Global Student Innovation: First-Round Proposals Submitted for the 5th Universities for Goal 13 Competition & Award

The collaboration between the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and Siemens Energy continues to gain momentum in advancing global efforts toward SDG 13: Climate Action. On December 15, 2025, student teams submitted their first-round proposals for the 5th edition of the Universities for Goal 13 Competition and Award.

This year’s competition marks an expansion in scope and reach. Student teams from eight institutions across eight different countries have submitted their initial solutions, showcasing a diverse array of multidisciplinary approaches to tackle the climate crisis.

The participating institutions include: Bucharest University of Economic Studies in Romania, Case Western Reserve University in the USA, Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, Deusto University in Spain, Monash University in Australia, The Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio) in Brazil, Tsinghua University in China, University College London in the UK and University of Hamburg in Germany.

From this strong pool of submissions, a total of 22 student teams were shortlisted. Their proposals span a wide range of critical themes, from technological breakthroughs in energy usage and nature-based solutions to policy guiding tools for the renewable transition and ecological well-being. The multidisciplinary nature of the solutions highlights how students are tackling the climate crisis through scientific innovation, environmental management, and social advocacy alike.

What’s Next?

With all first-round proposals submitted, now begins an intensive collaborative phase. These young innovators will move into a mentoring program, where they will have the exclusive opportunity to refine their projects under the guidance of mentors from Siemens Energy and Siemens Gamesa.

This marks just the beginning of their journey. Over the coming months, teams will work toward developing their refined proposals for the next major submission deadline. A jury of experts from both the SDSN and Siemens Energy will then evaluate the projects to select the finalists, who will present their solutions in September 2026.

Congratulations to all of the students who have dedicated their time and creativity to this first round!

Learn more about the Universities for Goal 13 competition and award, and follow the SDSN on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for updates.