The 2025-2026 Martin Society cohort
Student Innovator Awards 2026
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.
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.
Awards will support 12–18 month projects, starting June 1, 2026 in the Sandbox summer cohort. Project funding will be available up to 1 year after the lead student’s graduation, so long as project teams continue to fulfill requirements.
Learn more and apply by Monday, March 30 at 11:59 pm ET.
The Martin Fellows
The Martin Family Society of Fellows for Sustainability is a community of MIT doctoral students pursuing sustainability research across a wide array of fields and topics. Each year, approximately ten outstanding students are selected to receive one academic year of fellowship support.
Martin Fellows participate in a lively community of students and alumni dedicated to advancing environmental and social sustainability.
Applications closed on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Projects (UROPs)
The Climate Project collaborates with UROPs and other campus organizations such as the MIT Office of Sustainability (MITOS) to advance MIT’s climate goals. These efforts often extend beyond campus, connecting student projects with local organizations to ensure real-world impact.
Additional Sources of Funding or Support
The following programs and opportunities are not managed or funded by the MIT Climate Project but may be of interest to MIT undergraduate and graduate students.
J-WAFS Grant for Transforming Animal Agriculture Systems
The J-WAFS Grant for Transforming Animal Agriculture Systems is a funding opportunity for current members of the MIT community — including graduate and undergraduate students — interested in addressing problems associated with industrial food animal production (IFAP).
Grants in the range of $15-25K will be awarded to selected recipients. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are a focus and priority, and proposals should address animal agriculture in LMICs as at least one of the project’s key focus areas or topics.
Individuals or teams with appropriate research are encouraged to apply.
Learn more and apply by Monday, May 4 at 5:00 pm ET.
MITEC Launchpad
MITEC Launchpad offers consulting-like engagements for students to gain practical energy/climate experience alongside their coursework. Project teams consist of 4-5 undergraduate students working on a scoped business or engineering initiative for a partner company.
MITEI UROPs
Supporting undergraduate research is an important component of MIT Energy Initiative’s (MITEI) commitment to training tomorrow’s energy innovators to provide a growing global population with affordable, sustainable energy access and tackle climate change.
MITEI encourages and supports student participation in energy research through its Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP).