About Nesta

Nesta is an innovation foundation. For us, innovation means turning bold ideas into reality and changing lives for the better. We use our expertise, skills and funding in areas where there are big challenges facing society.

More about us

A guide to historical challenge prizes

Find out about the weird and wonderful heritage of challenge prizes with this fun, fact-packed guide to ten past challenges.

With the arrival of Longitude Prize, we look back through the history of challenge prizes, from the genius of John Harrison and his marine chronometer, to the bravery of Charles Lindbergh's first cross-atlantic flight.

These ten examples cover a diverse range of moments in history when a challenge prize has been created to inspire a solution to a problem. They don't always work, and not all of the ideas are perfect, but they all demonstrate important attempts to change things for the better.

Ever wondered how margarine was invented? Or how the concept of canning was discovered? Of course not, but here's your chance to find out regardless!

Discover more about these prizes below and visit our Challenge Prize Centre.