Previous winners of the Zayed Future Energy Prize have told how Government funding and recognition helped their work in renewable energy and sustainability.
They discussed the support during a reception at the UAE Embassy in Washington.
The prize was launched in 2008 by Abu Dhabi's clean energy company, Masdar, to recognise people and organisations working in renewable energy and sustainability.
Winners d.light design, Ceres and the Environmental Defence Fund (EDF) shared what they planned to do with their prize money with more than 150 industry experts, policy makers and academics.
Donn Tice, chairman and chief executive of d.light design, said the company would donate a portion of its US$1.5 million (Dh5.5m) winnings towards an educational initiative for underprivileged children in Africa.
The EDF's $500,000 prize last year allowed them to push for energy efficiency in several states across the US, said Eric Pooley, the senior vice president for strategy and communications.
Mindy Lubber, president and chief executive of Ceres, said winning $1.5m this year let them expand their disclosure work.
Dr Nawal Al Hosany, director of the prize, said the platform was part of a larger initiative by the Government to catalyse innovation in renewable energy and sustainability.