Global Student Innovation in Focus: Semi-Finals of the Universities for Goal 13 Competition
The SDSN and Siemens Energy continue to champion young innovators as student teams from around the world present their inventive solutions for the energy transition in the fifth edition of the Universities for Goal 13 competition and award.
From June 8 to 11, 2026, student teams from across the globe participated in the pitch week of the fifth edition of the "Universities for Goal 13" competition, co-organized by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and Siemens Energy. The competition mobilizes university students to propose practical, multidisciplinary, and collaborative solutions to climate action (SDG 13) and the global energy transition. Launched in October 2025, the fifth edition attracted a broad range of proposals from students eager to make a difference.
Student teams were selected from eight SDSN member institutions: Bucharest University of Economic Studies in Romania, Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in the U.S., Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, Deusto University in Spain, Monash University in Australia (4th edition winners), The Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio) in Brazil, SDG Hub-Tsinghua University in China, University College London (UCL) in the UK.
A total of 20 proposals were shortlisted for the semi-final phase, out of which eight were selected to advance to the final round. Over 90 students participated, presenting their final pitches to a panel of energy and sustainability experts from SDSN and Siemens Energy.
A distinguished panel of judges evaluated the proposals, bringing together a highly diverse group of experts spanning global sustainability networks, academia, industry, and the energy sector. Judges included representatives from the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), Siemens Energy, Siemens Gamesa, Sunway iLabs, leading universities across Europe and Asia, and senior professionals working at the intersection of climate action, energy systems, and sustainable innovation.
Semi-Final Solutions
This year’s projects addressed a wide range of sustainability challenges, from accelerating the clean energy transition and advancing circular economy solutions to strengthening climate resilience and improving resource efficiency. Through innovations such as AI-powered decision tools, renewable energy systems, and sustainable infrastructure solutions, participants demonstrated a strong commitment to developing practical, scalable approaches to a more sustainable future.
These proposals were developed with support from academic faculty and Siemens Energy mentors, who helped teams refine their concepts and presentations. The judges commended the overall quality and creativity of the proposals, which demonstrated deep research, a strong understanding of systems thinking, and realistic approaches to implementation.
The following teams will advance to the final round:
Green Campus Tracker: Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania
The project seeks to accelerate CO₂ emissions reduction on university campuses by integrating multiple proven green transition actions, such as sustainable heating, clean energy, recycling technologies, and organic waste-to-biogas or compost, under a single, unified framework. Its innovation lies in consolidating these efforts through a software platform that sets campus-specific green targets and tracks performance.
University Focal Point: Elena Preda, Head of the Research Center for Sustainable Development
Pick-a-Tech: Case Western Reserve University, United States
The project is a digital decision-support platform that helps SMEs navigate complex, deregulated energy markets to reduce costs and emissions. By simulating supplier choices, on-site renewables, and operational changes, the tool translates financial, environmental, and policy considerations into actionable insights.
University Focal Point: Jonathan Steirer, Interim Director, Great Lakes Energy Institute, CWRU
Solvei: Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden
This project enables early detection of structural deterioration in critical infrastructure such as bridges and ports, allowing maintenance to shift from reactive, carbon-intensive repairs to planned, low-impact interventions.
University Focal Point: Kristina Hejdenberg, Project Leader, Entrepreneurship and Strategy
JusCycle: Deusto University, Spain
JusCycle proposes the design of modular, solar-powered e-waste recycling microplants to replace unsafe informal recycling practices in developing countries. By enabling clean, small-scale processing of e-waste, the initiative aims to reduce environmental and health risks while creating local economic opportunities.
University Focal Point: Aitor Goti Elordi, Associate Professor
NEMTracker: Monash University, Australia
NEMTracker is a web-based platform that enables users to explore, filter, and export 15 years of electricity generation data across Australia’s National Electricity Market. Building on an existing prototype created by the students of Monash University, the project aims to improve performance and usability through enhanced computing and database capabilities. The platform seeks to become a comprehensive research tool for supporting evidence-based energy planning and grid transition decisions.
University Focal Point: Roger Dargaville, Associate Professor
Red Macroalgae for a Greener Future: PUC-Rio, Brazil
This project proposes the design for an auto-sustainable plant using red algae as a raw material to produce clean water, sustainable fuels like hydrogen and biochar, and high-value functional chemicals. The approach leverages algae-based cellulose and carbonaceous materials to treat metallurgical effluents, generating clean water while producing materials for industrial applications.
University Focal Point: Edmar de Almeida, PUC-Rio Energy Institute
Green Blackout Busters: Tsinghua University, China
Green Blackout Busters develops a decision-ready resilience playbook to help offshore wind operators manage power variability, outages, and recovery during extreme weather events such as typhoons. Using scenario-based analysis in the Greater Bay Area, it identifies critical “blackout hours” and translates technical findings into actionable operational guidance.
University Focal Point: Zheng Yi, Head of Office, SDG Hub-Tsinghua University
Power Haven: University College London, United Kingdom
VoltPilot by Power Haven - Enabling climate-friendly AI - helps datacentres use electricity more efficiently by scheduling flexible computing tasks to match renewable energy availability, lowering costs and earning extra income from grid services.
University focal point: Sasha St John Moreau, Head of Education & Student Experience and Sustainable Development Goals
From now until September 2026, the finalist teams will continue developing their proposals with support from Siemens Energy mentors and teaching staff. In September, one finalist team will be selected by an international jury and awarded a USD 10,000 prize to support implementation.
More information about this initiative can be found here.