The Wilkes Center for Climate Science & Policy

Key considerations for each criteria.

Scalable impact:  

• How much greenhouse gases (MT CO2-equivalent) could be avoided from emissions or removed from the atmosphere per year in the immediate future (e.g. 2023-2025) and near-term future (e.g. around 2030)?
• What are the potentials for scaling up over the 2030-2050 timescale?
• How will the Prize lead to a transformative change in this sector?
• What is the estimated permanence of these emissions reductions or removals and what is the confidence for these estimates?

Feasibility:

• Are there demonstrations of feasibility existing? At what stage? Where?
• What is the current cost per MT CO2-equivalent? What are future estimated costs by approximately 2030?
• Explain why your team has the relevant expertise and structure to succeed.
• What are key barriers and what plans are in place to overcome barriers, constraints, risks, or trade-offs with scaling up the solution?

Co-benefits

• Will the proposed solution lead to co-benefits to communities, economies, or ecosystems?
• What is the potential for negative consequences (e.g. on communities, economies, or ecosystems) and what are solutions to mitigate them?

Who is eligible to apply for the Wilkes Climate Launch Prize?

Organizations at all stages, both for-profits and nonprofits, anywhere in the world are eligible to submit ideas to be considered for the Wilkes Climate Launch Prize. This includes seed, pre-seed, venture-funded, publicly traded stage companies, or nonprofits.  Please direct any specific questions about eligibility to Kyla Welch via email at Kyla.Welch@utah.edu.

What format should I use to submit my pitch? 

Your pitch should by typed directly into the form on the application portal. Many applicants find it easiest to type their proposal in a word document and copy/past into the form.

Are there restrictions on the use of Prize funds? 

Other than a 15% cap on overhead (including indirect or F&A costs), there are no other restrictions on the use of the funds.

Is there one grand prize, or are there also smaller prizes for finalists?

There is only one grand prize to be awarded.

When exactly are First Round applications due? 

All First Round submissions are due before midnight on February 29, 2024 (12:00 midnight MST)

When will I hear back about Round 2?

The Wilkes Center will accept applications through the February 29th deadline. Applicants who will move on to round 2 will be notified by the middle of March.

Can we submit multiple project ideas from the same organization?

Yes, you may submit different ideas from the same organization to be considered.

Does our organization need to have an affiliation with the University of Utah or the State of Utah?

No. The Wilkes Climate Launch Prize is open to organizations at all stages, both for-profits and nonprofits – anywhere in the world.

Who should I contact if I have additional questions?

All further questions should be submitted to Kyla Welch via email at Kyla.Welch@utah.edu