Sustainable Futures Challenge

Welcome to the Sustainable Futures Challenge

Focused on advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, this Challenge invites the FGCU community to turn ideas for a better future into reality.

Over $20,000 will be awarded in cash prizes.
Open to all FGCU students and recent alumni, Fall 2023 and later.
Ideas must directly address one or more United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Gain feedback, build networks, and present to potential investors.
Teams may include up to four members and must include at least one current FGCU student or recent alumnus from any major.
Applications are due by Friday, Sept 26, 2025 at 11:59 pm.

SUBMIT IDEA NOW

$10K

First Place

$7K

Second Place

$5K

Third Place

$500

Fourth to Sixth

Special Awards: $500 each (Trade Show Award, Technology Award, Eagle Spirit Award)

Important Dates
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- Friday, Sept 26, 2025: Applications due by 11:59 pm
- Wednesday, Oct 22, 2025: Trade Show and Expo Round
  - Top 25 Ideas
- Wednesday, Nov 12, 2025: Final Presentation Competition
Info and Training Sessions
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- Tuesday, Sept 2, 2025 (2 pm – 3 pm) — First Informational Training Session
  - Lucas Hall - First Floor - Finemark Incubator
- Wednesday, Sept 3, 2025 (2 pm – 3 pm) — Second Informational Training Session
  - Lucas Hall - First Floor - Finemark Incubator
- Monday, Sept 8, 2025 (2 pm – 3 pm) — Third Informational Training Session
  - Lucas Hall - First Floor - Finemark Incubator
- Wednesday, Sept 10, 2025 (2 pm – 3 pm) — Fourth Informational Training Session
  - Lucas Hall - First Floor - Finemark Incubator
- Friday, Sept 26, 2025 (11:59 pm) — Applications due (all submission materials)
- Monday, Oct 6, 2025 (2 pm – 3 pm) — First Trade Show Training Session
  - Lucas Hall - First Floor - Finemark Incubator
- Wednesday, Oct 8, 2025 (2 pm – 3 pm) — Second Trade Show Training Session
  - Lucas Hall - First Floor - Finemark Incubator
- Monday, Oct 13, 2025 (2 pm – 3 pm) — Third Trade Show Training Session
  - Lucas Hall - First Floor - Finemark Incubator
- Wednesday, Oct 15, 2025 (2 pm – 3 pm) — Fourth Trade Show Training Session
  - Lucas Hall - First Floor - Finemark Incubator
- Wednesday, Oct 22, 2025 (10 am – 1 pm) — Trade Show & Expo Round
- Monday, Oct 27, 2025 (2 pm – 3 pm) — First Final Pitch Training Session
- Wednesday, Oct 29, 2025 (2 pm – 3 pm) — Second Final Pitch Training Session
- Monday, Nov 3, 2025 (2 pm – 3 pm) — Third Final Pitch Training Session
- Wednesday, Nov 5, 2025 (2 pm – 3 pm) — Fourth Final Pitch Training Session
- Wednesday, Nov 12, 2025 (4:30 pm) — Final Pitch Event

How to Submit Your Idea

Step 1: Prepare your submission
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- One to two page summary: Create a concise summary that covers the problem, solution, feasibility, and the SDG or SDGs you will address.
  - See the Idea Summary Guide
  - View the United Nations SDGs
- Short video pitch: Two to three minutes recommended.
Step 2: Submit your materials
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- Go to the Submission Portal.
- Upload your summary and video by Friday, Sept 26, 2025 at 11:59 pm.
- Make sure your materials meet the criteria listed below.
Submission Criteria
- SDG alignment and impact: Clear fit with at least one SDG and a credible path to measurable impact.
- Creativity: Originality and innovation.
- Clarity: Clear problem and solution.
- Feasibility: Realistic path to implementation.
Step 3: Confirmation
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- After you submit, you will receive a confirmation email.
- Selected finalists for the next round will be notified after the Trade Show and Expo.
Additional notes
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- Submissions must be original work. You may use generative AI, but please cite where you used it.
- Teams can include up to four participants.
- All submissions must follow FGCU academic integrity guidelines.
Idea Summary Guide
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This guide can help you organize the content for your two page submission. It is a suggested structure, not a template. Do not answer it as a list of questions.

1) One sentence summary. Keep it brief.

2) Problem statement. Be specific and clear, and include data if possible.

3) SDG focus. Name the SDG or SDGs your idea addresses and explain the fit.

4) Proposed solution. Explain how it solves the problem and why it helps.

5) Feasibility. Explain how it can be implemented and your current stage.

6) Market and adoption. Who benefits most, how large is the audience, and how you will reach them.

7) Impact and measurement. Define expected outcomes and how you will measure progress.

8) Differentiation. Who else addresses the need and why you stand out.

9) Team and resources. Skills, roles, mentors, and what you need.

10) Final notes. Add any evidence or accomplishments and close with a strong statement.

SUBMIT YOUR IDEA NOW

1. Submission Round — Takeoff (Friday, Sept 26, 2025)

Submit a one to two page idea summary and a short video pitch.
Judging criteria: SDG alignment and impact, creativity, clarity, and feasibility.
Top ideas move forward.

2. Trade Show — Expo Round (Wednesday, Oct 22, 2025)

Top 25 Teams present ideas in a trade show format.
Audience votes decide special awards.

3. Final Pitch Event — Soaring to Success (Wednesday, Nov 12, 2025)

Top teams present to judges in a Shark Tank style competition.
Submit a video pitch, Business Model Canvas, and feasibility plan.

Have Questions?

If you have questions about the Sustainable Futures Challenge, reach out to Scott Kelly, Assistant Director for the Rist Institute for Entrepreneurship. Scott can help with submissions, eligibility, and any other part of the Challenge.

Contact

Scott Kelly

Lucas Hall 119
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, Florida 33965

smkelly@fgcu.edu