Planetary Solutions Prize

• January 27, 2025: Startup Yale application opens
• February 10, 2025 at 5:00 pm EST: Startup Yale application deadline 

• March 4, 2025: Finalist announced. 

• April 4, 2025: Finalists participate in a live pitch event as part of Startup Yale.

Applicants will be evaluated and selected by a committee of professionals and experts, based on the following criteria:

• Opportunity: The problem the venture/organization/idea seeks to address is clearly defined, and there is evidence that there is a significant target population who considers it important.
• Viability: The team has developed a clear solution to the problem, has a realistic path for getting the solution to the end user, and can continue to deliver the solution in a way that is financially and operationally sustainable.
• Innovation: The idea is truly innovative. It presents a new model, product or service that fills a unique gap and/or applies an existing model to a new context.
• Team: The team has the knowledge, skills, passion, energy and ability to execute.
• Catalytic-ness: The prize will be meaningful in driving the team/project forward in ways that may otherwise not have been possible as quickly or at all.
• Environmental impact: The venture contributes environmental benefits to society.

Over the years, the Planetary Solutions Prize (formerly the Sustainable Venture Prize) has supported many environmentally relevant business ventures.  Read stories about past recipients and how this prize impacted the trajectory of their ideas. 

• Catala (2024)
• General Biological (2023)
• Banofi Leather (2022)
• EcoPackables (2021)
• Floe (2020)
• GreenGear Supply Co. (2019)
• Symbrosia (2018)
• PowerHouse (2017)
• Renewal Mill (2016)
• Poda Foods (2015)
• Alpha Screen (2014)
• Weave (2013)
• RedOx (2012)
• Encendia Biochar (2011)
•  NCX (2010)
• GreenBrideGuide (2009)

2010 Sabin Sustainable Venture Prize winner is part of Microsoft’s AI for Good initiative.

Microsoft’s AI for Good initiative empowers people around the world working to solve humanitarian issues and create a more sustainable and accessible world. Learn how SilviaTerra is empowering conservationists, government organizations, and landowners to inventory forests for ecological social and economic health using AI.

Please see FAQs below, and if you have more questions reach out to Josie Jayworth (josie.jayworth@yale.edu).

What is the difference between the various Startup Yale prizes?

Check out the Startup Yale website for descriptions of each prize being offered.

Can I apply for more than one prize?

Yes. In the application form, you can select up to three prizes you would like to be considered for.

Am I eligible?

At least one team member must be a full-time current Yale student. Additionally, teams that have previously won a prize during Startup Yale are not eligible to win the Sustainable Venture Prize in any following year.

Who are the judges?

The judging panel is made up of experts at the intersection of business and the environment, including industry professionals, academics, entrepreneurs and investors. 

Does my venture have to be a for-profit?

Yes, to win the Sustainable Venture Prize your venture must be a for-profit start-up.

(Please note though, that it is not required for the venture to be incorporated before competing for Yale Prizes)

What stage should my idea be?

Your idea can be at any stage. The judges want to see that the $25k will be catalytic. However, if you can show that you have spoken to customers/users/beneficiaries or have a prototype of your product/service – this is seen favorably. We have seen teams win prizes in the past who have been working on their idea for as little as 3 months or as long as several years!

Does it matter where in the process I am?

Regardless of whether your venture is in the Ideation, Pursuing, Executing or Prototyping phase, your application will allow you to demonstrate your value proposition, commitment, and progress. Furthermore, regardless of which phase you are in, your application will highlight how much you have learned through the application process and how robust your idea has consequently become.

What is the difference between Ideation, Pursuing, Executing and Prototyping?

Ideation indicates that you have a basic idea with very high-level thoughts around your business model and value proposition. Everyone starts here at some point. Pursuing indicates that you are actively implementing the business by developing the business model or some form of minimum viable product. People in the Executing phase have taken the next step by demonstrating a commitment of time and energy to realize something of tangible value for their efforts. Prototyping shows that you have developed your product and service in a rough format which you are trialing.

What is the timeline?

Final Applications are due February 10, 2025 by 5:00 pm. Four teams will be chosen to pitch live to a panel of judges at Startup Yale, held on April 4, 2025.

What do I get if I win?

A $25,000 cash prize.

Can my business idea be an international venture and not necessarily within the USA?

Yes, ideas can be anywhere globally. Therefore, both domestic and international.

What are my chances of winning?

Every application is considered holistically and has an equal and fair opportunity to win. Each prize receives varying amounts of applications. Historically, we have received 10-20 applications per year for the Sustainable Venture Prize. 

To what extent is the Sustainable Venture Prize orientated towards environmental sustainability?

The primary objective is to ensure that your for-profit venture seeks to advance a more sustainable way of life. Many of these businesses tend to be within the environmental ecosystem. Applications from food companies, agricultural businesses, air quality improvement ventures and water purification projects have been well received. Furthermore, previous successful entrants have also been tech-orientated by creating platforms to promote solar power and forest inventory.