Brief Description Applications are officially open for the Kellogg-Morgan Stanley Sustainable Investing Challenge 2026, a globally renowned sustainable investing competition designed for graduate students who want to tackle the world’s most urgent environmental and social issues. This annual program calls on emerging leaders to develop bold, creative, and financially sound investment innovations capable of solving real-world problems.
As the world faces rising resource scarcity, inequality, environmental degradation, and the demands of a rapidly growing population, the need for impact finance innovation is more urgent than ever. The challenge empowers students to build investment solutions for social impact, integrating sustainability into finance while proving that profitability and positive change can coexist. Every year, the challenge attracts graduate students from top universities across the globe, making it one of the most respected and competitive platforms for shaping the future of sustainable finance. For those who want to be part of a global sustainability competition, this is your final call — the deadline is approaching quickly and submissions end soon.
The competition includes mentorship, industry connections, an elite judging panel, and the prestigious opportunity to attend the London pitch finals, fully funded. With prizes reaching up to $10,000 and global recognition, this is an urgent, high-impact opportunity for visionary students.
Organizer Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University) & Morgan Stanley Institute for Sustainable Investing
Requirements / Eligibility Criteria Participants in the Kellogg-Morgan Stanley Sustainable Investing Challenge must meet the following requirements: 1. Participants must be graduate students (Master’s, MBA, PhD, or equivalent) from any accredited institution worldwide. 2. Participants must form a team, typically of 2–4 graduate students. 3. The team must design sustainable investment proposals—institutional-grade solutions addressing a pressing social or environmental challenge. 4. The proposal must integrate financial innovation for sustainability, demonstrating both impact and financial viability. 5. All submissions must follow the official prospectus guidelines. 6. Teams must be available to attend the London pitch finals if selected. 7. Teams must meet all prospectus deadlines and submit all required documents. This graduate student Pitch Challenge is open to students across disciplines, including finance, economics, public policy, environmental management, engineering, business, and related fields.
Awards & Opportunities Competing in the Kellogg-Morgan Stanley Sustainable Investing Challenge opens doors for students interested in sustainable finance, impact investing, and global development.
Networking Opportunities Participants gain access to leading professionals in impact finance and sustainable investing. This includes feedback, networking, and introductions to top firms shaping the future of the industry. Master Class Lecture Series Four specialized master classes from world-renowned professors teaching impact finance innovation and sustainable investment. Career Trek Small-group networking with global industry professionals in sustainable finance and investment. London Pitch Finals — Teams selected for the finals receive sponsored travel to London, UK, where they will pitch directly to top experts, investors, and institutional leaders. The finals consistently attract high-level attention from stakeholders in sustainability, making this one of the most sought-after opportunities in the graduate finance competition 2026 landscape.
Competition Steps STEP 1: Form a Team Choose a social or environmental challenge. Begin brainstorming financial innovation for sustainability solutions. Kickoff Webinar: November 11, 2025 STEP 2: Develop Your Idea Request a mentor, refine your concept, and prepare your prospectus. Registration Deadline: January 25, 2026 STEP 3: Submit Prospectus Submit your 2-page prospectus for first-round judging. Prospectus Deadline: February 22, 2026 STEP 4: London Finals Top teams are invited to the London pitch finals on April 24, 2026. This is a rare opportunity for aspiring sustainable finance leaders to gain Global Exposure, pitch to influential experts, and shape future solutions for impact investing.
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