Youth Liberty Prize

An annual essay competition inviting young scholars to submit original work on the 2026 theme: 'When the state writes the code: How does digital interventionism impact the prospect of liberty?'. The contest targets scholars under the age of 25 worldwide and evaluates submissions for originality, analytical depth and clarity. The three highest-ranked essays will be presented at the Madrid Annual Conference on Austrian Economics and published on the Liberty Prize website. The prize awards a total of €170,000 including a first prize of €100,000.

Monetary prizes totaling €170,000 (first prize €100,000); publication of the top three essays and presentation at the Madrid Annual Conference on Austrian Economics.

Open to scholars worldwide under the age of 25.

Submit an essay via the competition's online submission portal.