Applications are now open for the Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge 2026, an exciting international competition that invites high school students and teachers from around the world to develop innovative technology-driven solutions to tackle the climate crisis.
Presented by Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, the challenge provides a unique platform for young innovators and educators to address some of the world’s most pressing environmental issues while gaining international recognition and the opportunity to present their ideas at the prestigious University of Oxford.
Shortlisted participants will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Oxford, while winners will receive fully funded educational opportunities at Oxford in 2027.
About the Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge 2026
The Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge is designed to empower the next generation of climate leaders by encouraging students and teachers to use technology to develop practical solutions for environmental challenges.
Participants are invited to create innovative ideas, projects, and educational approaches that leverage technology to address key climate-related issues affecting communities worldwide.
The competition seeks bold, creative, and scalable solutions that can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Key Climate Challenge Areas
Participants must develop their submissions around one of the following five global climate challenges:
Air Pollution
Develop technology-based solutions that help reduce pollution levels, improve air quality monitoring, or promote healthier environments.
Extreme Weather Events
Create innovative tools or systems that help communities prepare for, respond to, or recover from climate-related disasters.
Food Security
Design solutions that improve food production, distribution, sustainability, or access in a changing climate.
Biodiversity
Develop ideas that protect ecosystems, preserve wildlife, and support environmental conservation efforts.
Water Scarcity
Create technologies that improve water management, conservation, accessibility, or quality.
Why Participate?
The competition offers participants an opportunity to gain valuable experience while contributing to solutions for real-world environmental challenges.
Real-World Impact
Participants will apply technology and innovation to some of the most urgent climate issues facing the world today.
Build Valuable Skills
Students and teachers will strengthen critical skills including:
- Problem-solving
- Innovation and creativity
- Teamwork
- Ethical decision-making
- Research and presentation skills
International Recognition
Successful participants will gain recognition from Oxford Saïd Business School, one of the world’s leading institutions for business and leadership education.
Global Networking Opportunities
Participants will become part of an international community of young innovators, educators, academics, and climate practitioners.
Eligibility Requirements
Student Category
Student entries must:
- Be submitted by a team of 3 to 5 students.
- Include participants aged between 15 and 18 years.
- Be submitted as a ten-page PowerPoint presentation saved as a PDF file.
- Include a video presentation of up to three minutes.
- Include a completed parental or guardian consent form for each student.
Please note that individual student applications are not accepted.
Teacher Category
Teacher entries must:
- Be submitted by an individual teacher.
- Include a series of lesson plans designed for integration into the school curriculum.
- Be submitted as a PDF document.
Team submissions are not accepted for teachers.
Competition Benefits
Free Entry
There is no cost to participate in the Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge.
All-Expenses-Paid Trip to Oxford
Shortlisted student teams and teachers will receive a fully funded trip to Oxford to present their ideas during the competition finals.
The package includes travel, accommodation, and related participation expenses.
Global Exposure
Finalists will have the opportunity to present their projects before an international audience and engage with leading academics and professionals.
Certificate of Participation
All students and teachers whose submissions are approved will receive a certificate of participation from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.
Top Prizes
Winning Student Team
The winning student team will receive a full scholarship to attend the Future Climate Innovators Summer School in Oxford in 2027.
The program will be taught by leading Oxford University academics and will be fully funded.
Winning Teacher
The winning teacher will receive an all-expenses-paid place on an Executive Education Programme at Oxford Saïd in 2027.
This prestigious professional development opportunity will provide advanced leadership and educational training.
Finalist Rewards
All finalists will receive:
- An all-expenses-paid trip to Oxford
- The opportunity to present their ideas at the finals
- International exposure and networking opportunities
- Recognition from Oxford Saïd Business School
A Truly Global Competition
The challenge continues to attract participants from around the world.
The previous edition received more than 1,600 entries from 75 countries, highlighting the growing global interest in climate innovation and sustainable development.
For students and teachers from Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and other regions, the competition offers a valuable opportunity to showcase local solutions to global environmental challenges.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge 2026 is:
17 August 2026 (11:59 PM GMT)
Applicants are encouraged to submit their entries well before the deadline.
Final Thoughts
The Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge 2026 provides an exceptional opportunity for students and teachers to combine technology, creativity, and climate action on a global stage.
With fully funded travel to Oxford, prestigious educational prizes, international recognition, and access to a growing network of climate innovators, the challenge offers participants a chance to make a meaningful impact while developing skills that will benefit them for years to come.
If you are passionate about technology, sustainability, and solving real-world problems, this competition could be your pathway to global recognition and future opportunities.
