Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge 2026 for Students and Teachers
The Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge 2026 invites high school students and teachers worldwide to use technology to tackle the climate crisis with practical solutions. The challenge is completely free to enter, and shortlisted student teams and teachers can receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Oxford for the finals in October 2026.
Quick Overview
Programme: Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge 2026
Opportunity Type: Climate technology competition
Host Institution: Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
Location: Oxford
Programme Format: Student team competition and teacher competition
Finals: October 2026
Deadline: 17 August 2026
Funding: Free to enter; all-expenses-paid Oxford trip for shortlisted finalists
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18 in teams of 3–5, and teachers applying individually
About the Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge 2026
The Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge 2026 is a climate innovation competition for high school students and teachers. It invites participants to use technology as the basis for practical solutions to climate-related challenges.
Student teams submit a climate technology idea. Teachers submit lesson plans that help students understand climate change and explore technology-based climate solutions.
The challenge gives participants a platform to present climate ideas, develop practical thinking, and compete for educational opportunities connected to Oxford Saïd.
Challenge Themes
Entries should respond to climate-related challenges using technology.
The official challenge areas include:
• Air pollution
• Extreme weather events
• Food security
• Biodiversity
• Water scarcity
Participants should focus on solutions that address climate issues in a clear, practical, and technology-driven way.
Also read: FAO Global Youth Contest 2026 – Win a Fully Funded Trip to Rome
Benefits and Prizes
The challenge is completely free to enter. Shortlisted finalists receive the opportunity to travel to Oxford for the global finals.
Confirmed benefits and prizes include:
✓ Free entry to the competition
✓ All-expenses-paid trip to Oxford in October 2026 for shortlisted student teams and teachers
✓ Full scholarship to the Future Climate Tech Innovators summer school for the winning student team
✓ A place on an Oxford Executive Education Programme for the winning teacher
✓ Certificate of participation from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford for approved submissions
The winning student team will join the Future Climate Tech Innovators summer school in 2027. The winning teacher will attend an Oxford Executive Education Programme in 2027.
Eligibility Criteria
The competition includes separate entry routes for student teams and teachers.
Student entries must:
• Be submitted by a team of 3–5 students.
• Include students aged 15–18.
• Not be submitted as individual student entries.
• Include students from a single school, multiple schools, the same country, or different regions.
Teachers apply individually through the teacher category.
Related opportunity on GlobalLinkX: 2026 GCSP Prize for Innovation in Global Security
Student Submission Requirements
Student teams must prepare and submit their entry according to the official requirements.
Student entries must include:
• A ten-page PowerPoint presentation saved as a PDF, ideally under 10 MB.
• A video of up to three minutes in length.
• A completed consent form for each student, signed by a parent or guardian.
Individual student entries are not accepted.
Teacher Submission Requirements
Teachers apply individually. The teacher category focuses on lesson plans that support climate learning and technology-based thinking.
Teacher submissions should include lesson plans designed for use within the school curriculum. The official page states that lesson plans should be saved as a PDF, preferably under 10 MB.
Check: UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme 2026
Judging and Finals
Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of international judges. The official page states that the judging panel includes expertise in business, healthcare, and climate innovation.
Shortlisted student teams and teachers will be invited to Oxford in October 2026 for the finals. The trip is listed as all-expenses-paid for shortlisted finalists.
Important Dates
The official page lists the following dates:
• Submissions open: 1 December 2025
• Deadline: 17 August 2026
• Finals: October 2026
Applicants should complete their submissions before the stated deadline.
Explore: Leading Scholarship 2026 for One Young World Summit in South Africa
Application Process
Applicants should apply through the official Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge 2026 page.
Before applying, student teams should prepare their presentation, video, and signed consent forms. Teachers should prepare their lesson plans in the required format.
Applicants should:
• Review the official competition details.
• Choose the correct student or teacher entry route.
• Prepare all required submission materials.
• Submit the entry before 17 August 2026.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge 2026 is 17 August 2026.
The finals will take place in Oxford in October 2026.
Official Link
Review the official programme details and follow the application instructions provided on the official page.
View the Official Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge 2026 Page
