This isn't a hypothetical case study. It's a real climate problem, a real team, and a real panel of mentors, sponsors, and funders watching what you build.
The Challenge only works because both sides show up: students who bring the ideas, and mentors, sponsors, and funders who make those ideas real.
FOR STUDENTS
FOR MENTORS, SPONSORS & FUNDERS
Held April 12, 2026 at San José State University — the model's first live test, and the proof point for everything since.
Every winning solution fits one of three categories. No technical background required, just a workable plan.
Solutions for mitigation, adaptation, sustainability, resilience and/or regeneration.
Practical ways, such as nudges, to reduce, reuse, recycle, restore and respect.
Paradigm-shifting ways to address the root causes slowing progress on the climate crisis.
Five steps, one deadline. No prior startup experience required.
Find peers with a shared vision and complementary skills.
Pick a climate issue your team can actually move.
Build a real, implementable response.
Officially register before the deadline.
Present to judges from business, civic, and academic sectors.
Building on the momentum of the inaugural year, CIC is expanding the Climate Transformation Challenge™ to five Bay Area campuses for 2027, with recruitment underway across each campus.
Mentor a team, sponsor a prize, or fund the 2027 expansion.
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Climate Transformation Challenge™