Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge 2026 (Fully Funded Trip to Oxford)

Applications are open for the Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge 2026, an international competition organized by Saïd Business School. The challenge invites high school students and teachers worldwide to develop innovative technology-based solutions to tackle some of the world’s most pressing climate challenges. The competition aims to inspire the next generation of climate innovators and environmental leaders.

Competition Overview

• Organizer: Saïd Business School
• Competition Type: Global Climate Innovation Challenge
• Location of Finals: Saïd Business School, Oxford
• Eligibility: High School Students and Teachers Worldwide
• Entry Fee: Free
• Submission Deadline: 30 June 2026 (11:59 PM GMT)
• Finals: August 2026 in Oxford, United Kingdom

Climate Challenge Themes

Participants must develop a technology-driven solution addressing one of the following global challenges:

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

Projects should demonstrate innovation, feasibility, scalability, and measurable environmental impact.

Student Category

Eligibility

• Students aged 15–18 years
• Teams of 3–5 students
• Team members may come from the same school, different schools, or different countries
• Individual entries are not accepted.

Submission Requirements

Each team must submit:

• A PowerPoint presentation (maximum 10 slides, submitted as PDF)
• A video presentation of up to 3 minutes
• Signed parental consent forms for all team members.

Teacher Category

Teachers can participate individually by submitting:

• Climate education lesson plans
• Classroom activities that encourage climate awareness and innovation
• Technology-based approaches to climate education.

Awards and Benefits

Grand Prize

The winning student team will receive:

• Full scholarship to attend the Future Climate Innovators Summer School 2027 at Oxford
• Learning opportunities with Oxford academics
• International recognition for their innovation.

Finalist Awards

The top five student teams and finalist teachers will receive:

• Fully funded trip to Oxford
• Round-trip international travel
• Accommodation
• Opportunity to present their solutions at Oxford
• Networking with climate experts and academics.

Participation Award

• Official Certificate of Participation from Saïd Business School for all approved submissions.

Why Apply?

The competition received more than 1,600 entries from 75 countries in its previous edition, making it one of the most prestigious global climate innovation competitions for young people. Participants gain experience in research, innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship, teamwork, and public speaking while addressing real-world environmental challenges.

Key Dates

• Applications Opened: 1 December 2025
• Submission Deadline: 30 June 2026
• Finalist Announcement: July 2026
• Global Finals at Oxford: August 2026

This is an excellent opportunity for young innovators to showcase climate-tech solutions on a global stage, earn a fully funded trip to Oxford, and contribute to solving some of the world’s most urgent environmental challenges.