The global sustainability crisis requires innovative solutions that promote human flourishing without compromising the natural systems upon which we depend. Through Reimagine Our Future, undergraduate students are challenged to develop an innovative plan or solution that addresses a particular sustainability problem or challenge and promotes one or more of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
How to join the Reimagine Our Future Sustainability Competition:
- Choose a sustainability topic. Unsure how to decide? Explore resources on the Reimagine Our Future website.
- Put together a team. (You may however work alone, if you wish.)
- Register for the competition before Oct. 7, 2024 by following the instructions under “How to Enter” section on the competition website.
- Connect with sustainability experts to research and refine your concept. The competition website offers a list of volunteer advisors, but you are also welcome to choose any other individual whom you believe would be suitable to provide guidance.
- Produce a short fact sheet about your idea and submit by Nov. 20, 2024.
Ideas will be judged based on novelty, likely impact, connection to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and compelling communication. Finalists will be notified by Nov. 27 and will present their ideas at an award ceremony on Dec. 7 that will be live streamed.
Several cash prizes will be awarded:
- Robert McKim Award (1 winner): $2000
- Second prize (2 winners): $1000
- Third prize (3 winners): $500
Professor Mike Yao (UIUC College of Media and the UIUC Gies College of Business) will guide the top three winning teams (irrespective of their institution or country) in identifying viable pathways for further idea development and assist them in securing appropriate resources for their specific projects.
The following cash awards are also available in 2024, for submissions that meet the required criteria:
- $500 Sustainable Health Solution Award.
- $500 Sustainable Education Solution Award.
- $500 Sustainable Transportation Solution Award.
- $500 award for the best submission on Climate Change.
- $500 will be awarded to the team that has made the Most Progress towards Implementing their Idea in Practice.
- $500 for the team with the Most Multi-Disciplinary idea.
Have questions? Please contact Prof. Leon Liebenberg, leonl@illinois.edu.