MIT Climate and Energy Prize

The MIT Climate & Energy Prize (MIT CEP) is the longest-running and largest climate-tech and energy startup competition for university students globally, founded in 2007 at MIT. Open to student-led teams from any university worldwide, teams must consist of at least two members, be incorporated as a legal entity, and have raised less than $100K in dilutive funding. The annual competition runs across three rounds: a virtual qualifying round, regional in-person semi-finals (held in Boston, Europe, and Singapore), and a Grand Final in Cambridge, MA each April. Competing teams receive world-class mentorship from founders, operators, and industry partners, as well as access to sponsor networks and resources. Nine thematic tracks cover Energy, Food & Land Use, Built Environment, Transportation, GHG Capture & Removal, Water Resources, Industrial Decarbonization, Climate Services & Software, and Climate Adaptation. All prizes are non-dilutive cash awards; the Grand Prize is $100,000+. Since founding, CEP has distributed over $3.4M in prizes, mentored 280+ teams, and its alumni have collectively raised over $4.6 billion in capital. The 2025–2026 cycle has concluded; the 2026–2027 application is expected to open in fall 2026.