The Challenge
The Cleantech Challenge is a global business plan competition for students working on innovative clean technology ideas.
Hosted by London Business School since 2011, the Challenge brings together students from over 25 countries each year—combining technical innovation with entrepreneurial thinking to create real-world impact.
The 2026 edition is supported by Gore Street Capital and Sky.
Why We Exist
Many promising clean technologies struggle to reach the market—not because they lack potential, but because they lack early commercial support. At the same time, students across disciplines are eager to tackle climate challenges but don’t always have a clear idea or team to start with.
The Cleantech Challenge was created to bring these two worlds together. By connecting technology, talent, and purpose, we help turn ideas into solutions that can make a difference.
Who Can Enter
The Challenge is open to all current university students—undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD—enrolled at a recognised higher education institution anywhere in the world as of 1 January 2026.
You don’t need prior startup experience.
You don’t even need an idea for the Individual Application
Just curiosity, commitment, and a desire to contribute.
How the Challenge Works
The Cleantech Challenge runs across three stages from November to April, culminating in the in-person Finals at London Business School on 22–23 April 2026.
Students can apply either as individuals or as teams. Individual applicants are matched into teams before submitting a Stage 1 application. Teams are reviewed by a panel of judges, with selected finalists invited to London Business School to present their ideas.
Previous Winners
The Cleantech Challenge has been running since 2012. Here are some of our previous winners.
Fetch
Sky Zero
2025
Unlocking wave energy’s massive potential with a generator with only a single moving part for greater reliability and lower costs
Incy Tech
Gore Street
2025
Transforming renewable energy with Thermal Floaters-floating solar thermal devices that generate electricity using temperature differences between concentrated sunlight and water
Tuuli
Overall Winner
2024
Software to help measure, reduce and monitor the embodied and operational carbon emissions of your assets. They are now collaborating with some of Canada’s largest real estate developers and REITs, driving tangible change in the industry.
A&B Smart Materials
Overall Winner
2023
A service provider that tackles the issue of lost energy and revenue generation due to overheating solar panels.
WASTEQ
Overall Winner
2021
An AI-powered demand forecaster of food perishables in shops that reduces both food shortages and food waste. In turn this helps shops increase profit.
Synthesea
Overall Winner
2020
A biological platform producing sustainable low cost omega-3 for aquaculture.
Phabio
Overall Winner
2019
A provider of bio-based polymers to replace conventional plastics like HDPE/PP.
Biokind
Overall Winner
2018
The protein of the future: sustainable protein feed for aquaculture, livestock and pets.