Applications are now open for the MIT Climate and Energy Prize 2025–2026, one of the world’s largest and longest-running competitions for student-led climate and energy startups. The Prize supports ambitious entrepreneurs developing solutions that move the world closer to net-zero carbon emissions by tackling some of the most complex climate and energy challenges.
About the MIT Climate and Energy Prize
Founded in 2007, the MIT Climate & Energy Prize has supported hundreds of early-stage climate ventures through funding, mentorship, and access to a global innovation network. Over the years, participating teams have received world-class mentoring, secured non-dilutive funding, and gone on to raise billions of dollars in follow-on investment. The competition is open to student founders from universities around the world, not just MIT.
Why It Matters
Climate change and the global energy transition require bold, scalable solutions driven by innovation. The MIT Climate and Energy Prize provides a platform for student entrepreneurs to transform research, ideas, and early prototypes into real-world ventures with climate impact. By offering non-dilutive funding and expert guidance, the Prize helps founders focus on building technologies and business models that can accelerate decarbonisation and sustainable energy adoption.
Prize and Benefits
Teams compete for over $100,000 in non-dilutive cash prizes.
Participants gain access to experienced mentors, industry experts, and investors.
Selected teams benefit from structured feedback, exposure, and resources to strengthen commercialization and scale.
Alumni become part of a global network of climate and energy innovators.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
The competition is open to students from universities worldwide, not limited to MIT.
Each team must consist of at least two individuals.
At least 50 percent of formal team members must be enrolled as part-time or full-time students, or be postdoctoral fellows at a university.
Eligible student team members must have a graduation date of December 2025 or later.
Application Process
Applicants are required to complete an online application detailing their startup concept. The application covers the problem being addressed, the proposed solution, core product or technology, commercialization strategy, and information about each team member.
Interested teams can apply using the official application form:
