Become a Judge

WHY Become a judge?

Judges play a crucial role in identifying the most promising startups in the MIT CEP competition. Judges also have the opportunity to network with up-and-coming student entrepreneurs and scientists, as well as leading venture capital, legal, and industry players. Judges are valued members of our community and are invited to attend the Semi-Finals, Finals, & VIP Reception in April 2025.

HOW DO I VOLUNTEER TO BE A JUDGE?

Please fill out the following 2025 judge interest form below!

WHO should join as a JUDGE?

MIT CEP judges are Climate and Energy Investors, Academics, and Industry Leaders. As a judge, you’ll be invited to join a panel of peers to evaluate top student teams within one of the four competition tracks, based on your interests and experience.

Some of our Previous judges came from

HOW DOES JUDGING WORK?

Judges will be assigned to the following rounds:

VIRTUAL ROUND JUDGES

Participate in a 1-hour virtual pitch session where start-ups will have ~5 min to pitch their ideas. Then, virtual judges will provide an assessment of the applicants’ pitches for advancement to the CEP Semi-Finals. 

Timing: ~1 hour on week of February 10th, 2025

Location: Remote

SEMI-FINALS JUDGES

Semi-finals will be held at two locations (US and Europe). For each location, judges will evaluate ~9 startup teams as they give 20-minute pitches (including Q&A). Each panel will select 4-5 winners to advance to the CEP Finals. 

Timing: 4-5 hours mid-March

Location: Boston, US (Date TBA) or Location TBD (Date TBA)

FINALS JUDGES

Judge the ~8 finalists and choose a grand prize winner. 

Timing: 4-5 hours in early April

Location: Boston, US (Date TBA)