Overview
The Climate Project invites MIT principal investigators to submit bold, integrative proposals that advance solutions to one of the defining challenges of our time: building well-being for people and the planet. This RFP supports projects that take a community-centered, systems-based approach, recognizing that climate impacts are experienced where people live and work, and that durable solutions must integrate science, engineering, policy, finance, social sciences, and humanities.
This inaugural call focuses on three initial frontiers where global systems intersect directly with community well-being: Building Coastal Resilience, Decarbonizing Ports and Shipping, and Designing Data Centers of the Future. These focus areas are starting points rather than constraints. Proposals may target specific technologies, system models, policy or financial tools, or community-engaged approaches, and may also address enabling foundations such as data, health, workforce development, behavioral science, and governance. Projects should articulate clear pathways from research to real-world impact, including how successful efforts could be demonstrated, scaled, and replicated as blueprints for broader adoption. Exceptional proposals outside the three frontiers that align with the Climate Project’s goals will also be considered.
Project Funding, Duration, and Support
Awards will support 6–24 month projects, funded at $50,000–$250,000 in direct costs, with a total RFP budget of up to $5 million. The priority deadline for proposals is February 27, 2026 at 5:00 pm ET, with rolling review thereafter.
Proposals will be evaluated based on: (1) strength of problem definition and approach; (2) innovation and differentiation; (3) potential for transformative climate and community impact; and (4) team capability and alignment.
The Climate Project encourages early pre-submission consultation — MIT teams may email a short concept paragraph to climate-rfp@mit.edu to receive feedback prior to submission.
Selected teams will receive not only funding, but also ongoing project support, including quarterly check-ins, milestone tracking, and opportunities to participate in regular Frontier brainstorms, cross-team sessions designed to foster collaboration, share methods, and identify pathways for follow-on funding, partnerships, and potential future Frontier Projects. Through this RFP, the Climate Project aims to accelerate integrated solutions that are impactful on their own and even more powerful when combined.
Learn More or Apply
Download a full copy of the RFP or visit the submission portal.
Inquiries
Please direct all inquiries regarding process, eligibility, and related questions to climate-rfp@mit.edu.