At CIC, we're working to spark a movement toward a more sustainable world, starting now. Our planet is under pressure, but together we have the power to change course.
To accelerate climate action by empowering students to develop, showcase, and scale innovative solutions to the climate crisis, while building the skills, networks, and confidence to become lifelong climate leaders.
From scholarships to mentorship to professional recognition, we're building bridges between student innovation and real-world impact. Today's Challenge participant could be tomorrow's climate tech founder, sustainability director, or policy leader.
The three people who started CIC and built the Climate Transformation Challenge™ from the ground up.
Co-Founder
Professor of Psychology at San José State University, widely published in the psychology of creativity and science. Author of "The Psychology of Science: Origins of the Scientific Mind" and co-author of two other texts. His research spans personality, creativity, motivated reasoning, and the psychology of climate change. Currently President of the Western Psychological Association.
Co-Founder
Serial entrepreneur and technology executive with 32+ years driving innovation at the intersection of AI, sustainability, and emerging tech. Expertise spans autonomous systems, smart infrastructure, geothermal energy, and deep ocean exploration, with a track record collaborating with regulatory agencies including SAE, NIST, and NHTSA.
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Co-Founder
Special effects expert and former co-host of the television series MythBusters (2003–2016). Owner of the special effects company M5 Industries in San Francisco. Previously a boat captain, divemaster, wilderness survival expert, and machinist.
Experienced voices who help shape how CIC and the Challenge operate.
Senior Advisor
Technology and innovation ethicist with a background in engineering, design, and normative philosophy. Has led numerous NSF awards in Responsible Innovation and research ethics, and taught technology ethics and design thinking at Northwestern and Notre Dame. Affiliated with Notre Dame's IDEA Center and the Reilly Center for Science, Technology, and Values. Currently consults for venture capital firms on ethics and strategy.
Senior Advisor
Over 50 years of professional and technical experience with businesses, community agencies, and nonprofits. Founded or co-founded more than a dozen community organizations and continues to guide nonprofits as Executive Director of The Praxis Group. Formerly founding Director of the Contra Costa Software Business Incubator and a certified Business Advisor for the Contra Costa Small Business Development Center.
Whether you're a student, a mentor, or an organization ready to support the next generation of climate leaders, there's a place for you here.
Climate Transformation Challenge™