YBB – Young innovators and educators from around the world now have an exciting opportunity to showcase their ideas on a global stage. Applications are officially open for the Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge 2026, an international competition that encourages high school students and teachers to develop technology-driven solutions for today’s most pressing climate challenges.
Organized by Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, the competition is completely free to enter. Moreover, applicants do not need IELTS or any other language proficiency test. Finalists will earn an all-expenses-paid trip to Oxford, where they will present their projects during the global finals.
About the Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge 2026
The Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge aims to inspire the next generation of climate leaders by encouraging innovative technological solutions to environmental issues. Every year, students and teachers from across the globe submit creative ideas that address urgent climate concerns while promoting sustainable development.
The previous edition attracted more than 1,600 submissions from 75 countries, making it one of the largest international climate innovation competitions for young people and educators. Consequently, participants gain valuable global exposure while connecting with fellow innovators and experts.
Competition Details
Location
Oxford, United Kingdom (Global Finals)
Organizing Institution
Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
Eligible Participants
High School Students and Teachers Worldwide
Competition Fee
Free
Finalists Announcement
September 2026
Global Finals
October 2026
Climate Challenge Categories
Participants may choose one of the following challenge themes:
- Air Pollution
- Extreme Weather and Climate Resilience
- Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture
- Biodiversity and Conservation
- Water Scarcity and Clean Water Access
Each project should demonstrate how technology can provide practical and scalable solutions to these environmental challenges.
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Competition Benefits
The Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge offers outstanding opportunities for participants, including:
1. Free Participation
Applicants can enter the competition without paying any application fee.
2. All-Expenses-Paid Trip to Oxford
Finalists will travel to Oxford with all major expenses covered to present their projects during the global finals.
3. International Recognition
Participants will showcase their ideas before academics, climate experts, educators, and fellow innovators from around the world.
4. Networking Opportunities
Finalists will connect with students, teachers, researchers, and sustainability professionals working on climate solutions.
5. Certificate of Participation
Approved submissions will receive an official certificate recognizing their participation.
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Top Awards
Winning Student Team
The winning student team will receive:
- Full scholarship to the Future Climate Innovators Summer School 2027
- All expenses covered
- Learning opportunities with Oxford academics
Winning Teacher
The winning teacher will receive:
- A fully funded place in an Oxford Saïd Executive Education Programme in 2027
- All expenses covered
Finalists
All finalists will receive:
- An all-expenses-paid trip to Oxford
- The opportunity to present their projects during the global finals
Eligibility Criteria
Student Teams
Applicants must:
- Be between 15 and 18 years old.
- Apply as a team of three to five students.
- Form teams from the same or different schools and countries.
- Develop a technology-based climate solution aligned with one official challenge category.
Individual student applications are not accepted.
Teachers
Applicants must:
- Be high school teachers from any country.
- Apply individually.
- Develop a series of climate-related lesson plans for their school’s curriculum.
Teacher team applications are not accepted.
Required Documents
Student Teams
Applicants must prepare:
- A ten-page PowerPoint presentation submitted as a PDF.
- A video presentation of up to three minutes.
- A signed parent or guardian consent form for each student.
Teachers
Applicants must submit:
- Climate-related lesson plans.
- A PDF submission file.
Judging Criteria
Student Teams
Projects will be evaluated based on:
- Problem identification
- Research quality
- Innovation and creativity
- Practicality and feasibility
- Potential impact and scalability
- Presentation quality
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Ethical considerations
- Sustainability
- Overall professionalism
Teachers
Lesson plans will be assessed according to:
- Educational impact
- Curriculum alignment
- Innovation
- Organization and clarity
- Student engagement
- Assessment methods
- Technology integration
- Ethical considerations
- Practicality
- Overall quality
How to Apply
Interested participants should complete the following steps:
- Visit the official Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge website.
- Choose one of the five climate challenge categories.
- Students should form a team of three to five members.
- Develop an innovative technology-based climate solution.
- Prepare a ten-page presentation and a three-minute video.
- Collect signed consent forms for all student participants.
- Teachers should prepare climate-related lesson plans.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload all required documents.
- Review the submission carefully before submitting.
Application Deadline
The final date to apply is:
17 August 2026
Applicants should begin preparing their projects early to ensure sufficient time for research, collaboration, and submission.
Why You Should Apply
Climate change demands innovative ideas from young people and educators worldwide. Therefore, this competition provides an exceptional platform to transform creative solutions into globally recognized projects.
Furthermore, finalists will present their work at the University of Oxford, gain valuable international exposure, and connect with leading academics and climate experts. Beyond the competition itself, participants will strengthen problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and innovation skills that will benefit future academic and professional careers.
Conclusion
The Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge 2026 offers an inspiring opportunity for high school students and teachers to address real-world climate issues through technology and innovation. With free entry, prestigious awards, an all-expenses-paid trip to Oxford for finalists, and opportunities to learn from world-class experts, the competition stands out as one of the leading global climate innovation programs. If you are passionate about creating sustainable solutions for the future, this challenge is an opportunity you should not miss.
Official Application Link: https://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/climate-change-challenge/oxford-said-global-climate-tech-challenge-2026
