Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge 2026 | Fully Funded

Applications are now open for the Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge 2026, a prestigious global competition organized by the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. The challenge invites high school students and teachers worldwide to develop innovative technology-driven solutions that address some of the world’s most pressing climate challenges.

This exciting competition provides participants with the opportunity to showcase their ideas on a global stage, receive international recognition, and compete for all-expenses-paid trips to Oxford, scholarships, and executive education opportunities. Participation is completely free.

Competition Summary

Details	Information
Organizer	Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
Competition	Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge 2026
Competition Type	Global Climate Innovation Challenge
Eligibility	High School Students (15–18 years) & High School Teachers Worldwide
Entry Fee	Free
Team Requirement	3–5 students (students category)
Application Deadline	17 August 2026 (11:59 PM GMT)

About the Competition

The Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge empowers young innovators and educators to use technology, creativity, and problem-solving to tackle climate change.

Participants are expected to design innovative solutions or lesson plans that address climate issues at the local, national, or global level. The competition encourages collaboration, innovation, and practical thinking while connecting participants with one of the world’s leading universities. Last year’s edition attracted more than 1,600 entries from 75 countries, highlighting its global reach and impact.

Challenge Themes

Participants must choose one of the following five climate challenge areas:

• Air Pollution
• Extreme Weather Events
• Food Security
• Biodiversity
• Water Scarcity

All submissions must demonstrate how technology can help solve or reduce the chosen climate challenge.

Prizes

Student Grand Prize

The winning student team will receive:

• Full scholarship to the Future Climate Tech Innovators Summer School 2027 in Oxford.
• All-expenses-paid trip to Oxford.
• Learning experience with Oxford University academics.
• International recognition for their innovation.

Teacher Grand Prize

The winning teacher will receive:

• A place on an Oxford Saïd Executive Education Programme in 2027.
• Fully funded trip to Oxford.

Finalist Awards

All shortlisted student teams and teachers will receive:

• All-expenses-paid trip to Oxford.
• Opportunity to present their projects during the global finals.
• Travel and accommodation fully covered.
• International exposure and networking opportunities.

Benefits of Participating

Participants will:

• Compete on a global stage.
• Receive recognition from the University of Oxford.
• Develop innovative climate technology solutions.
• Strengthen research, teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.
• Network with students, educators, academics, and climate experts from around the world.
• Receive a certificate of participation for eligible submissions.
• Build a strong portfolio for future university and scholarship applications.

Eligibility Criteria

Student Category

Applicants must:

• Be 15–18 years old.
• Apply as a team of 3–5 students.
• Teams may consist of students from the same or different schools and countries.
• Individual applications are not accepted.
• Develop a technology-based solution addressing one of the five climate themes.

Teacher Category

Applicants must:

• Be a high school teacher.
• Apply individually.
• Develop a series of climate-related lesson plans for use within their school’s curriculum.

Submission Requirements

Student Teams

Applications must include:

• A 10-page PowerPoint presentation (submitted as PDF).
• A 3-minute video presentation.
• Signed parental or guardian consent forms for every student.

Teachers

Applications must include:

• Climate-related lesson plans.
• PDF submission of the lesson materials.

Judging Criteria

Student projects will be evaluated based on:

• Problem identification.
• Quality of research.
• Innovation and creativity.
• Feasibility of the solution.
• Potential impact and scalability.
• Sustainability.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Presentation quality.
• Ethical considerations.

Teacher submissions will be assessed on the quality, innovation, and classroom relevance of their lesson plans.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should:

1. Visit the official Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge website.
2. Choose one of the five challenge themes.
3. Develop a technology-driven solution (students) or climate lesson plans (teachers).
4. Prepare all required submission materials.
5. Submit the application online before the deadline.

Application Deadline

17 August 2026 (11:59 PM GMT)

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Conclusion

The Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for high school students and teachers to showcase innovative climate solutions on a global stage. With fully funded trips to Oxford, scholarships, executive education opportunities, and international recognition, participants will gain invaluable experience while contributing practical ideas to address one of humanity’s greatest challenges—climate change.