The Clean Green Challenge is more than just a competition—it's a launchpad for startups and researchers working at the intersection of innovation and sustainability. Our virtual preliminary pitch events are designed to spotlight early-stage solutions, giving applicants a unique opportunity to gain exposure, gather feedback, and build momentum heading into the Clean Green Challenge Finals.
Clean Green Challenge Preliminaries: Apply Now to Pitch Your Innovation
Calling all cleantech, climatetech, and sustainability innovators!
UMass Lowell Innovation Hub invites entrepreneurs, researchers, and startups to apply for the Clean Green Challenge Preliminary Virtual Pitch Event happening on July 29, 2025.
Why You Should Apply to the Clean Green Challenge
Smaller Applicant Pool = Bigger Opportunity
This early-stage virtual event is your chance to stand out. With fewer applicants than later-stage competitions, your odds of selection and feedback are higher.
Pitch Directly to Investors
Get your idea in front of real investors. Receive live, actionable feedback from experts who understand the future of green innovation—and who may even become future funders or advisors.
Get Priority for the Final In-Person Event
Top performers from the virtual pitch will get priority consideration for the prestigious Clean Green Challenge Finals on April 8, 2026, an in-person event featuring media, investors, and industry leaders.
Showcase Your Impact
Your solution should address a real sustainability challenge while aligning with the Quadruple Bottom Line: People. Planet. Profit. Purpose. We’re looking for technologies that drive environmental change, generate business value, and support community and global impact.
NEW THIS YEAR: Quarterly Pitch Events
This year, we’re introducing a quarterly series of virtual preliminary pitch events to give more innovators a chance to shine. If you’re not ready for July—or if your innovation continues to evolve—you can apply for a future round.
Upcoming Virtual Prelims:
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July 29, 2025 (Apply by July 1)
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October 2025
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December 2025
Each round gives selected applicants the opportunity to:
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Pitch live to a panel of investors and experts
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Receive immediate feedback
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Be added to the Clean Green Challenge applicant pool
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Gain priority review for the April 2026 Finals
Exact dates and application deadlines for October and December events will be announced soon.
Who Should Apply
We’re looking for innovations across these key sectors:
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Climatetech
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Cleantech
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Clean Chemistry
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Recycling
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Data & AI
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Food Waste Solutions
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Hydrogen (Production, Storage, Transport, Application)
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Energy Storage & Transition
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Next-Gen Batteries & Circular Economy
Solutions can be hardware, software, chemistry-based, or service-focused—at any stage from concept to deployment.
Application Requirements
To apply, you must:
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Have intellectual property (IP) protection in place.
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Submit a non-confidential pitch deck (8–10 slides, mandatory template provided).
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Provide a brief summary of your solution, impact, and development plan.
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Be ready to present a technology in a virtual room full of investors.
Your solution must be non-confidential, publicly presentable, and aligned with sustainability goals.
Key Dates
July 1: Application Deadline (July Round)
July 29: July Virtual Pitch Event
October & December: Next Preliminary Events
April 8, 2026: Final In-Person Pitch Challenge
July 29: July Virtual Pitch Event
October & December: Next Preliminary Events
April 8, 2026: Final In-Person Pitch Challenge