Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability invites students around the world to join the 2026-27 season of The Global Sustainability Challenge.
The Global Sustainability Challenge, led by the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and leading institutions worldwide, invites university students to develop bold solutions in Sustainable Energy and Adaptation & Resilience.
Winners receive cash prizes, global recognition, and an exclusive invitation to Stanford’s EcoGlobal program.
The 2026-27 season includes the following themes:
- Sustainable Energy – Clean generation, storage, access, and efficiency, including microgrids and grid resilience for communities living with unreliable power
- Adaptation & Resilience – Adaptation & Resilience now spans three focus areas that help communities withstand, adapt to, and recover from climate shocks
Eligibility
- This opportunity is open to college students from all disciplines and multidisciplinary teams are encouraged.
- Participants should be enrolled in an accredited degree, diploma, or equivalently rigorous program. Certificate or short courses are not eligible.
- Teams can include one to six university students, and at least one team member must be 18 by 1 January 2027.
Timeline
- Ignite (September 2026 to November 2026): form a team, understand problems, and explore solutions through community engagement.
- Build (December 2026 to February 2027): develop the work through mentorship, workshops, and feedback; present at regional semifinals
- Shine (March 2027 to May 2027): refine your project and present at the Global Finals in China
The Global Sustainability Challenge empowers students to develop innovative solutions for pressing planetary challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world impact.
Teams do not build alone. Mentors, judges, ambassadors, and the wider GSC network help sharpen the work and sustain momentum.
To learn more and to apply please visit the official website.
No Entry Fee!
It's free to enter.