By Ismah Ayomide Hassan
The Green Urban Tech Challenge has launched a call for innovative solutions aimed at revolutionizing urban living through sustainable technology. This initiative seeks to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, resource scarcity, and the challenges posed by rapid urbanization. Innovators are invited to propose cutting-edge green technologies that can be implemented in cities worldwide.
The challenge’s core focus is on driving sustainable urban development by leveraging technology. It specifically targets solutions within critical areas like energy efficiency, waste management, sustainable transportation, green infrastructure, and circular economy models.
By concentrating on these themes, the Green Urban Tech Challenge aims to create more resilient, healthier, and environmentally friendly urban spaces—bridging the gap between pioneering startups and forward-thinking cities.
It intends to provide a platform for innovators to test and scale their solutions in real-world urban settings, fostering significant impact. Furthermore, the Green Urban Tech Challenge is designed to unlock investment and market opportunities for selected participants.
Who can apply?
This call is open to early to growth-stage startups or small-to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a strong vision for urban sustainability.
● Applicants must have a proven solution that directly addresses one or more of the challenge themes.
● The proposed solution should be ready for pilot implementation within an urban environment.
● Teams must demonstrate a strong operational foundation, a viable business model, and a clear strategy for both impact and scalability.
What are the criteria for entering the Green Urban Tech challenge?
- Interested innovators are expected to submit a comprehensive proposal outlining their proven solution.
- The submission should highlight how their technology addresses the challenge themes, its readiness for pilot implementation, and the team’s capacity to deliver.
- Provide a clear demonstration of the solution’s potential for impact and its scalability in urban settings is crucial.
How much is the Green Urban Tech challenge offering?
- Selected innovators stand to gain substantial benefits, including up to $150,000 in pilot project funding for each chosen solution.
- They can also get follow-on investment from the challenge’s network of investors.
- Participants will gain access to an extensive network of city partners, industry experts, and mentors, along with tailored technical and business support to help scale their innovations.
- Additionally, the program offers global visibility and recognition for successful solutions, providing a unique opportunity to collaborate with leading cities.
Important dates
The application deadline is October 19, 2025. Click HERE to begin. Explore our global opportunities page for more.
The Green Urban Tech Challenge calls for innovative solutions to enhance urban living through sustainable technology, addressing issues like climate change and rapid urbanization. The challenge focuses on energy efficiency, waste management, sustainable transportation, green infrastructure, and circular economy models. It aims to create resilient, healthier urban spaces by providing a platform for testing and scaling innovations, unlocking investment, and creating market opportunities.
Startups or SMEs with a robust vision for urban sustainability can apply, provided they have a proven solution ready for pilot implementation. Proposals must address challenge themes, demonstrate impact and scalability, and reflect operational readiness and a viable business model.
Selected innovators may receive up to $150,000 in pilot funding, potential follow-on investments, and access to a network of city partners, mentors, and industry experts. The program offers technical and business support, global recognition, and opportunities to collaborate with leading cities. The application deadline is October 19, 2025.
