XPRIZE began in 1994 with a moonshot idea. Inspired by the 1927 $25,000 Orteig Prize, which led to Charles Lindbergh’s first solo nonstop transatlantic flight and revolutionized air travel, XPRIZE founder Peter H. Diamandis, MD envisioned a prize that would launch humanity to the stars. The $10 million Ansari XPRIZE – at the time, the largest incentive prize in history – attracted 26 teams competing to build and launch a spacecraft capable of carrying three people to 100 kilometers above Earth twice within two weeks. Mojave Aerospace Ventures achieved the objective with SpaceShipOne, earning the prize in October 2004. The Ansari XPRIZE catalyzed a $546B  (and rapidly growing) private space industry, transformed the practice of crowdsourced innovation, and validated that the XPRIZE model works.

XPRIZE has launched 30 prizes and counting awarding in excess of $519 million to date. The results prove the viability of our model: incentive prize competitions inspire innovation and push the boundaries of what is possible. Through our prizes, competing teams have driven breakthrough solutions leaving an enduring impact in the fields of climate change, public health, education and more.

The world has changed since 1994, yet XPRIZE remains dynamic and responsive to the evolving landscape of global challenges. We are undaunted in the face of the most stubborn threats because we are confident the XPRIZE model can and will inspire and deliver solutions.  With seven focus areas, and record-setting prize purses XPRIZE continues to advance its mission.