Leading the change for the Planet
Whether focusing on social, technological, or scientific innovation, or sustainable business models, Coopérathon participants are challenged to develop solutions for sustainability, climate resilience, and the natural environment.
Our planet is facing a critical tipping point. From the accelerating impacts of climate change to the rapid degradation of ecosystems on land and in our oceans, the environmental challenges we face are deeply interconnected and urgent. Billions still lack access to clean water and sanitation, global consumption patterns continue to outpace the Earth’s capacity to regenerate, and climate disasters are increasingly threatening communities, biodiversity, and livelihoods
Key subjects that you may consider (but not limited to):
- Decarbonization
- Real Estate Technologies
- Agriculture
- Thriving Cities
- Biodiversity
- Mobility
- Circular Economy
- Clean Technologies
- Ocean Technologies
This challenge is tied to the following United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals:
Thank you to our Open Innovation Leaders
Challenge as part of Cooperathon 2026
How might we protect and restore our planet’s vital ecosystems, promote sustainable consumption and production, and ensure universal access to clean water and climate resilience for communities worldwide?
Looking for a more specific starting point for your high impact project?
Some of our partners have identified real challenges they’re working on. These are optional inspirations, your project can address one of these directly, or simply use them to spark ideas for the broader Planet challenge.
Problematic brought by
Bioenterprise
How might emerging technologies (e.g., AI, remote sensing, biological innovations) be leveraged to monitor, predict, and improve environmental and climate outcomes in agri-food systems?
Problematic brought by
Cycle Momentum
Projects emerging from Canadian university research aimed at accelerating decarbonization, strengthening circularity, and supporting climate adaptation by leveraging clean technologies in agrotech, energy, carbon capture, energy efficiency, sustainable mobility, and resource valorization.
Problematic brought by
Groupe MISA
Ideas or solutions that help decarbonize mining operations.
Problematic brought by
Port de Québec
To innovate by combining an industrial space overlooking the St. Lawrence River with recreational areas accessible to residents of the Quebec City region.
Problematic brought by
Zone Agtech
All innovative solutions for addressing the real-world challenges of agriculture.
Stakeholders & Target Audiences ↓
(not limited to)
- Rural and urban communities lacking access to clean water and sanitation infrastructure
- Farmers and agricultural workers affected by climate change, soil degradation, or water scarcity
- Fisherfolk and coastal communities who depend on healthy marine ecosystems for their livelihoods
- Industries and businesses seeking ways to reduce waste, emissions, or environmental impact through more sustainable production and consumption practices
- Youth and educators advocating for climate action and environmental awareness
- Communities living near deforested, polluted, or degraded environments (e.g., areas affected by illegal logging, plastic pollution, or biodiversity loss)
Scope & Constraints ↓
- Environmental relevance and real word applicability
- The low environmental footprint of the solution (sustainability of the solution)
- Inaccessible or incomplete environmental data for factors such as water quality, waste production, biodiversity
- High cost and fragility of monitoring technologies
- Lack of digital infrastructure in affected areas
- Constraints like data privacy laws, resistance to land-use changes, cultural stigma around reuse/recycling, or lack of policy enforcement
Confidentiality ↓
All details relating to technologies, innovations or methods submitted to Cooperathon will remain strictly confidential, unless otherwise indicated.
Data, articles & information ↓
Unlock this information by registering today forCooperathon 2026
Prize(s) ↓
1st Prize: $10,000
Take up this challenge!
Participate in Cooperathon and transform your ideas into innovative solutions that will bring lasting change to our world.