Climate Challenge Cup to celebrate US and UK innovation during COP26

A new prize cup will be awarded during COP26 to celebrate the most innovative US and UK partnership projects tackling climate change. Supported by the UK’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Climate Challenge Cup is a new international competition to elevate and help scale transformative civic research partnerships between research bodies, civic organisations and local communities to combat climate change. 

Open to partnerships in the US and UK, the Cup has two categories. The first is for projects that are working with communities in regions affected by climate change to mitigate or adapt to the effects it is having. For example revitalising brownfield sites, or preparing communities for rising sea levels and floods. The second category is for projects that are helping reduce emissions at a local or regional level to achieve net zero. For example, increasing green spaces or reducing transport emissions.  

Shortlisted partnerships from across the US and UK will be brought together to share their innovative projects that address some of society’s biggest climate challenges at a local level. 

The Cup will culminate in an innovation showcase and award ceremony during COP26, the United Nations 2021 Climate Change Conference, in November. Judged by an expert panel, finalists from across the US and UK will have the opportunity to present their ideas to an audience of global changemakers. 

Helen Goulden, Chief Executive of The Young Foundation who are delivering the Climate Challenge Cup said: “Partnerships and innovation across sectors and places are critical to tackle climate challenges at different levels of society. And the Climate Challenge Cup ensures community is at the heart of these solutions.”  

Kimberly D. Lucas, Interim Executive Director of Metro Lab Network, who are partnering on the Cup said: “We’ve supported a US-only civic research innovation challenge before, and we’re excited to provide stronger connections between US and UK projects and partners. We have so much to learn from one another.”  

Des McNulty, Assistant Vice-Principal of the University of Glasgow who are advising on the Cup said: “We are delighted that the City of Glasgow is hosting COP26 and that the Climate Challenge Cup is celebrating the power of partnerships between researchers and civic organisations.” 

The Climate Challenge Cup opens for entries on 23August and closes on 24 September. Interested applicants can register for a live Q&A session on 20 August to find out more about the criteria on climatechallengecup.com 


Notes to Editors 

The Climate Challenge Cup is supported by the UK’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy with a £125,000 grant to run the competition, and by the City of Glasgow who are hosting COP26. It is being delivered by innovation experts The Young Foundation based in the UK and Metro Lab Network based in the US. Supporters also include the UK's Science and Innovation Network, Innovate UK and The University of Glasgow.