If you are an ambitious young writer with a groundbreaking idea that could shape the future of business, the Bracken Prize for Young Authors 2026 presents an outstanding opportunity to gain international recognition, financial support, and industry exposure.
Organized by the Financial Times, the Bracken Prize (formerly known as the Bracken Bower Prize) celebrates the next generation of business thinkers by recognizing exceptional unpublished business book proposals from emerging writers under the age of 35.
The competition is designed to encourage fresh thinking and bold ideas that address today’s rapidly changing business landscape. Whether your proposal explores artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, sustainability, finance, leadership, innovation, technology, the future of work, or global economic trends, this prestigious award provides a platform to showcase your ideas to some of the world’s leading business experts.
The winner will receive £15,000, while two finalists will each receive £2,000, making it one of the most valuable international awards for aspiring business authors.
About the Bracken Prize for Young Authors
The Bracken Prize was established to encourage young writers and researchers to explore the ideas that will influence the future of business.
Previously known as the Bracken Bower Prize, the award has evolved into one of the Financial Times’ flagship initiatives supporting emerging voices in business writing.
Each year, the competition recognizes the most compelling proposal for an original business book written by an author under the age of 35.
Rather than rewarding completed manuscripts, the prize focuses on identifying outstanding ideas during the proposal stage, giving talented writers the opportunity to develop their concepts before publication.
Why the Bracken Prize Exists
Many of today’s most significant economic, technological, political, and social changes are being driven by younger generations. However, opportunities for emerging writers to develop ambitious long-form business ideas remain limited.
The Bracken Prize was created to bridge this gap by providing:
- Recognition for emerging business thinkers.
- Financial support for promising authors.
- Visibility within the international publishing and business community.
- Expert feedback on innovative business ideas.
- A platform for challenging conventional thinking.
- Encouragement for rigorous and evidence-based business writing.
The award particularly values proposals that challenge established ideas, explore emerging trends, and rethink the role of business in society.
Prize Awards
The Bracken Prize offers generous financial rewards:
Winner
- Cash prize of £15,000
Finalists
- Two finalists will each receive £2,000
Beyond the prize money, finalists gain valuable recognition from one of the world’s leading business media organizations, significantly increasing the visibility of their work.
What the Judges Are Looking For
Judges evaluate submissions based on several important qualities, including:
- Originality.
- Intellectual rigor.
- Creativity.
- Strong research foundation.
- Fresh perspectives.
- Compelling storytelling.
- Relevance to modern business challenges.
- Insight into future business trends.
Successful proposals should offer innovative ideas that contribute meaningfully to discussions surrounding business, economics, leadership, technology, entrepreneurship, sustainability, or related fields.
Benefits of the Bracken Prize
Participating authors enjoy numerous benefits beyond financial rewards.
These include:
- Opportunity to win £15,000.
- International recognition.
- Increased credibility as an emerging business author.
- Exposure to publishing professionals.
- Valuable expert review of your proposal.
- Enhanced visibility within the Financial Times network.
- Opportunity to refine your business book concept.
- Recognition among leading business thinkers.
- Greater opportunities for future publishing success.
Who Should Apply?
The Bracken Prize is ideal for:
- Young business writers.
- Researchers.
- Journalists.
- Entrepreneurs.
- Academics.
- Consultants.
- Economists.
- Startup founders.
- Innovation experts.
- Policy researchers.
- Professionals with original ideas about the future of business.
Applicants do not need to have previously published a book. What matters most is the originality and quality of the proposal.
Proposal Requirements
Applicants are expected to submit an original business book proposal that:
- Has not been published.
- Demonstrates innovative thinking.
- Addresses important business challenges or future trends.
- Is supported by rigorous research.
- Offers fresh perspectives.
- Engages contemporary business debates.
Why You Should Apply
Winning or becoming a finalist can significantly enhance an author’s career.
Benefits include:
- Increased professional credibility.
- Greater visibility within the publishing industry.
- Financial support to continue developing the book.
- Recognition from the Financial Times.
- Opportunities to connect with business leaders and publishing professionals.
- Stronger prospects for securing a publishing contract.
- Validation of your ideas by respected experts.
For aspiring business authors, the Bracken Prize represents an exceptional opportunity to transform an innovative idea into a published work with global impact.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting proposals is:
30 September 2026
Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their proposals well in advance to ensure they submit a polished and compelling entry before the closing date.
How to Apply
Eligible applicants should prepare an original, unpublished business book proposal and submit it through the official Bracken Prize website before the deadline.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the official eligibility requirements, submission guidelines, and Terms & Conditions before completing their application.
For more information, visit the official website
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