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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Competition Timeline

Aug 2026
Build a Team

Connect with peers, form a team, plan fundraising efforts, and identify areas of interest.

Sep - Oct 2026
Engage & Plan

Apply, learn from real-world case studies, define the problem, research, and stakeholder engagement.

Nov - Dec 2026
Research & Refine

Solution development, Iteration, feedback and mentorship, and final proposal development.

Jan - Mar 2027
Prepare & Pitch

Present solutions, engage with peers and experts, and participate in the culminating experience.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

2027 Thematic Areas

Each team works on a real-world climate case study within one of several cross-cutting thematic areas.

  • Private / Government Investment

    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.

  • Public Health and Welfare

    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.

  • Agriculture and Food Systems

    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.

  • 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). 

  • 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.

  • 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

If a team is unable to complete required deliverables by specific deadlines, it 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 

An aerial view of a mountain landscape with wind turbines on a grassy hill, partly covered by clouds, with rocky mountains in the background.

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

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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 administration

    Government Programs
    STEM, climate, or innovation initiatives

    Corporate Sponsors
    Organizations aligned with sustainability or innovation

    In-Kind Sponsors
    Equipment, tools, or services

    Alumni Networks
    School or program alumni

    Crowdfunding
    Community-based fundraising platforms

    Step 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.

Ready to Design Climate Solutions That Matter?

Join students from around the world in tackling 
one of the most important challenges of our time.

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