Winners receive a commemorative award and certificates; they are also invited to present at the ACS Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference. --- ## Eligibility - Eligible applicants include companies, individuals, academic institutions (including state and tribal universities), nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations, and their representatives. - Federal government employees (departments, agencies, laboratories) are NOT eligible to receive the award, but may participate as research partners if not the nominee. - The nominated technology must: - Be a green chemistry technology with a significant chemistry component. - Demonstrate source reduction (pollution prevention). - Have reached a significant milestone within the past five years (e.g., discovery, publication, patent, commercialization). - Have a significant U.S. component (substantial R&D or implementation in the U.S.). - Fit within at least one of the seven primary green chemistry focus areas. --- ## Application Process - Submit nominations in PDF format by email to [gciawards@acs.org](mailto:gciawards@acs.org). - Nominations must be no more than 8 pages (including cover page), single-spaced, 12-point font (references/captions may be 10-point), with at least 1-inch margins. - The nomination package must include: - Cover page with contact details and sponsor information. - Statement of eligibility for the Climate Change, Small Business, and/or Academic categories. - Focus area(s) applicable to the technology. - Description of the most recent milestone (within the last five years). - Description of the U.S. component. - Abstract (≤500 words) with a quantitative summary of environmental benefits. - Detailed narrative addressing the scope, selection criteria, and comparative advantages. - There is no application fee. - Self-nominations and nominations by others are accepted. --- ## Additional Information - Award categories (10 total) include: 1. Greener Synthetic Pathway in the Synthesis of Pharmaceuticals 2. Greener Synthetic Pathway in the Manufacture of Agrochemicals 3. Greener Synthetic Pathway in the Manufacture of Specialty Chemicals 4. Product, Chemical, and Process Design for Circularity or Degradability 5. Design and Manufacture of Materials for Energy Applications 6. Efficient and Impactful Valorization of Biomass 7. Design of Safer Chemicals 8. Small Business (for technologies developed by small businesses) 9. Climate Change (for technologies reducing/preventing greenhouse gas emissions) 10. Academic Award (for fundamental research with real-world solution potential) - Winners are notified prior to public announcement (typically in the fall), honored in a ceremony, and required to present at the subsequent ACS Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference. - Non-winners are notified after the awards ceremony. --- ## External Links - [ACS Green Chemistry Challenge Award Program Page](https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/funding/awards/green-chemistry-challenge-award.html) - [2026 Nomination Package (PDF)](https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/green-chemistry-sustainability/funding/gcca-2026-nomination-package.pdf) - [2026 Informational Webinar Slides (PDF)](https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/acs-webinars/2025/slides/2026-gcca-informational-webinar.pdf) - [Past Award Winners](https://www.epa.gov/greenchemistry/green-chemistry-challenge-winners) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Webpage | |----------------------|------------------------------------|-----------------|-------------------------------------------| | ACS Green Chemistry Challenge Awards | [gciawards@acs.org](mailto:gciawards@acs.org) | (202) 872-6869 | [ACS Contact Page](https://www.acs.org/contact.html) | For general ACS inquiries: help@services.acs.org or +1 800-227-5558 ---

Green Chemistry Challenge Award

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