Sustainability Innovation Seed Grants provide innovators with the necessary funding to kick-start a project or develop an intervention that tackles the leading sustainability challenges facing BU.
With funding and resources offered by BU Sustainability and Innovate@BU, students are empowered to kick-start a project or develop an intervention that tackles the leading sustainability challenges facing BU.
Applications for the 2024-25 year have closed.
Sustainability innovations should provide solutions for Boston University, but preference is given to those that also have an impact beyond campus. They must meet one or more of the recommendations outlined in the Boston University Climate Action Plan, and should relate to one of these five topics. Click to learn more.
The selection team will evaluate projects based on the following criteria:
Though climate change resilience, emissions and energy, education and engagement, environmental justice, Zero Waste, and other issues linked with sustainable living are interconnected, each one can be explored uniquely through innovation.
We encourage innovative ideas/projects that could scale to participate in further challenges and grant opportunities.
Most Boston University students see the Charles River winding through campus, and consider it little more than a scenic waterway. Noah Robitshek (ENG'25) on the other hand, sees an untapped opportunity for data collection. The senior computer engineering major from Traverse City, Michigan has combined his technical expertise with environmental impact through an innovative […]
When College of Arts & Sciences senior Iffany Zou (CAS’25) was given an assignment to complete a passion project during her freshman year, she decided to pursue a longtime interest: the intersection of fashion and sustainability. Equipped with a storage bin, poster board, and paint, Iffany began collecting clothing donations outside her dorm room. […]
When Ethan Brown (COM/CAS'21) first encountered the idea of climate change in middle school, he found himself paralyzed by the scale of the problem. "I found it really scary and really overwhelming to the point where I wasn't even interested in it," Ethan recalls. During his time at Boston University, he discovered something that would […]
The Sustainability Innovation Seed Grants, led by Innovate@BU in collaboration with BU Sustainability, serve as a catalyst for students who are passionate about developing sustainability projects with potential impacts for Boston University and beyond. Awardees: BU Closet is tackling the environmental impact of textile waste and the fast fashion industry's unsustainable practices. By organizing free […]
Are you a current Boston University student eager to combat climate change and create a meaningful impact on campus and beyond? With our friends at BU Sustainability, we are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Sustainability Innovation Seed Grant Program! This is a unique opportunity to get $500 to transform your […]
Climate Innovation Challenge Finale also gave applicants coaching, professional development, and networking opportunities with Boston-area nonprofits.
Boston University's Climate Innovation Challenge concluded yesterday at the Kilachand Honors College, unveiling innovators poised to make significant strides in climate resilience. Presented by Innovate@BU, The BU Climate Innovation Challenge invited current BU students and Class of 2023 alumni to submit big ideas for how the City of Boston could address climate change and hosted […]
Innovate@BU and BU Sustainability are thrilled to introduce the winners of this year's Sustainability Innovation Seed Grants.