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:

 
Application Form
 

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

Interest Form

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

Virtual Information Session

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.

Learn more about the competition

Meet the previous year (2025) MIT CEP Winners!

 
 
See All Finalists & Winners

2024—2025 Sponsors and Partners!

 

MEGAWATT

 

KILOWATT

 
 
 

Other Partners