In a significant recognition of educational innovation, Green Our Planet has been named the winner of the prestigious F1® Allwyn Global Community Award in Las Vegas. The announcement came ahead of the Formula 1® Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix 2025, marking the final award presentation of the 2025 season.
Sustainable Education Initiative Receives Major Funding
The Las Vegas-based sustainability education organization will receive a substantial €100,000 donation (equivalent to over $117,000 USD) from Allwyn, the multi-national lottery-led entertainment company. This funding will be used to expand Green Our Planet's innovative HydroConnect program, which teaches students how to grow food while mastering STEM subjects, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture principles.
Ciara Byrne accepted the award on behalf of Green Our Planet during the ceremony in Las Vegas. The recognition comes at a critical time for educational initiatives that address both environmental sustainability and educational equity.
Transforming STEM Education Through Hydroponics
Green Our Planet operates the largest hydroponics program in the United States, currently serving more than 1,400 schools across 44 states and impacting over 500,000 students. In Las Vegas alone, the organization works with over 200 schools, bringing hands-on agricultural science to urban classrooms.
The HydroConnect program specifically targets under-resourced communities, addressing two interconnected challenges: inequitable access to high-quality STEM education and healthy food options. Through the installation of hydroponic systems - the world's most water-efficient farming method - students gain practical experience in sustainable food production.
To date, the program has donated hydroponic systems to 32 schools in under-resourced Las Vegas communities and provided comprehensive teacher training. This initiative has turned science education into a hands-on experience for more than 24,000 students across the United States.
Formula 1's Multi-Faceted Support
Formula 1's commitment to Green Our Planet extends beyond the award donation. The racing organization serves as the presenting sponsor of Green Our Planet's Giant Student Farmers Market, recognized as the largest student-run farmers market in the United States. This annual event in Las Vegas showcases produce grown by students in their school gardens and hydroponic systems.
In a powerful demonstration of sustainability commitment, the FORMULA 1® HEINEKEN LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX 2025 team has installed its own hydrophobic micro farm at the race track. These advanced hydroponic units conserve up to 90% more water than traditional agriculture methods, a crucial innovation in Nevada's desert climate.
The F1 Allwyn Global Community Award recognizes outstanding societal contributions made by F1-linked initiatives in race host locations. Green Our Planet's work aligns perfectly with the award's four social goals, demonstrating significant local impact in education, culture, wellbeing, and sustainability.
Industry Leaders Praise Educational Impact
Aleš Veselý, CEO at Sazka (part of Allwyn) and an F1® Allwyn Global Community Award judge, emphasized the program's alignment with Allwyn's core values. "At Allwyn, our ethos is 'taking a chance gives you one,' and Green Our Planet's HydroConnect programme perfectly embodies that spirit," Veselý stated. "Combining STEM education with sustainable agriculture equips thousands of young students with vital real-world skills while addressing challenges like food insecurity and unequal access to education."
Ellen Jones, Head of ESG at Formula 1 and fellow award judge, highlighted the program's comprehensive approach. "Green Our Planet stood out to the judges because its work touches many of the elements that we look to recognise with this Award," Jones noted. "It's a unique project that delivers tangible results – particularly in its innovative approach to connecting children with sustainability and important life skills. I'd love to think that their work will help inspire a future generation of sustainability and community leaders one day."
The expanded HydroConnect program is expected to reach even more students in the coming year, continuing Green Our Planet's mission to create the next generation of environmental stewards and scientific innovators through practical, engaging educational experiences.
