Info Session: SMART CDR Competition
Lawson Climate Institute is pleased to host an info session focused on the SMART-CDR Competition, a Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Mission Initiative, under the Mission Innovation banner. This international competition is the first-of-its-kind for Lawson Climate Institute, and invites applicants from both colleges and universities from around the world to form interdisciplinary teams to solve the climate challenge.
When: Wednesday, February 11, 8–9am EST
Where: Online only. A Teams link will be shared with registrants prior to the webinar.
This online info session will cover topics including:
- Mission Innovation and the CDR Mission
- CDR technologies and their role in a net-zero future
- Introduction, scope, and focus areas for the competition
- Submission process and evaluation criteria
- Audience Q&A session
About the Competition
The Student Minds Advancing Research and Technologies for Carbon Dioxide Removal (SMART-CDR) Competition taps into the creative power of college and university students globally to provide innovative, novel approach, small-scale solutions including technology, policy, finance, monitoring and reporting, or community engagement models around carbon dioxide management.
Teams of post-secondary students from around the world interested in proposing solutions that will help to advance this important clean technology can apply now. Applications will close February 26, 2026 at 23:59 UTC.
Finalist teams will receive mentorship, build their networks, gain international recognition, and will be supported to pitch their idea at the World Energy Congress in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in October 2026 where they will compete to win cash prizes. All travel stipends for invited students and cash prizes will be coordinated by the competition’s generous sponsors (information to be announced).
For more information and official competition rules, visit: https://lci.utoronto.ca/mission-innovation-smart-cdr-competition/