Nominations Open for MIT Climate and Energy Prize
Deadline: December 14, 2025
The programme supports ventures working across clean energy, emission reduction, sustainable agriculture, circular economy systems, and climate resilience. Through mentorship, networking, business development support, and over $100,000 in prize funding, the competition helps promising innovations move closer to real-world impact.
The competition is structured to guide applicants from early concept to investor-ready pitch. After initial submission, selected teams participate in regional semi-finals in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, before advancing to the global final held in Boston. Finalists receive support from industry leaders, MIT faculty, and startup advisors to strengthen their business model, refine their technology approach, and prepare for engagement with investors and potential partners.
To ensure the programme strengthens student-driven entrepreneurship, only new ventures are eligible. Projects embedded within already-existing companies are not accepted. Teams do not need to be incorporated to apply, but winners must be incorporated as legal business entities to receive prize funds. Both U.S.-based and international incorporation are allowed, though international recipients may incur processing fees. Earlier incorporation is encouraged to avoid delays in award disbursement.
At least 50% of the venture must be controlled by Student Members. In for-profit businesses, student team members must collectively hold a minimum of 50% of equity and voting rights at the time of company formation. For non-profit entities, student members must retain at least 50% of the voting authority to elect or govern the board. All team members must have demonstrable management and ownership participation in the venture.
This competition offers student entrepreneurs a highly visible platform to attract partners, investors, and global recognition. With past finalists raising significant follow-on investment and scaling commercially, the MIT Climate & Energy Prize represents a unique opportunity for emerging innovators to accelerate solutions that address the planet’s most critical climate and energy challenges.
For more information, visit MIT Climate & Energy Prize.
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