Design Climate Solutions. Present Them on a Global Stage.
The Planet+ Competition is a multi-stage global experience where student teams develop, refine, and present solutions to real-world climate problems.
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(Summer 2026)
Build a team and start fundraising. Teams may use this time to raise awareness at their school, recruit members from different disciplines, and begin early fundraising planning.
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(Fall 2026)
Firstly, teams work collaboratively to define the problem through a case study in a thematic area, brainstorm a proposed solution, take a deeper dive into the interconnected challenges, and identify key stakeholders.
Then, teams refine their proposed solutions. This includes conducting deeper research, engaging with stakeholders through interviews or outreach, and testing the feasibility of their ideas. After this phase, teams who meet deliverable expectations will advance to the global event in Singapore.
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(Winter 2027)
As teams approach the final stage, the focus shifts to strengthening and clearly communicating their solutions. Teams finalize their proposals, develop presentation materials, and ensure their work is thoroughly documented.
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(Spring 2027)
The competition culminates in a global event in Singapore. Teams present their solutions to expert judges, participate in live simulations and discussions, and engage with a global community of students and climate leaders. This final stage is both a celebration of the work completed and an opportunity to showcase ideas on an international stage.
At-a-Glance Overview
The Planet+ Competition Cycle
Planet+ is designed to mirror how real-world solutions are developed—through research, collaboration, iteration, and presentation.
“The basics of systems thinking can be taught in the classroom, but it won’t hit home until the tenets are applied to a real problem. Project-based work and real-world case studies can amplify and crystallize the learning experience.”
Joshua DeVincenzo, Assistant Director for Education and Training, National Center for Disaster Preparedness, Columbia Climate School
Competition Timeline
Applications open and case studies released.
Aug 2026
Oct 2026
Applications close and work begins.
Nov-Dec 2026
Complete deliverables and receive feedback.
Jan–Feb 2027
Final preparations for the live event.
Mar 2027
Global competition in Singapore.
2027 Thematic Areas
Each team works on a real-world climate case study within one of several cross-cutting thematic areas.
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Private/Government Investment
Students explore how financial systems influence climate action, examining the role of public and private investment, ESG strategies, and how scientific innovation can shape climate-related financial decision-making.
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Public Health and Welfare
Teams investigate how climate change affects human health, social welfare, and community resilience. Projects may explore the spread of climate-driven diseases, impacts on livelihoods, and strategies for mitigation and adaptation.
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Agriculture and Food Systems
Students analyze how climate change is transforming agriculture, land use, and global nutrition. Teams consider the sustainability of current food systems and explore technological, environmental, and policy solutions for the future.
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With the first round of deliverables, teams will read and analyze their case study, and develop a preliminary project proposal that includes elements such as: an executive summary of the challenge, ideas about a proposed solution, a stakeholder map highlighting dependencies and interdependencies, and a broad discussion of potential solutions and tradeoffs.
With the second set of deliverables, teams will complete tasks such as conducting stakeholder interviews to reflect on the feasibility of their proposed solution, and expanding the stakeholder map to consider new questions (i.e. are there new factors/relationships you’ve discovered, how has your understanding of systems and interdependence deepened, are the relationships between the stakeholders equitable, etc).
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Advancing teams will produce a project abstract, research poster, and presentation materials that showcase their solution. We also strongly suggest that teams draft a project scope document that includes items such as a needs assessment, specific project outcomes and goals, official partners, funding and fundraising plans, long-term sustainability plans, trade-offs and decision-making processes. This will not be evaluated but will help teams prepare for the live simulations at the final event.
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This event celebrates achievement, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas. Each day, there will be a challenge and a workshop session with elimination rounds. The focus of these challenges will be on the implementation of a team’s proposed solution. Here is an idea of what teams can expect:
Day 1 - short presentation of your project, scalability of your project and what resources you need, and budget planning
Day 2 - funding pitch, goal setting, evaluation, and reporting
Day 3 - global impact scenario and long-term strategies
Day 4 - Debating and lobbying to gain public support and buy-in for your project
Together, these deliverables form a portfolio-ready body of work demonstrating systems thinking, applied STEM knowledge, and real-world problem solving.
A Sneak Peek at the Deliverables
Failure to complete required deliverables may affect advancement and eligibility for awards.
“Being challenged to complete a study is one thing, but being challenged to present conclusions to experts and receiving feedback adds another level of training that is solid preparation for what students could encounter in the real world.”
Arthur Lerner-Lam, former Deputy Director, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University
Awards & Recognition
The Planet+ Competition recognizes outstanding teams for both academic rigor and real-world impact.
Each division—High School and Undergraduate—will award Gold, Silver, and Bronze prizes to the top three teams. Additional awards may include:
Most Market-Ready Solution
People’s Choice Award
Sponsored Special Prizes
Beyond the competition, outstanding teams may gain access to additional opportunities for visibility, mentorship, collaboration, and continued project development.
Getting Started
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Building a team is the first step in the Planet+ journey.
Team Size
Teams need to be made up of 6–10 students. If all team members do travel to the Competition, only 4 may compete in any given simulation/presentation. For all other events, workshops, and talks, all team members may participate.Interdisciplinary Composition
Strong teams often include students from:Science and engineering
Economics and finance
Policy and governance
Design and communication
Mentorship
High school teams must have a teacher or mentor
Undergraduate teams are strongly encouraged to have one
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Within each team, responsibilities are typically shared across different roles. Here’s an example:
Research & Analysis
Policy
Strategy & Finance
Communications
The most effective climate solutions come from diverse perspectives.
Planet+ encourages teams to:
Include students from different academic backgrounds
Ensure balanced participation across roles
Create space for all voices to contribute
A strong team is not just technically capable—it is collaborative, inclusive, and adaptable.
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Planning for Participation
Participating in Planet+ requires financial planning, but teams have many pathways to secure support.
Step 1 — Develop Your Message
Before fundraising, teams should clearly articulate:
Who you are
What problem you are addressing and why it matters
How funding will be used
Step 2 — Build a Budget
Teams should account for:
Registration fees and team materials
Travel and accommodation (if attending the live event in Singapore)
Daily expenses, transit costs, and insurance coverage
Step 3 — Identify Funding Sources
Teams may seek support from:
Schools and Universities
Departments, research programs, or administrationGovernment Programs
STEM, climate, or innovation initiativesCorporate Sponsors
Organizations aligned with sustainability or innovationIn-Kind Sponsors
Equipment, tools, or servicesAlumni Networks
School or program alumniCrowdfunding
Community-based fundraising platformsStep 4 — Create Materials
Teams may create:
A short proposal or brochure
A presentation deck
A promotional video
These materials help communicate the value of the project.