11 Environmental & Sustainability Case Competitions for High School Students
What are environmental & sustainability case competitions for high school students?
Environmental and sustainability case competitions help you understand how different sectors, including science, policy, and business, come together to solve global challenges. These competitions ask you to research environmental problems, like energy use, waste management, or sustainable design, and present well-thought-out solutions to experts.
Why should you participate in environmental & sustainability case competitions for high school students?
Taking part in these competitions also adds weight to your college applications and resume. You’ll show initiative, teamwork, and commitment to solving real issues, qualities valued by universities and employers alike. The experience also helps you build connections with mentors and organizations working in the environmental field.
Also, check here for eco-friendly startup ideas, and here for nonprofit case competitions!
To help you get started, here are 11 environmental and sustainability case competitions for high school students!
11 Environmental & Sustainability Case Competitions for High School Students
1. Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE)
Location: Competition begins at the local and national level, after which qualifying teams proceed to the global stage
Participation fee: Varies by country
Dates: Zoom presentation time slots available between May 2 and 16; results will be announced on May 23; the World Cup takes place in August
Application deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 13 and 19
The SAGE competition encourages high school students to build sustainable ventures that address social and environmental challenges. You begin by developing a business idea within your school or community and refining it under the guidance of mentors and teachers. Teams then compete at the national level, presenting their ventures and receiving feedback to strengthen their models. The top two teams from each country qualify for the SAGE World Cup, where they showcase their ideas on a global platform. Projects are judged on innovation, sustainability, business model, presentation, and measurable social impact.
2. Harvard Crimson Business Competition
Location: Preliminary round takes place virtually; the championship round takes place at Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Participation fee: Not specified
Dates: Preliminary Round Registration Opens: December; Preliminary Round Registration Closes: April 6; Qualifiers Announced: March – April; Championship Round Registration Deadline: June 10; Championship Round: June 25 – July 2
Application deadline: March/April
Eligibility: Students from grades 6–12 (Junior Division: Grades 6-9; Senior Division: Grades 10-12)
The Harvard Crimson Business Competition challenges high school students to design sustainable business solutions addressing real-world global issues. Teams of two to four participants develop business strategies tied to one of six themes, including climate-conscious transportation, food security, sustainable development, and economic growth. The competition begins with a virtual submission round, followed by a championship round held in person at The Harvard Crimson. Those who advance gain mentorship from industry professionals and business board members, along with access to networking and presentation workshops. Entries are judged on innovation, feasibility, and long-term social impact. The competition offers cash awards and educational consulting prizes totaling more than $20,000.
3. Xylem Global Student Innovation Challenge
Location: Virtual
Participation fee: Free
Dates: April 21 – June 20
Application deadline: Participants can register during the contest period
Eligibility: Students aged 13–25
The Xylem Global Student Innovation Challenge tasks students with developing technology-driven solutions to water-related issues caused by climate change. Over eight weeks, you and your team can select one of two key problem statements from glacier loss or increased water-related disasters, and design a practical, scalable solution. You will use tools such as AI, data analytics, and IoT to create predictive systems, response strategies, or awareness campaigns that promote global water security. Alongside the competition, the Water MasterClass series provides lessons in sustainability and design thinking to support your project development. Finalists present their innovations to industry experts and compete for a share of the $17,000 prize pool divided between high school and university participants.
4. WSI Impact League
Location: Virtual
Participation fee: Free
Dates: Idea Submission: December 9; First Round Judging: January; Top 10 Finalists Announced: February 20; Finalist Pitch Videos Due: March 8; Winners Announced: April 21
Application deadline: December 12
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 13-24; can compete as teams or solo
The WSI Impact League invites students to tackle global sustainability challenges by creating innovative, real-world solutions linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). You can participate individually or in teams, selecting a challenge related to areas like climate action, responsible AI, or renewable energy. The competition runs from September to April, with months of mentorship, webinars, and workshops supporting participants in design thinking and project development. Entries are judged on creativity, feasibility, and potential impact, with finalists presenting their ideas through polished video pitches. Winners receive cash prizes up to $1,500 and public recognition during a live event.
5. Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition
Location: Virtual
Participation fee: Free
Dates: May 12–August 12
Application deadline: July 10
Eligibility: Students aged 13 or older, global
The Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition empowers young innovators to design sustainable solutions aligned with the UN’s 17 SDGs. Open to participants aged 13 and older, the contest unfolds in three stages: idea submission, public voting, and final evaluation by expert judges. After submitting your initial pitch, you complete entrepreneurial design courses and refine your business model using the Entrepreneurial Design Canvas (EDC). The most-voted projects move to the final phase, where winners are recognized during an online award ceremony. While there are no financial prizes, participants earn certificates and solid entrepreneurial experience, including mentorship, skill development, and a practical business plan.
