LIFT Challenge

Welcome to the LIFT Challenge, where your ingenious ideas have the power to shape the future! Organized by the sustainability aficionados at the Ackerman Center, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, and Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise, this competition is your ticket to making a tangible impact on global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The challenge is simple yet profound: Develop a blended finance solution that addresses one or multiple SDGs. Whether it's battling poverty, ensuring clean water, or fostering good health, your innovative strategies can pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.

Your proposal, encapsulating a three-paragraph summary and a slide deck (up to 25 slides), will be your beacon in this journey. Optional supplements like a two-page narrative and a financial spreadsheet can add that extra sparkle to your submission.

While there’s no chest of gold waiting, the real treasure is the opportunity to present your groundbreaking ideas at the finals on February 16-17, 2024. It’s your moment under the spotlight, where your ideas can potentially influence global sustainability practices!

Open to undergraduate and graduate students worldwide, from all disciplines and backgrounds, the LIFT Challenge transcends borders, inviting bright minds to concoct solutions that could redefine our tomorrow.

Embark on a journey through multiple stages, starting with a one-page proposal submission, culminating in a final showdown where the top eight proposals battle it out live with panels of judges.

The organizers, deeply rooted in sustainability and enterprise, are not just hosts but collaborators in this quest for sustainable solutions. With a rich history of fostering innovative ideas and driving impactful discussions, they stand as pillars supporting your journey towards creating impactful change.