Cleantech Challenge

About the Cleantech Challenge

The 2026 Cleantech Challenge and Everyday Entrepreneur programs are proudly powered by the PGE Foundation, whose continued support reflects a deep belief in the power of student-led innovation to shape a more sustainable, equitable future. By investing in emerging founders and early-stage ideas, the PGE Foundation helps students move from inspiration to action, turning bold concepts into real-world solutions that benefit our communities and environment.

The PSU Cleantech Challenge is Portland State University’s premier prototype competition, bringing together students from across disciplines to tackle pressing environmental and social challenges. Teams receive mentorship, coaching, and prototyping funds, and spend 10 weeks working through design thinking, business modeling, and market research, culminating in a live pitch competition and prototype exhibition at the Finals.

Each year, six finalist teams showcase their innovations and compete for prizes, with the top team advancing to the statewide InventOR competition to further develop their prototypes. 

The Cleantech Challenge celebrates practical, impact-driven ideas and the students bold enough to build them.

Awards

• 1st Place: $1,500
• 2nd Place: $1,000
• 3rd Place: $500

Grand Prize: PGE Powering Impact Award – $2,000

2026 Cleantech Challenge & Everyday Entrepreneur Competition Rules & Eligibility 
2026 CTC/EE - Judging Rubric & Criteria
 

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

The PSU Center for Entrepreneurship and PSU Cleantech Challenge are committed to creating an experience that builds community, capacity, and accountability. By building a network where our staff, mentors, and partners reflect the communities and students that we serve, we aim to create a more inclusive environment where everyone is welcome.

By holding ourselves accountable to model the diverse and inclusive reality, we can shift the barriers to opportunity, taking a stand for an inclusive future