Sustainable Futures Challenge

Welcome to the 2026 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.

The 2026 Sustainable Futures Challenge: Soaring to Success brought together FGCU’s brightest entrepreneurial minds at the Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship. FGCU students will take the stage to pitch ideas aimed at shaping a more sustainable world. At FGCU, these entrepreneurial leaders turn vision into action, building businesses that blend innovation, purpose, and measurable impact. $15,000 in funding will be awarded to help turn their visions into ventures that make an impact.

Apply for the 2026 Sustainable Futures Challenge here!

Over $15,000 will be awarded in cash prizes.
Open to all FGCU students and recent alumni, Fall 2024 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, September 11, 2026 at 11:59 pm.

$7,000

First Place

$4,500

Second Place

$2,000

Third Place

$500

Fourth to Sixth

Application Requirements & Dates

Two Page Idea Summary Guide
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Instructions
1. Idea Title: A short, descriptive title for your project. Aim for clarity over creativity.
2. Team Information: List team member names, majors, and graduation years. Identify the team leader and provide contact information. Note if your team includes a recent alumnus (Fall 2024 or later).
3. Problem Statement: What issue are you addressing? Why is it important? Who is impacted by this problem? Provide data, research, or personal observations.
4. Connection to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Identify the primary SDG your idea supports. Optional: mention secondary SDGs. Explain how your idea directly contributes to progress on these goals.
5. Your Solution: Describe your idea clearly and concisely. Explain how it solves the problem you identified. Highlight what makes it innovative or different from existing approaches.
6. Target Audience/Beneficiaries: Who will benefit from your solution? How will you reach them? Estimate the potential scale of impact (local, regional, global).
7. Feasibility and Implementation: What resources, partnerships, or expertise will you need? What steps would you take first to bring the idea to life? Mention any early testing, prototypes, or research you've done.
8. Potential Impact: What outcomes do you expect if your idea succeeds? Include social, environmental, and/or economic benefits. If possible,. suggest ways you could measure success.
9. Video Link (Optional for Summary, Required for Application): A short video (1-2 minutes) summarizing your idea, why it matters, and how it works. Keep it simple and authentic—recorded on a phone is fine.
Tips for a Strong Summary
- Keep language clear and professional.
- Use bullet points where possible to stay concise.
- Make sure your idea directly ties back to at least one SDG.
- Review your draft with a peer or mentor before submission.
Application Information Sessions
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All interested applicants must attend one Application Information Session. Sessions will be held in Lucas Hall 126 (Conference Room).
- Tuesday, Sept. 1, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Wednesday, Sept. 2, 4-5 p.m.
- Thursday, Sept. 3, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Tuesday, Sept. 8, 4-5:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, Sept. 9, 3-4 p.m.
Trade Show Information Sessions (Top 25)
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The top 25 applicants must attend one Trade Show Information Session. Sessions will be held in Lucas Hall 126 (Conference Room).
- Wednesday, Sept. 23, 4-5 p.m.
- Monday, Sept. 28, 3-4 p.m.
- Wednesday, Sept. 30, 10-11 a.m.
- Tuesday, Oct. 13, 4-5 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 15, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Important Dates & Deadlines
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- Application opens: Friday, Aug. 21
- Application closes: Friday, Sept. 11, at 11:59 p.m.
- Applicants notified of results: Friday, Sept. 18, via email
- Trade Show (top 25): Tuesday, Oct. 20
- Pitch Day (top six): Tuesday, Nov. 17

SUBMIT YOUR IDEA NOW

Have Questions?

If you have questions about the Sustainable Futures Challenge, reach out to Luca Principi, Visiting Scholar at the Rist Institute of Entrepreneurship . Luca can help with submissions, eligibility, and any other part of the Challenge.

Contact

Luca Principi

Lucas Hall
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, Florida 33965

lprincipi@fgcu.edu