The INNO Student Challenge is a competition for students and recent graduates with an innovative idea for nature conservation and/or sustainability.

With this challenge, WWF aims to support ambitious students and recent graduates in further developing their ideas. Do you have a feasible plan in the field of sustainability and conservation? Then you might be the changemaker our world needs! Read below to find out if you are eligible to participate.

• The three best ideas win € 10.000,- each to realize their idea.
• The three best ideas receive professional coaching sessions.

It was a major challenge for our professional jury to select three winners. Each of the eight finalists presented strong ideas, which they developed into detailed project plans and inspiring pitches.

From innovative solutions for polluted water to birth forests, safe human-bear coexistence, and the use of sensors in wildlife parks – all were inspiring projects contributing to nature restoration, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and protecting wildlife.

Curious about the three winners? Watch the aftermovie of the INNO Student Challenge 2026 Award Ceremony!

Are you eligible to participate?

• You are enrolled at a Dutch educational institution (MBO, HBO or university), or you graduated no more than two years ago.
• You study and live in the Netherlands.
• You are at least 18 and no older than 30 years old.
• You can participate if your project is already registered with the Chamber of Commerce, or if you plan to register it.
• The total project budget does not exceed €100,000.
• Your project contributes to nature conservation and/or sustainability in an innovative way.

Read more about the criteria:

The jury evaluates submissions based on the following criteria:

• Level of innovation
  To what extent does your project contribute a new and innovative approach to nature conservation? We look at originality, creativity, and feasibility.
• Impact on nature and sustainability
  How does your idea contribute to combating climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss? What is the potential impact?
• Use of prize money
  How do you plan to use the prize money? Is your project scalable, can it function as a pilot, and are there opportunities to expand it in the future? How realistic is your budget?
• Feasibility and likelihood of success
  Is your plan realistic and achievable? Do you have the right knowledge and skills to successfully carry out the project?
• Personal motivation and potential
  We look at your perseverance, ambition, and passion. To what extent are you able to take your idea forward? We also assess whether your team has the necessary expertise and whether you can effectively use your network to make your project a success.

• Registration for the INNO Student Challenge opens in October 2026 (deadline to be announced).
• You submit your application within the given timeframe.
• The WWF innovation team reviews all submissions based on the criteria and selects ten finalists.
• The finalists are announced in early 2027.
• They further develop their idea into a detailed business case, focusing on feasibility and financial substantiation.
• In spring 2027, the finalists present their ideas to the jury during a pitch event.
• During the subsequent award ceremony, three winners are announced.

For the most up-to-date information and exact timeline, we recommend keeping a close eye on our website.

Check the frequently asked questions or contact us at:  innochallenge@wwf.nl