Opportunities
Grants, VC funds, accelerators, and competitions for African entrepreneurs.
Grants, VC funds, accelerators, and competitions for African entrepreneurs.
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$100,000+ in prizes (Grand Prize + category awards)
The largest and longest-running competition for student-led climate and energy startups in the world. Now in its 19th year, MIT CEP brings together student entrepreneurs from across the globe to compete for $100,000+ in prizes, expert mentorship, and access to a powerful alumni network that has collectively raised over $1.7 billion in follow-on funding.
Grand Prize
$100,000 cash prize for the winning team
Additional Prizes
Multiple category and sponsor prizes beyond the Grand Prize
Expert Mentorship
Mentorship from industry leaders, climate innovators, and experienced entrepreneurs
AI Pitch Tools
Access to AI tools for pitch development and refinement
Travel Support
Travel support for semi-finalists and finalists to attend in-person events
Alumni Network
Access to 260+ alumni network of founders who have raised $1.7B+ collectively
Global Visibility
Exposure within the global climate and energy startup ecosystem
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Any technology-driven solution addressing climate change or energy challenges — clean energy generation, storage, efficiency, carbon capture, sustainable transport, climate adaptation, circular economy, and related areas.
Student-led teams with innovative, technology-driven solutions to climate and energy challenges. Strong emphasis on technical feasibility, market potential, and environmental impact. Teams should demonstrate complementary skills and a clear path from idea to viable startup.
Expert mentorship from industry leaders and climate innovators, feedback from experienced entrepreneurs, investors and technologists, global exposure within the climate/energy ecosystem, alumni network access (260+ founders, $1.7B+ raised).
2025-2026 cycle applications are closed. Next cycle opens fall 2026. Ensure team meets student requirement (50%+ enrolled).
The MIT brand opens doors globally. You do NOT need to be an MIT student — teams from any university can apply. The competition has strong regional semi-finals (Asia, US, Europe) so plan for potential travel. Strong technical differentiation and clear climate impact metrics are key differentiators. Apply early for best consideration.
2007
Active Since
Yes
Deploying
260+ alumni companies launched; $1.7 billion+ in follow-on funding raised by alumni collectively