The MIT Climate & Energy Prize (MIT CEP) is one of the world’s most prestigious and impactful competitions dedicated to advancing climate innovation and clean energy entrepreneurship. With its 2026 edition now officially launched, the competition continues its mission to empower university students to build startups that address the most urgent climate and energy challenges facing the planet.
Since its founding in 2007, the MIT Climate & Energy Prize has played a pivotal role in accelerating student-led climate and energy startups, helping move the world closer to net-zero carbon emissions. Through funding, mentorship, and global exposure, MIT CEP has become a launchpad for founders creating scalable solutions in climate technology, renewable energy, sustainability, and environmental resilience.
About the MIT Climate & Energy Prize Competition
The MIT Climate & Energy Prize competition is the largest and longest-running student-focused climate and energy startup competition in the world. Its goal is simple but ambitious: to empower bold entrepreneurs to transform breakthrough ideas into real-world climate solutions.
Over nearly two decades, the competition has:
- Received more than 1,000 startup applications
- Provided world-class mentorship to over 315 teams
- Awarded more than $3.4 million in non-dilutive cash prizes
- Supported alumni companies that have raised over $4.6 billion in follow-on capital, according to PitchBook
Teams participating in the competition compete for over $100,000 in prize money, while also gaining access to industry experts, investors, climate leaders, and an international network of innovators.
Learn more about the competition here:
Impact and Alumni Success Stories
The impact of the MIT Climate & Energy Prize extends far beyond prize money. To date, more than 220 alumni startups have successfully launched and collectively raised over $1.7 billion in follow-on funding.
Notable alumni include Ayar Labs, a company pushing the boundaries of energy-efficient computing through optical interconnect technology. These success stories demonstrate how MIT CEP helps transform early-stage student ideas into venture-backed companies with global reach.
By fostering long-term growth, the competition has positioned itself as a cornerstone of the global climate tech startup ecosystem.
2026 MIT Climate & Energy Prize Applications Now Open
The 2026 MIT Climate & Energy Prize application form is officially live. Student founders from universities around the world are invited to submit their ideas and join a global community of climate and energy innovators.
Application Form
Apply directly here:
Interest Form
Not sure if you are ready to apply? The MIT CEP Interest Form allows you to stay informed about competition updates, resources, and related opportunities:
https://cep.mit.edu/interest
Virtual Information Session and Mentorship Support
To support prospective applicants, MIT CEP hosts virtual information sessions that explain what makes the competition unique and how to submit a strong application.
The 2025–2026 Virtual Information Session recording covers:
- What makes the MIT Climate & Energy Prize a global community of changemakers
- How to complete the application form
- The mentorship and startup support available to teams
Watch the session here:
https://cep.mit.edu/events
Mentorship is a core part of the competition, with selected teams matched to experienced founders, investors, and climate experts during the program.
2026 MIT Climate & Energy Prize Competition Timeline
Below is the official timeline for the 2026 MIT CEP competition:
- November 3, 2025 – Applications open
- November 18, 2025 – Virtual information session
- December 21, 2025 – Early application deadline
- January 11, 2026 – Final application deadline
- February 2–6, 2026 – First round (virtual)
- February 26–27, 2026 – Asia semi-finals (Singapore)
- Late February 2026 – Mentorship matching
- March 6–7, 2026 – U.S. semi-finals (Boston, MA)
- March 12–13, 2026 – Europe semi-finals (Munich, Germany)
- April 16–17, 2026 – Grand finals (Boston, MA)
Applicants should plan ahead to meet deadlines and participate fully in each stage of the competition.
Previous Winners and Finalists
The MIT Climate & Energy Prize has consistently recognized startups with strong technical innovation and climate impact.
2025 Highlights
- $100,000 Grand Winner: Forma Systems
- $7,000 Runner-Up: Earthflow AI – Unlocking subsurface climate opportunities using AI-powered simulation
- $7,000 Runner-Up: Incy Tech
Explore all finalists and winners here:
https://cep.mit.edu/winners
Stay Connected With MIT CEP
As preparations continue for the 2025–2026 MIT Climate & Energy Prize, interested founders are encouraged to stay updated by following MIT CEP on LinkedIn and subscribing to the official newsletter.
For questions about the application process, applicants can contact the MIT CEP team directly via email through the official website.
Why the MIT Climate & Energy Prize Matters
The MIT Climate & Energy Prize is more than a startup competition. It is a global platform accelerating the next generation of climate leaders, supporting student founders as they turn bold ideas into scalable solutions for a sustainable future.
For student entrepreneurs passionate about climate action, clean energy, and environmental innovation, the 2026 MIT CEP represents a unique opportunity to gain funding, mentorship, and international visibility within the climate tech ecosystem.
