Deadline: January 11, 2026
The MIT Climate and Energy Prize 2025–2026 is a prestigious global competition designed to support university-led startups developing innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing climate and energy challenges. Hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the prize focuses on accelerating scalable ideas that contribute meaningfully towards a net-zero future.
The MIT Climate and Energy Prize 2025–2026 brings together students, researchers, and early-stage entrepreneurs from across the globe, offering not just funding but also mentorship, exposure, and access to a powerful innovation ecosystem.
About the MIT Climate and Energy Prize 2025–2026
The MIT Climate and Energy Prize is an annual international competition that supports the creation and growth of impactful climate and energy startups emerging from universities worldwide. The programme encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and practical solutions that can transition from research to real-world application.
Participating teams work through a competitive, multi-stage process that includes virtual evaluations, regional semi-finals, and an in-person grand final hosted in Boston, Massachusetts.
Prize Value and Benefits
Selected teams compete for over USD 100,000 in non-dilutive cash prizes, alongside extensive non-financial benefits, including:
- Expert mentorship from industry leaders and climate innovators
- Feedback from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and technologists
- Global exposure and visibility within the climate and energy ecosystem
- Access to a strong alumni network of founders and climate leaders
Past participants of the programme have gone on to raise significant follow-on funding and build globally recognised climate ventures.
Key Dates and Timeline (2025–2026 Cycle)
- Applications Open: 3 November 2025
- Final Application Deadline: 11 January 2026
- First Round (Virtual Review): 2–6 February 2026
Regional Semi-Finals
- Asia: 26–27 February 2026 (Singapore)
- United States: 6–7 March 2026 (Boston, Massachusetts)
- Europe: 12–13 March 2026 (Munich, Germany)
Grand Final
- 16–17 April 2026 (Boston, Massachusetts)
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
The competition is open to student-led teams from universities worldwide. Eligibility requirements include:
- Teams must consist of at least two members
- At least 50% of the core team must be current university students or postdoctoral fellows graduating December 2025 or later
- Teams can be from any country and are not limited to MIT
- Startups must be new ventures, not subsidiaries or spin-outs of existing companies
- Teams must have raised less than USD 100,000 in dilutive funding by the application deadline
What the Application Involves
Applicants are required to submit a detailed application outlining:
- The problem being addressed
- The proposed climate or energy solution
- The core product or technology
- The commercialisation and scaling strategy
- Information about the team members
Shortlisted teams advance through multiple competitive rounds, culminating in the grand final where winners are selected.
Why Apply for the MIT Climate and Energy Prize 2025–2026?
- Gain international recognition for your climate or energy innovation
- Access world-class mentorship and strategic guidance
- Compete for substantial non-dilutive funding
- Connect with investors, policymakers, and climate leaders
- Accelerate your startup’s journey from idea to impact
Support for Applicants
Need help strengthening your application?
We offer professional support for proposal drafting, refining, and review, ensuring your submission is clear, competitive, and aligned with the expectations of international selection panels.
📩 Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review support.
