Submissions open for the Net Zero Challenge in United Kingdom

Deadline: 02-Apr-2026

The Net Zero Challenge supports Scottish students, staff, and recent graduates developing innovative, sustainable solutions to environmental and climate challenges. Participants receive business training, access to networks, and a prize fund exceeding £60,000, with opportunities to scale their ventures and pitch to investors.

Overview of the Challenge

The Net Zero Challenge aims to springboard green entrepreneurs developing solutions for:

• Environmental conservation

• Climate change mitigation

• Sustainable ocean practices and the blue economy

• Creating a sustainable future

The programme is delivered in partnership with SSE, providing:

• Access to business networks and expert guidance

• Tailored training for scaling early-stage ventures

• Peer-to-peer and alumni support for long-term growth

• A prize fund exceeding £60,000, shared between a winner and a runner-up

Who Can Apply

Eligibility includes:

• Staff, students, and recent graduates from all Scottish universities

• Undergraduate, postgraduate, and early-career researchers

• Teams or joint applications, provided at least one member meets eligibility criteria

• Business ideas planned to be headquartered in Scotland

Applicants must:

• Actively participate in all training sessions and events

• Own or have the rights to commercially exploit IP

• Demonstrate product or service validation, early customer engagement, and a viable route to market

• Existing companies must be dormant, non-trading, or trading for ≤24 months with secured income ≤£200,000

Funding and Support

• Prize Fund: £60,000+ (shared between winner and runner-up)

• Business Training: Online and in-person, delivered by experts with real-world business experience

• Networking: Access to alumni and cohort networks

• Additional Support: Travel, accommodation, and childcare assistance for in-person activities

Challenge Structure

The programme runs over four stages across six months:

1. Application & Evaluation (28 Jan – 2 April 2026)

   • Applications assessed by university representatives

2. Online Training (8 May onwards)

   • Expert-led sessions on business growth and market strategies

3. In-Person Regional Training (Late May)

4. Intensive Business Training & Pitching in Edinburgh (Early June)

   • Prepare business plan, financial forecast, and a one-minute video pitch

   • Shortlisted finalists receive additional training and live pitching to investors and business experts

5. Final Awards (Early October)

   • Winners announced at the annual Awards event

Assessment Criteria

Projects are evaluated on:

• Environmental Impact: Ability to deliver substantial and sustainable positive outcomes

• Innovation & IP Strength: Novelty and protectable intellectual property

• Market Potential: Disruptive, competitive, and scalable business models

• Customer Engagement: Evidence of validation and market fit

• Team Capability: Clear planning, resources, and execution potential

How to Apply

1. Prepare Application: Outline your business idea, validation, market strategy, and team plan

2. Submit Online: Ensure eligibility and complete documentation

3. Participate in Training: Engage in all online and in-person sessions

4. Pitch & Present: Prepare business plan, financial forecast, and video pitch for evaluation

FAQs

1. Who is eligible to apply for the Net Zero Challenge?
Staff, students, and recent graduates from Scottish universities, including early-career researchers and undergraduate/postgraduate students. Teams are welcome if at least one member meets eligibility criteria.

2. What types of projects are supported?
Projects must address environmental conservation, climate change, sustainable ocean practices, or the blue economy, with a clear route to market and measurable impact.

3. What is the prize fund?
The total prize fund exceeds £60,000, shared between a winner and a runner-up.

4. Can existing businesses apply?
Yes, if they are dormant, non-trading, or trading for ≤24 months, with secured income ≤£200,000.

5. Is training provided?
Yes. Participants receive online and in-person business training, expert mentoring, and access to alumni networks.

6. Are there travel or childcare supports?
Yes. Travel, accommodation, and childcare support are available for in-person activities.

7. What are the key dates?

• Applications open: 28 January 2026

• Deadline: 2 April 2026

• Online training: 8 May 2026 onwards

• In-person regional training: Late May 2026

• Business training & pitching: Early June 2026

• Final Awards: Early October 2026

Why It Matters

The Net Zero Challenge accelerates green entrepreneurship in Scotland, supporting solutions to climate change and environmental sustainability, while equipping innovators with skills, networks, and funding to scale their impact.

Conclusion

The Net Zero Challenge offers a unique opportunity for early-career entrepreneurs, students, and researchers to develop, validate, and scale sustainable business ideas. By combining expert mentorship, training, and prize funding, participants are positioned to create lasting environmental impact and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.

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