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Universities for Goal 13: A Student Competition for Climate Solutions Hosted by SDSN and Siemens Energy

Sponsored by Siemens Energy, in collaboration with the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), ‘Universities for Goal 13’ is an annual competition to recognize students’ talent and their critical role in the quest for new technologies and innovative solutions to combat climate change and its impacts. We aim to foster practical solutions for achieving SDG 13 on Climate Action, via multi-disciplinary perspectives and collaboratively.

The competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students from universities selected from SDSN’s member institutions worldwide. Throughout the competition, students receive dedicated mentorship from Siemens Energy staff and Siemens Gamesa to enhance their projects. The winner is awarded a USD $10,000 cash prize and opportunities for further development and networking. In addition, the finalist project is presented alongside SDSN's annual high-level events during the UN General Assembly in New York, USA in September.

Current Edition

Launched in October 2024, the competition's 4th edition empowers students to develop multidisciplinary, practical solutions to address the global issue of the energy transition. Selected SDSN member institutions include: Tsinghua University in China; Case Western Reserve University in the U.S., Monash University in Australia; the Bucharest University of Economic Studies in Romania; Euskampus Fundazioa in Spain, University of Hamburg in Germany; and the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio) in Brazil.

For more information about the competition you can download the following documents:

Finalists

The competition finalists represent a diverse group of university students who have developed innovative, multidisciplinary solutions to address climate change, showcasing creativity, technical expertise, and a deep commitment to advancing sustainable development through real-world impact. The finalists have been selected after progressing through several competitive rounds where their solutions are rigorously evaluated based on innovation, feasibility, and potential impact on climate action and sustainable development.

Watch the finalists solutions:

  • 3rd Edition (Winner ‘OG2OW: Recommissioning Oil & Gas Platforms to Offshore Wind Energy’)
  • 2nd Edition (Winner ‘E-Gora: The Energy Marketplace)

Previous Editions

The 'Universities for Goal 13' competition has been celebrated since its first edition in 2021. Over the years, over 15 of the projects have been selected to compete and only a few outstanding solutions have earned the top prize. Learn more about past editions.


Featured News

Siemens Energy and SDSN Launch the 4th Edition of the “Universities for Goal 13” Competition and Award

SDSN and Siemens Gamesa Announce OG2OW: Recommissioning Oil & Gas Platforms to Offshore Wind Energy as the Winner of the ‘Universities for Goal 13’ Competition

Student Innovation Shines: Five Finalist Teams Identified for the Universities for Goal 13 Competition, Hosted by the SDSN and Siemens Gamesa

SDSN China Hub and SDSN Hong Kong SAR Organize the Universities for SDG13 Award Greater China Finals

SDSN and Siemens Gamesa Announce E-Gora: The Energy Marketplace as the Winner of the ‘Universities for Goal 13’ Competition at ICSD 2023

SDSN and Siemens Gamesa Seal an Alliance to Promote STEM Talent in the Fight Against Climate Change

Featured Resources

Team

Marta García Haro

  • Senior Manager
  • Networks Program

Raquel Armendariz Sucunza

  • Program Associate, Networks and Youth
  • Networks Program and SDSN Youth

Related Courses

Climate Change: The Science and Global Impact

Climate Action: Solutions for a Changing Planet

Climate Change Science & Negotiations