MIT Climate & Energy PRIZE

The MIT Climate & Energy Prize competition seeks to move the world closer to net zero carbon emissions by empowering ambitious entrepreneurs to solve the world’s most difficult climate-related challenges.

The MIT Climate and Energy Prize is the largest and longest-running climate-tech startup competition for university students worldwide. Whether you already have a venture or are still developing an idea, MIT CEP serves as a launchpad to connect with mentors, investors, and experts driving the global transition to net-zero emissions.

Over the past 18 years, MIT CEP has awarded $3.5M in non-dilutive cash prizes, and more than 220 participant teams have successfully launched companies, collectively raising over $1.7B in follow-on funding. In April 2027, student teams will pitch their startups to compete for a Grand Prize of $100,000 to accelerate their climate innovations.

Our applications will open in Nov, with an early bird deadline in Dec and full application deadline early January. Qualified teams will move to virtual quarterfinal rounds in February, in person semifinal rounds in March, leading to the grand finals in April.

Team eligibility (read full criteria here):

• A team must be comprised of at least two individuals.
• At least 50% of formal team members must (1) be enrolled as a part-time or full-time student, or (2) be a postdoctoral fellow at a college or university, with graduation in December 2025 or later. 

Register below for our info session & sign up for our interest form to be sent the application once it opens!

• Register for our Info Session on Oct 15, at 12PM EST: https://mit.zoom.us/meeting/register/JX_gBlXcR_CkGfxDzimYow#/registration
• Fill out the interest form: https://tinyurl.com/CEPInterest2026

*Applications will open in Nov, with an early bird deadline in Dec and full application deadline early January. Exact dates will be released soon. 

For more details, click here.