For Oxford University research staff members only

Could your research help the climate crisis?

If the answer is yes, or you’re keen to explore the possibilities, why not join the Oxford Climate Tech and Sustainability Innovation Challenge. This new initiative is brought to you by Oxford University Innovation and the University’s Innovation & Business Partnerships team.

WHAT is it?

The Climate Tech and Sustainability Innovation Challenge is a call for Oxford Researchers to submit ideas based on their research to help meet the challenges faced by the world in this historic climate crisis.

Ideas that have the potential to make a positive difference in the following categories are encouraged:

• Clean Energy Production & Energy Storage
• Transport and Mobility
• Carbon Capture & the Carbon Economy
•  Agriculture & Food
• Sustainable Materials & the Circular Economy
• Society & Environment
• Water Management and use of Land
• Biodiversity

Additional credit will be given to ideas that also address one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (https://sdgs.un.org/goals).

All ideas will be considered, in that each submission will receive the same support as any new OUI project, and in addition, will be entered into the competition element of the challenge.

WHO is it for?

It’s for all researchers from all Divisions at the University of Oxford. We would particularly like to encourage researchers who are at the early stage of their careers to engage with us and discover the support available to help them create impact from the outcomes of their research.

WHEN is it?

The challenge opens on 13th September and applications will be accepted until 10th October. Between these dates, you can also book an appointment with an OUI manager and a patent attorney to confidentiality discuss the potential and inventiveness of your idea. The winners and runners up will be announced on 22nd October.

WHY get involved?

Whether it’s the creation of a new spinout company or an idea that needs the collaboration of a commercial partner or policymaker, this challenge is an opportunity for researchers to find a pathway to create a positive impact on one of the most important issues of our time.

You will also discover the support available for developing ideas at Oxford, such as sources of translational funding, the investor network, entrepreneurial training, incubators and mentorship.

The competition element of the challenge will involve selecting a winner and 5 runners up by a panel of University members and partners. The winning prize will consist of £10,000,  a market report conducted by IP Pragmatics worth £2,000 and an invitation to the GCV Symposium in London on 3-4 November 2021. The prize for each runner up will be £1,000.

HOW do I apply?

It’s simple to apply, just fill in the application form. A shortlist of applicants will be invited to make a pitch to the judging panel on 22nd October.