$500,000 to Launch your Climate Change Idea!
The finalists for the Wilkes Climate Launch Prize have been announced! See details below.
The Wilkes Climate Launch Prize at the University of Utah supports innovative ideas from organizations at all stages, both for-profits and nonprofits – anywhere in the world – to help fund and accelerate solutions to climate change. As most unconventional or first-of-a-kind projects often have the hardest time getting funding, the Wilkes Climate Prize, one of the largest university-affiliate climate awards in the world, is geared to spur innovation and breakthroughs.
First round submissions of proposed solutions will be evaluated by the Wilkes Center team for scalable impact, feasibility, and potential for co-benefits for communities, economies, or ecosystems.
Process & Review Timeline:
- Phase I: First round submissions Due February 29, 2024 (all submissions must be submitted by 11:59 PM MST, Thursday night)
- Phase II: Finalists submit second-round application on May 13th and pitch in-person at Wilkes Climate Summit at the University of Utah, May 14, 2024
- Awards: Award ceremony in September 2024
Launch Prize Updates
Let us know if you would like to receive additional email updates about the Wilkes Prize.
Wilkes Center Announces 7 Finalists for the $500,000 Climate Launch Prize
Capture6
Climate Robotics
Octavia Carbon
Oscilla Power Inc.
Swanson and Lidstrom Labs
Taking Root
Verne
The finalists will present their solutions at the upcoming Wilkes Climate Summit on May 14 at the Eccles Alumni House at the University of Utah.
The finalists’ solutions will be evaluated by a team of expert judges for scalable impact, feasibility and potential for co-benefits for communities, economies or ecosystems.
A single winner of the Climate Launch Prize will be announced in September 2024.
Read more about the seven finalists here.
Learn more about each finalist team
Wilkes Climate Launch Prize Selection Committee
The Wilkes Climate Launch Prize submissions will be reviewed and considered by some of the sharpest minds in the scientific and sustainability fields today. The top prize will be awarded to the idea with the most scalable impact, the most feasible concept, and the solution most likely to benefit communities, economies, or ecosystems. All judges serve in their personal capacity as experts in the field and do not represent their institutions in this role.
View Bio
View Bio
View Bio
View Bio
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
Donate to the Prize
You can support transformative innovation for accomplishing solutions to climate change.
Donations to the Wilkes Center Climate Prize will go toward the prize for innovation and solutions to global climate change.