Revolutionizing Climate Action: The $500,000 Wilkes Climate Launch Prize Unveiled
In a resounding call to action against climate change, the University of Utah has initiated the acceptance of first-round applications for the highly anticipated Wilkes Climate Launch Prize, a game-changing competition offering a substantial $500,000 award. This global endeavour is designed to bolster innovative solutions from organizations worldwide, regardless of their profit status, and stands as one of the largest university-affiliated climate awards globally.
Unleashing Innovation for a Sustainable Future
The Wilkes Climate Launch Prize, named after its visionary benefactor, aims to break barriers and propel unconventional, groundbreaking projects that often face challenges in securing funding. The significance of this initiative lies not only in its financial support but also in its potential to drive transformative change towards a sustainable future.
Key Application Details
Submission Deadline: February 29, 2024
Eligibility: Open Worldwide (For-profits and Non-profits)
Prize Overview
The $500,000 Wilkes Climate Launch Prize is a beacon for organizations across the globe to submit their pioneering ideas to combat climate change. The prize embraces both for-profit and nonprofit entities at any stage of development. Its overarching goal is to fuel innovation and catalyze breakthroughs that can significantly contribute to addressing the pressing challenges of climate change.
Timeline of the Climate Launch Journey
- Phase I: First-Round Submissions (Due by February 29, 2024)
- The initial phase calls for the submission of innovative solutions by the end of February 2024.
- Applications are being accepted directly at the University of Utah.
- Phase II: Second Round (Applicant Proposals Due by April 12, 2024)
- Successful candidates from the first round will advance to the second phase.
- Applicant proposals for the $500,000 prize are due by April 12, 2024.
- Phase III: Finalists Pitch at Wilkes Climate Summit (May 14, 2025)
- The culmination of the journey involves finalists presenting their solutions in person at the Wilkes Climate Summit at the University of Utah on May 14, 2025.
- Awards Ceremony (September 2024)
- The grand award ceremony is scheduled for September 2024, marking the culmination of this transformative initiative.
Evaluation Criteria: Unveiling the Path to Success
The Wilkes Center team will meticulously evaluate the proposals based on three fundamental criteria:
- Scalable Impact:
- Assessment of the potential greenhouse gas reduction or removal in the immediate and near-term future.
- Consideration of scalability over the 2030–2050 timescale.
- Examination of how the prize will drive transformative change in the sector.
- Evaluation of the permanence of emissions reductions or removals with confidence estimates.
- Feasibility:
- Scrutinizing existing demonstrations of feasibility and their stage.
- Examination of current and estimated future costs per MT CO2-equivalent by 2030.
- Explanation of the team’s expertise, structure, and plans to overcome barriers.
- Co-benefits:
- Evaluation of potential co-benefits to communities, economies, or ecosystems.
- Assessment of potential negative consequences and proposed solutions to mitigate them.
Frequently Asked Questions: Navigating the Path to Success
The publication also addresses several key questions potential applicants might have, including the format for pitch submission, fund utilization restrictions, and the possibility of multiple project submissions from the same organization.
Contact Information: Building Bridges for Success
For any additional inquiries, Kyla Welch, the designated contact person, can be reached via email at [email protected]. This transparent approach ensures clarity and accessibility for potential participants.
Seize the Opportunity: Submit Your Vision for a Sustainable Tomorrow
The Wilkes Climate Launch Prize represents a unique opportunity for organizations worldwide to contribute to the global fight against climate change. The $500,000 award is not just a financial incentive but a catalyst for unprecedented innovation and sustainable solutions.
The Wilkes Climate Launch Prize is not bound by geographical constraints or organizational affiliations; it is a call to action for all entities committed to making a difference. The significance of this endeavour extends beyond monetary value; it is a chance to be part of a global movement working towards a sustainable and resilient future.
Conclusion: Uniting for a Greener Planet
As the world grapples with the far-reaching impacts of climate change, the Wilkes Climate Launch Prize emerges as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of innovation. Organizations, both established and emerging, are invited to join this global initiative, leveraging their expertise to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time.
In the words of the visionary minds behind the Wilkes Climate Launch Prize, the journey towards a sustainable future begins with a single idea, and this competition stands as a testament to the belief that these ideas have the power to change the world.
