Challenges for Students

Dow Sustainability Innovation Student Challenge Award (SISCA)

Graduate students: Are you up for a challenge? The Sustainability Innovation Student Challenge Award (SISCA), a program of IonE and the Dow Chemical Company, recognizes and rewards students and universities for innovation and research that encourages and promotes sustainable solutions to the world's most pressing social, economic and environmental problems.

Submission Criteria

A winning submission must:

  • exhibit potential for solving world challenges in alignment with the spirit of Dow’s 2015 Sustainability Goals;
  • be interdisciplinary (applied sciences, engineering, economics, public policy, social studies, business etc.); and
  • involve innovative thinking and excellence in research.

Award Details

Awards include a $10,000 grand prize and a $2,500 runner-up prize.

Questions

For more information contact Fred Rose at rosex122@umn.edu or visit dowstudentchallenge.com.

History

Dow launched SISCA in 2009 to promote forward thinking in social and environmental responsibility.

Why

In order to ensure a more sustainable future, it’s essential we promote and cultivate fresh ideas, innovative thinking and sustainable practices that balance environmental, societal and economic decisions. SISCA advances sustainable development, helping further our commitment to create positive change for tomorrow.

Who

SISCA acknowledges the energy, commitment and enthusiasm of University of Minnesota students and the professors, sponsors and facilitators who support their sustainability innovations and efforts in continued excellence. Applicants must be enrolled graduate students at the University of Minnesota. Former SISCA winners are not eligible to participate.

Other Student Challenges

  • Opportunities for students will be posted here as they become available.
  • Minnesota Cup MINNESOTA CUP
    The Minnesota Cup is an annual competition that seeks to support and accelerate the development of the best breakthrough ideas from across Minnesota.
  • Clean Tech Open
    CLEAN TECH OPEN
    The Cleantech Open runs the world's largest cleantech accelerator. Their mission is to find, fund and foster entrepreneurs with big ideas that address today's most urgent energy, environmental and economic challenges.