Smart MINDS for the CLIMATE – Thinking Climate, Steering Climate

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, an innovative competition will launch in the 2025/26 school year, inviting young climate experts from the 5th grade onwards to develop visionary ideas and projects for climate protection and climate adaptation. Under the categories “Thinking Climate” and “Shaping Climate”, teams or entire classes can present concepts on how schools, municipalities, or regions can be made more sustainable. Whether strategic proposals for climate-friendly living environments or technical solutions involving robotics, sensor technology, and renewable energies – the far-reaching contributions will be supported and professionally guided throughout the entire school year by regional student research centers. Registration is possible until April 30, 2026, and submissions of competition entries are due by May 15, 2026.

The initiative honors particularly successful works with attractive prizes and certificates for all participants. In June 2026, a public closing event will take place, where the most outstanding projects will be presented to an audience of educators, scientists, and decision-makers. Throughout the ten-month project phase, participants gain valuable insights into sustainable development processes, strengthen their skills in research and innovation, and actively contribute to the climate-just shaping of their home region. This school competition offers committed young talents a unique platform to shape their future independently and advance climate protection.