The RICHARD KOCH BREAKTHROUGH PRIZE is an annual essay competition run
by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) and generously sponsored
by British businessman and author Richard Koch.

The competition carries a first prize of £50,000 which is presented
at a prestigious awards ceremony and dinner in central London.

THE 2019 RICHARD KOCH BREAKTHROUGH PRIZE

The public debate on social justice in the UK often focuses on income inequality – and the vast disparities between the rich and the poor.

And solutions often focus on wealth redistribution, rather than wealth creation.

But how can you create a true meritocracy when the opportunities for the least well off to succeed are hampered by poorly performing schools, excessive regulation and a welfare system that stifles ambition?

The 2019 RICHARD KOCH BREAKTHROUGH PRIZE is looking for answers.

A first prize of £50,000 will be awarded for the best and boldest entry answering the question:

What single policy would give everyone in society,
whatever their background, a real opportunity
to succeed on their own merit?

That policy must be both politically possible –
and compatible with a free market society.

The deadline for entries has now passed (27th June 2019, 12:00)

Entry for the 2019 Prize is now CLOSED

The finalists will be notified in September 2019 and the winners of this year’s Prize will be announced at the awards ceremony on 10 October 2019