Cultivating the Next Generation of Climate Changemakers
Planet+ brings together ambitious high school and undergraduate students to learn how climate solutions are developed through real-world case studies, expert feedback, and an international community of researchers, practitioners, and peers.
Applications Open September 2026
“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
Advisor, Judge, and Speaker, Planet Plus Challenge
Powered World-Class 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
Academically rigorous
Trans-disciplinary climate education
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 Student Learning Journey: From Knowledge to Action
Through the Planet+ experience, students move from understanding complex challenges to designing and presenting real-world solutions. Along the way, they gain:
Students approach complex challenges through systems thinking, understanding how interconnected factors shape outcomes.
Learning Outcome: The ability to evaluate complexity, connect ideas, and make informed decisions in dynamic environments.
Systems Thinking
Students work on expert-authored case studies to evaluate current approaches, navigate constraints, and identify opportunities.
Learning Outcome: The ability to interpret real-world problems critically, adapt ideas, and develop solutions grounded in practical context.
Real-World Application
Students produce tangible outputs including analyses, systems maps, stakeholder insights, and a comprehensive solution.
Learning Outcome: A portfolio-ready body of work for college applications, academic pathways, and future careers.
Portfolio & Distinction
Transferable Skills
Through research, iteration, and presentation, students develop core competencies in analysis, communication, and collaboration.
Learning Outcome: Experience working in a structured, feedback-driven environment that mirrors academic and professional settings.
What Makes Our Competition 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 written by Columbia University faculty and staff 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 from Columbia University experts and practitioners across industries —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 Skills, Gain Experience, and Explore Pathways in Climate Solutions
Competition and Summit participants will:
Explore how science, technology, policy, business, and society work together to address complex challenges.
Analyze climate challenges, evaluate tradeoffs, and develop evidence-based approaches to creating meaningful impact.
Learn to articulate ideas clearly, engage with diverse perspectives, and communicate solutions to different audiences.
Gain exposure to the people, disciplines, and opportunities shaping the future of climate action and innovation.
Join an international community of students and professionals committed to advancing climate solutions.
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 and Summit will bring together ambitious students, visionary educators, and climate experts from around the world.