The Future of Climate Solutions Starts Here.
Planet+: The Climate Solutions Challenge. Where the next generation of climate innovators builds solutions for the real world.
Applications Open September 2026
Powered by Columbia University Climate Expertise
Built with scientific and education experts from the Columbia Climate School and the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (CCSI) in New York.
What This Means for Students
Ivy League rigor
Direct exposure to how climate solutions are developed across academia, policy, and industry
Access to a global network of experts—serving as judges, speakers, and mentors
This level of access opens doors to future opportunities—from academic and research pathways to connections for internships, publications, or careers within the field of climate change.
The Competition
The Planet+ Competition is a rigorous international initiative where interdisciplinary student teams design, test, and refine climate solutions over an academic year. The experience is a front-row seat to climate innovation and culminates in a four-day global event where teams pitch their ideas to expert judges, participate in simulation challenges, and connect with peers and experts from around the world.
Who This is For:
High school and undergraduate students working in teams of 6–10 students ready to go beyond the classroom. You’ll analyze, design, refine, and pitch a real-world climate solution on a global stage.
The Summit
The Planet+ Summit immerses students in a high-energy conference environment through expert panels, peer collaboration, industry engagement, and live competition pitches. The Summit convenes students, educators, and global experts to turn ideas into action - giving participants firsthand exposure to real-world innovation, collaboration, and high-impact networks.
Who This is For:
High school and undergraduate students looking to explore climate innovation - connecting with peers internationally, learning from experts, and gaining insight into future competition cycles and academic and career pathways.
The Planet+
Competition Journey
Summer 2026
Build a Team
Connect with peers, form a team, plan fundraising efforts, and identify areas of interest.
Sep - Nov 2026
Engage & Plan
Apply, learn from real-world case studies, define the problem, research, and stakeholder engagement.
Nov - Jan 2027
Research & Refine
Solution development, Iteration, feedback and mentorship, and final proposal development.
Feb - Mar 2027
Prepare & Pitch
Present solutions, engage with peers and experts, and participate in the culminating experience.
“Presenting to experts gives students a rare and powerful combination: useful pressure paired with real reward. Students should be especially motivated to check their assumptions, find humility, and push for excellence. After all that, they get to learn even more, directly from those whose careers exemplify successful learning and application. It's a perfect mix of self-driven learning and an opportunity for direct mentorship.”
Lisa Sachs, Director, Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
What Makes Planet+ Different
Planet+ is designed to deliver outcomes that extend far beyond the competition itself. Students don’t just explore ideas—they gain access to:
Ivy League–level rigor
Students work on case studies grounded in real-world climate challenges—approaching problems with the depth and rigor expected at top institutions.
Feedback from experts
Students refine their ideas through multiple rounds of feedback—learning how real solutions are tested and improved over time.
Unmatched access to a global network
Students engage with experts and peers worldwide—gaining early exposure to the people and opportunities shaping the future of climate work.
Build Real Work.
Gain Real Experience.
Students walk away with:
A portfolio-ready climate solution
Experience developing a complete solution strategy - from problem framing to implementation - mirroring how ideas are built in real-world start-up environments.
Stronger communication skills and the ability to defend ideas, present to expert judges, and respond to critique.
Knowledge of what it’s like to work in the field of climate change, with exposure to interdisciplinary careers.
Access to a global community of peers and experts, opening early connections to future opportunities.
Why Singapore
Singapore is one of the world’s leading hubs for innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration.
As the host city, it offers a dynamic environment where students can engage with cutting-edge ideas while connecting with an international community.
Be Part of the First Cohort
The inaugural Planet+ Competition will bring together ambitious students, visionary educators, and climate experts from around the world.
Form a team. Choose a challenge. Build a solution.