9 Climate Innovators Compete for $250K Prize at Utah Summit

The Wilkes Center for Climate Science & Policy narrowed 504 applications down to nine finalists who will present their climate innovations to judges, investors, and the public this month.

The finalist teams hail from five countries, bringing solutions that tackle everything from sustainable farming to cleaner chemical manufacturing. What sets this competition apart is its focus on ventures that show real promise but struggle to secure traditional funding because they're still working through crucial uncertainties.

Agros from Singapore has already helped over 6,000 farmers across Asia double their profits while cutting carbon emissions through solar power and soil restoration. Fabumin in Tel Aviv discovered how to turn the cooking water from chickpeas and lentils into a powder that works like egg whites, creating value from what factories normally pour down the drain.

Gyre Energy in London developed AI technology that slashes cooling costs for data centers and cold storage facilities, targeting an industry that devours 20% of global energy. Meanwhile, Solidec and SolidSky are reimagining chemical manufacturing by producing essential materials on-site using just air, water, and electricity.

The competition builds on an impressive track record. Last year's winner, Build up Nepal, is replacing coal-fired bricks with earthquake-resistant compressed earth blocks that produce far less carbon while creating safer homes for low-income communities.

The Ripple Effect

The Wilkes Prize does more than fund one winner. This year, six semifinalists also receive recognition and support, expanding the program's impact across continents. Before the public summit, finalists attend an invitation-only Innovation Day where they can refine their pitches, stress-test their business models, and connect directly with potential investors.

Previous winners show how this support translates into real-world change. Applied Carbon, the 2024 winner, now converts crop waste into biochar that enriches soil and stores carbon for centuries. The 2023 winner, Lumen Bioscience, developed a groundbreaking way to reduce methane emissions from cattle using enzyme proteins.

The May 13 summit at the Eccles Alumni House welcomes the public to hear these pitches and join conversations about turning climate challenges into opportunities. Expert judges will evaluate each team on their climate impact, feasibility, originality, additional benefits to communities, and the strength of their expertise.

The winner will be announced in September 2026, receiving $250,000 to accelerate their solution from promising concept to proven impact.