Climate Leadership Challenge

2010 Climate Leadership Challenge

What's your idea for building a better future? Submit it to the SAGE Climate Leadership Challenge and WIN!

Increased prize money for 2010 CLC – $100,000 in total prizes!

The 2010 Climate Leadership Challenge is featuring a Grand Prize of up to $50,000 for the Most Action-Ready Solution. In addition, the winning individual or team will have an option for a 12-month lease for an incubator space University Research Park’s new east side facility, the Metro Innovation Center, to help put the winning idea into action. The winners will also attend the Clean-Tech Investor Summit 2011 or a similar convention.

Additionally, $10,000 will be awarded to the runners-up in the Most Action-Ready category and two awards of $15,000 each will be awarded to the Most Innovative Technical Solution and the Most Innovative Non-Technical Solution.

Begin developing your climate solution today and compete for up to $100,000 in awards!

The CLC competition is open to all types of climate solutions, submitted by student teams of up to four students (individuals are also welcome to submit). Have an idea for a low-emitting car? Green business idea? Public outreach campaign? Activist art project? Let us know – by submitting to the CLC, your idea may change the world, and you may earn big money.

All team members must be UW-Madison students, with interdisciplinary teams recommended to ensure your team reflects a good balance of skills to design real-world climate solutions.

The CLC is supported through a generous grant from the Global Stewards Society – John F. & Mary Cooper; Gary & Ellora Cooper; Christine Cooper; John & Mary K. Noreika; Peter Vogel, Vogel Brothers Building Company; David Beck-Engel, J.H. Findorff & Son; Scott J. Reppert, Superior Health Linens.

Eligibility and Rules
Read the CLC Mission Document
Read about the 2009 CLC
Join the CLC Facebook Group
Participate in the CLC Blog

CLC faculty coordinator Greg Nemet participated in a discussion about climate change on Wisconsin Public Radio on September 28, 2009 at 10am. Listen to the discussion (click on the "Listen to Archive" link)

Information Sessions

There will be an information session held on Tuesday, November 10th from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm in Science Hall, Rm. 175. Additional sessions will be held in January, February, and March.

The sessions will provide more details about the Climate Leadership Challenge and a chance to ask questions about the competition.

Download a pdf of the Powerpoint Presentation given at the information session in October.

Looking for teammates to help develop a great idea? Come to the informational sessions and meet other students who may also be looking for teammates.

Climate Solutions Discussions

Come to Science Hall Rm. 140 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Tuesday, November 3rd for an informal discussion about climate change science, policy, impacts, and -- most of all -- possible solutions. Bring your questions and ideas! All students and faculty welcome. Discussion will be facilitated by Prof. Tracey Holloway, Director of the Nelson Institute Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment (SAGE) and Co-chair of the Climate Leadership Challenge. Information will be available about the Climate Leadership Challenge, a UW-Madison competition to promote innovation around climate change, and awarding up to $100,000 in prizes.

Climate Solutions Discussions will also take place on Tuesday, November 10th and Tuesday, November 24th, both from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm and at Science Hall Rm. 140. Come to one discussion or all three!"

Other Dates to Remember

• Submission deadline March 25, 2010

• Finalists announced April 6, 2010

• Presentations at the Nelson Institute Earth Day Conference, April 20, 2010

• Awards April 21, 2010

Get Twice the Mileage for your Sustainability Solution! Submit to the UW-Madison Business School's Burrill competition, too. Two opportunities to win, with one great idea!

Questions? Email CLC Project Coordinator Keith Cronin