Overview
The Climate Project invites creative and mission-driven MIT undergraduate and graduate students to propose bold ideas that advance climate solutions or deepen understanding of the complex challenges shaping our planet’s future. Rooted in MIT’s tradition of hands-on innovation and interdisciplinary exploration, this opportunity empowers students to turn visionary concepts into action with up to $15,000 in funding.
Applicant and Project Eligibility
MIT undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply. Students may apply as individuals or as teams. Teams may include both undergraduate and graduate students. Interdisciplinary or interdepartmental teams are encouraged to apply.
Project Funding, Duration, and Support
Awards will support 12–18 month projects, starting June 1, 2026 in the Sandbox summer cohort, funding up to $15,000 during this period. Project funding will be available up to 1 year after the lead student’s graduation, so long as project teams continue to fulfill requirements.
Proposals will be evaluated based on: (1) strength of problem definition and approach; (2) innovation and differentiation; (3) team background, partnership, and support capacity; and (4) potential for transformative climate and community impact.
Partnering for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Social Impact
For the inaugural year of the Student Innovator Awards, the MIT Climate Project is grateful and excited to partner with the MIT Sandbox Innovation Fund Program, the Priscilla King Gray Center for Social Impact, and the iCampus Student Prize. 2026 awardee projects will receive:
- Resources: Acceptance to Sandbox’s summer cohort (6/1–9/30) and access to Sandbox expert office hours, workshops, and programming support; with eligibility to reapply for future cohorts. Translational research support from the Climate Project.
- Mentorship: Awardees will be matched with alumni and industry mentor(s) from the Sandbox mentorship pool. PKG may also match teams with an additional expert advisor on community and social impact where beneficial.
- Community: Awardees are encouraged to join other climate innovators on campus for summer and semester programming by the Climate Project, Sandbox, and PKG IDEAS
Apply Here
Review the application form here and apply by the Monday, March 30, 2026 at 11:59pm ET deadline. Winners will be announced on April 15, 2026.
Other Inquiries
Please direct all inquiries regarding process, funding, project or applicant eligibility, and related questions to climate-sia@mit.edu.
