BUS: Environmental Innovation Challenge! Upcoming Info Sessions + Events + Resources

January 14, 2026

Hello Environmental Changemakers!

I am pleased to announce that the application for the 2026 Environmental Innovation Challenge is open! By starting now you will have plenty of time to ask questions and perfect your entry in advance of the deadline on February 9.

The annual Environmental Innovation Challenge is an exciting extracurricular experience that gives students the opportunity to come up with meaningful solutions to big problems the world faces related to climate and the environment. The competition is open to undergrad and graduate students at accredited colleges and universities across the Cascadia Corridor – Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and British Columbia, as well as Alaska.

We have a variety of resources and events available to help student teams prepare their EIC application:

1. Info Sessions

• Virtual | Wednesday, January 21, 3 – 3:45 PM
  Register for Zoom link: https://washington.startuptree.co/event/s/HgNjtcj32ieUZQhJXy8hdT/Info-Session%253A-Environmental-Innovation-Challenge
• Virtual | Friday, January 23, 12:00 – 12:45 PM
  Register for Zoom link: https://washington.startuptree.co/event/s/jMWREtzWixB9yhwCNUtCcn/Info-Session%253A-Environmental-Innovation-Challenge
• In-Person | Tuesday, February 3, 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM (stay for Team Tuesday directly after!)
  Register: https://washington.startuptree.co/event/s/NZmkFqWDqHf24ifQt8wzYP/Info-Session%253A-Environmental-Innovation-Challenge

1. Find inspiration for an EIC idea at these events:

 Climate + Sustainability Idea Jam

Thursday, January 22 at 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

• Carbon Removal Workshop

Friday, January 30 at 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM

1. Form a Team, Find a Team
   • Connect with potential team members or find a team to join by attending our weekly Team Tuesday lunch meetups. Past EIC entries will be available to view during these in-person events.
   • Attend Ignite + Unite, Wednesday, January 15 at 4 pm – 6 pm
   • Attend Team Building and Networking Night, Tuesday, January 20 at 7 pm – 8:30 pm
     Join us for the largest team building and networking event of the year directly following the Science and Technology Showcase!
   • Check this EIC “Form a Team” page for students looking for team members and/or teams to join
2. ResourcesLearn about Past Participants and Prize Winners

View the EIC “yearbook” page all the way back to 2018 for full lists of participating teams and a snapshot of what they were working on. Read about the winning projects from the 2025 and 2024 Challenges on our blog.

Office Hours with Lauren

Unclear about the logistics of the competition or the eligibility of your idea? Schedule time during my office hours (or email me to schedule) to get your questions answered!

Buerk Center Resource Lab

The Buerk Center has vetted countless startup resources and pulled out what we consider to be the best materials to help you achieve your startup goals.

Start your application today!

Lauren

Lauren Brohawn (she/her)

Associate Director, Environmental Innovation Challenge