AUGUST 5, 2022 - The Roddenberry Foundation, named for The Great Bird of the Galaxy and Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, once again launched registration for its biennial Roddenberry Prize this week. The prize offers $1.5 million to support early stage science and technology projects seeking to solve some of the Earth’s most pressing problems.

“My father envisioned a future without hunger, poverty, or war,” Rod Roddenberry, Gene’s son, said. “Through the Roddenberry Prize we seek to find and support organizations who are making that vision a reality.”

Then foundation’s chair, Heidi Roddenberry, added, “We need to rethink how we produce and distribute food; how we design and construct our homes; how we travel, access clean water, and do business; and how we protect the planet.” The Roddenberry Prize seeks to encourage innovations that will achieve those lofty goals.

Applicants must be nominated by foundations, impact investors, and the like by September 2, 2022, with six finalists being invited to share their vision with the Roddenberry Foundation staff. One lucky applicant will walk away with $1 million USD earmarked for their project; the other five will receive $100,000 USD for theirs. If you’ve got an idea for a technology that will get us closer to a Star Trek future, now may be your chance to get some financial backing from the Roddenberry Foundation.

For more on the prize, check out the article on PR Newswire. And for an even more in-depth look and to nominate someone, beam on over to The Roddenberry Prize website.