The concept of sustainability helps us meet our present needs without sacrificing the needs of future generations.
The Sustainability Innovation Seed Grant program invites students to be part of this movement. 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 are now open until November 2nd. Click the link here to apply.
Alignment with the Climate Action Plan
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 our Climate Action Plan, and should relate to one (or more) of these five topics:
- Climate change resilience
- Emissions and energy
- Education and engagement
- Environmental Justice
- Zero Waste
Funding Details
Accepted project ideas receive $500 to cover the costs of materials, printing, stipends, and more.
Selection Criteria
Innovations from all fields of study and experience are welcome. We encourage projects that could scale up for further challenges and grant opportunities. Submissions are evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Impact on the BU campus(es) and community
- Connection to the BU Climate Action Plan
- Clarity of the plan
- Originality
- Ability to complete
AY 2025-2026 Seed Grant Calendar
- Application available: September 17, 2025
- Information Session 1: October 6, 2025 from 4:00-5:30 pm
- Information Session 2: October 22, 2025 from 4:00-5:30 pm
- Deadline for submissions: November 2, 2025
- Funding notification: By November 12, 2025
- Celebration & Project Ideation workshop: November 17, 2025
- Sustainability Workshop: Late January/Early February 2026
- Report out: March 20, 2026
- In Person Report Presentations, March 23 and March 26, 2026
Learn about the Topic Areas
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.
Learn more about how students are using funding to kickstart their sustainability ideas. Watch the video here. Learn more about the 2023-2024 award recipients here.
Climate change is a result of human activities that alter the atmosphere, resulting in rising temperatures, extreme weather, adverse human health effects, and more. Learn more from the BU Climate Action Plan
The impacts of climate change will disproportionately impact vulnerable populations. Learn more from the Carbon Free Boston Report
Resilience is the ability for individuals, communities, institutions, and systems within a city to adapt to and mitigate social, economic, and climate shocks. Learn more from the Resilient Boston Report
If greenhouse gas emissions were to stop tomorrow, the long life of these gases in the atmosphere would ensure that climate change would continue for decades. Learn more from the BU Climate Action Plan
Environmental Justice is defined as “All people and communities have the right to equal environmental protection under the law, and the right to live, work and play in communities that are safe, healthy and free of life-threatening conditions.”
Zero Waste means diverting 90% or more of waste from landfill/incineration through reducing, reusing, recycling, composting, and inspiring innovation. Learn more from Zero Waste Boston
