MIT CEP Competition
The MIT Climate & Energy Prize competition seeks to move the world closer to net zero carbon emissions by empowering ambitious entrepreneurs to solve the world’s most difficult climate-related challenges.
We are the largest and longest-running competition for student-led climate & energy startups in the world. Since its founding in 2007, the MIT Climate & Energy Prize has received more than 1000 applications, offered world-class mentoring to over 315 teams, and granted more than $3.4M in non-dilutive cash prizes. Teams compete for $100,000+ in prize money and have access to mentoring and other resources. Since 2008, CEP alumni have raised over $4.6 billion in capital invested (as defined by PitchBook based on 170 companies identified to date).
Over 220 MIT Climate & Energy Prize alumni have successfully launched and raised $1.7+ billion in follow-on funding.
MIT Climate and Energy Prize | Application Form
2026 MIT CEP application form is now live:
MIT Climate and Energy Prize | Interest Form
Not sure if you’re ready to apply yet? Fill out this interest form to:
Learn about opportunities and resources related to the competition
MIT Climate and Energy Prize | Virtual Information Session
Join our virtual info session on Tuesday, November 18th (12–1 PM EST) to:
Learn what makes CEP such a unique community of changemakers
Walk through the application process
Hear more about mentorship available to start-ups
THANK YOU & GET READY FOR THE 2025-2026 MIT CEP!
Thank you for your interest in joining our global climate & energy community! Stay updated by following our LinkedIn and subscribing to our newsletter.
2026 COMPETITION TIMELINE
Nov 3rd, 2025 – Applications open
Nov 18th, 2025 – Virtual Information session
Dec 14th, 2025 – Applications early deadline
Jan 11th, 2026 – Applications final deadline
Feb 2nd-6th, 2026 – First round (virtual)
Feb 26th-27th, 2026 - Asia semi-finals (Singapore)
Late-February, 2026 – Mentorship matching
Mar 6th-7th, 2026 – US semi-finals (Boston, MA)
Mar 12th-13th, 2026 – Europe semi-finals (Munich, Germany)
Apr 16th-17th, 2026 – Grand finals (Boston, MA)
NOTE: You do not have to be an MIT student to apply (see Rules and Conditions of Eligibility).
Questions about the application process? Email us.
Meet the previous year (2025) MIT CEP Winners!