6. Future Problem Solving World Solutions Challenge
Location: Virtual or in-person through regional affiliates (students without locations near them can participate virtually)
Participation fee: Not specified
Dates: Topic Announcement: March 1; Initial Submission (Practice Problem 1): Fall; Practice Problem 2 Submission: Late Fall; Qualifying Problem Submission: Early January; Affiliate Finals Submission: Spring; International Conference (World Finals): June 10–14
Application deadline: Varies based on regional affiliates
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-12; teams of up to 4 members or individuals
The Future Problem Solving World Solutions Challenge engages students to identify and address global issues through analysis and creative problem-solving. Working individually or in teams, you will research global challenges in areas like technology, society, and sustainability, then apply a six-step problem-solving process to propose action-oriented solutions. Over the course of the year, students tackle several practice and qualifying problems, progressing through local and regional competitions before advancing to the international conference. During the competition, you’re given two hours to analyze a future scenario and produce a detailed action plan. Evaluators provide rubric-based feedback that highlights analytical and creative strengths. Those who qualify for the World Finals compete on a global stage.
7. Global Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
Location: Virtual
Participation fee: 10,000 yen (approx $70)
Dates: Preliminary Round: April 12; Final Round: May 17
Application deadline: March 21
Eligibility: High school students aged between 14 and 18; all members of a team should be from the same high school
The Global Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge engages high school students worldwide in a 12-hour online innovation challenge to develop science- and technology-based solutions for global problems. Working in teams of three to eight, you respond to a prompt related to sustainability, education, social welfare, or other social impact themes. Submissions include a written proposal and a three-minute video presentation outlining your business concept. Entries are assessed on creativity, innovation, finance, marketing, and communication. Teams that advance represent their countries in the global finals, competing for trophies and certificates.
8. Innovating for the Future Competition
Location: Virtual or in-person events in Massachusetts
Participation fee: Free
Dates: Held twice a year for past events. Future dates not specified
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students in the U.S.
The Innovating for the Future Competition is an E-STEM challenge that engages high school students in developing sustainable solutions to global and local environmental issues such as climate change, food insecurity, and conservation. You’ll work in teams to design a business, product, or technology that aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals while applying core STEM principles and real-world problem-solving skills. You will assess existing environmental challenges, evaluate current solutions, and propose innovative alternatives that demonstrate creativity, feasibility, and long-term impact. Winners receive prize money that goes toward funding sustainability projects at their schools, and finalists often gain mentorship opportunities from organizations like Tesla and Patagonia.
9. BIG Idea Competition
Location: Initial rounds are online; final presentations differ based on residency
Cost: Free
Dates: Competition Launch: September 1; Finalists Notified: Mid-November; Final Event - Virtual: December 9 via Zoom (for out-of-state students); In-Person: December 10at Northern State University, Aberdeen, SD
Application deadline: October 31
Eligibility: High school student currently enrolled in public, private, or home school setting; Teams of up to three students
The BIG Idea Competition challenges high school students to identify real-world problems and create innovative business ideas that improve their communities and promote sustainability. You are required to submit a 1,075-word description outlining your business concept, target audience, and how your idea addresses social or environmental concerns. The contest supports students who show creative potential in developing feasible, impact-oriented ventures. Finalists present their proposals before a panel of judges and stand a chance to win prizes of over $55,000 in scholarships and cash.
10. Ocean Awareness Contest
Location: Virtual
Participation fee: Free
Dates: Submissions open until June 8
Application deadline: June 8
Eligibility: Students aged 11–18 globally
The Ocean Awareness Contest by Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs invites students to explore the human connection to the ocean through creative expression. The competition encourages participants to raise awareness about marine conservation, climate change, and water equity by submitting original work in art, poetry, film, performance, or multimedia. You can use your submission to communicate environmental issues while reflecting on how the ocean sustains and inspires life. Entries are evaluated for creativity, originality, and advocacy potential, with scholarships of up to $1,000 awarded to standout participants. Beyond the contest, students gain access to Bow Seat’s Resource Studio, mentorship opportunities, and publication or exhibition possibilities.
11. Project Green Challenge
Location: Virtual + finals in San Francisco, California
Cost: Free
Dates: October 1–30
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school and college students
Project Green Challenge is a month-long sustainability competition that mobilizes high school and college students to take meaningful climate action. Across 30 days, participants complete daily eco-themed challenges focused on areas such as environmental justice, public health, and sustainable living. Each day’s challenge is released online and includes creative tasks like creating videos, writing reflections, or documenting sustainable lifestyle changes. You earn points and prizes for outstanding submissions, and top performers are invited to the PGC Finals in San Francisco for an immersive climate summit with mentors, advocates, and sustainability leaders. Finalists present their Climate Action Projects, with the overall champion receiving a $5,000 Acure Green Award.
One more option - Young Founders Lab
If you’re looking for an incubator program that helps you build a startup in high school, consider the Young Founders Lab!
The Young Founders Lab is a start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X.
You can access the application link here!
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