The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has announced the winners of the 2025 IsDB Prize for Impactful Achievement in Islamic Economics, celebrating innovative projects that reflect the core values and principles of Islamic economics while delivering measurable development outcomes. This year’s prize highlights exceptional initiatives that have tackled real-world challenges through ethical and sustainable solutions, with a focus on waqf management and water purification.
Taking first place is Medikids, an Indonesian-based initiative that has developed a unique waqf-driven model to sustain children’s and family dental clinics. Launched in 2018, the initiative rapidly gained financial independence within three years and has since expanded its impact by launching a scholarship program for healthcare professionals in its second year of operation. A distinctive feature of Medikids’ approach is its dedication to allocating a portion of its net profits as waqf—endowed assets designated to support social welfare initiatives and enhance other waqf assets. This model integrates health and education while addressing the broader social needs of underprivileged communities.
The IsDB Prize Selection Committee praised Medikids for embodying the role of civil society-led waqf initiatives in supporting the dual missions of healthcare and education. The committee highlighted the sustainability of the model, noting that its revenue-driven structure is consistent with Islamic economic principles and offers a replicable framework for other sectors.
Interestingly, the committee chose to withhold the second-place award this year, citing a rigorous selection process and the high standards set for impactful contributions.
Third place was awarded to the Blue Filter project, which has developed a groundbreaking prototype for water purification. This technology efficiently removes pollutants such as nitrates, chloride, and heavy metals using a fusion of natural filtration techniques and advanced automation systems. The Blue Filter system includes real-time monitoring and loss management functions, ensuring efficient performance and minimal waste—key concerns in regions facing water scarcity and pollution.
The Selection Committee lauded Blue Filter for aligning with the strategic priorities of IsDB, especially in the areas of food and water security. Its environmentally conscious design, which emphasizes blue and bio-based elements, offers a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to conventional water treatment solutions that often rely on chemical processes.
The 2025 IsDB Prize for Impactful Achievement will be presented during the IsDB Group Annual Meetings, scheduled to take place from May 19 to 22, 2025, in Algiers, Algeria. His Excellency Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, Chairman of the IsDB Group, extended his congratulations to the awardees and emphasized the importance of the prize as a vehicle for translating Islamic economic principles into real-world solutions.
“This prize is a strategic initiative that encourages innovative thinking and practical applications of Islamic economic thought to address development challenges. These winning projects are exemplary models of how knowledge and ethics can drive economic transformation,” said Dr. Al Jasser.
Originally launched in 1988 as the IsDB Prize in Islamic Economics, Banking, and Finance, the award evolved in 2020 to recognize both knowledge contributions and development achievements on an alternating basis. The 1446H (2025) cycle focused on Development Achievement, spotlighting tangible, results-driven projects that benefit IsDB member countries and Muslim communities globally.