Ackerman Center for Excellence in Sustainability (ACES) with The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan-Flagler Business School, is hosting a program: Launching Investment for Future Transformation (LIFT) and it is a free global sustainability challenge, that takes place virtually.
The goal of LIFT is to have student teams learn about different blended finance-based impact investing structures that help organizations overcome barriers to meeting impact goals. LIFT is a combination of a case competition and an investment proposal designed for students to submit ideas for innovative blended finance-based impact investing strategies to address any social and/or environmental issue that fits within the United Nations SDGs. Students will learn how blended finance-based impact investing combines public/government financing and sometimes philanthropy with private capital to facilitate important sustainability solutions. They will compete for a portion of a $15,000 prize!
Who is Eligible?
Any undergraduate or graduate students, regardless of academic background, can enter teams of 3-5 (contact us if you have more or fewer). No investment or finance experience is needed! In fact, as soon as you submit a general three-paragraph concept note about your idea, we will set up coaching sessions with professionals to teach blended finance and impact investing (a great networking opportunity, too!).
Awards & Rewards:
- First place receives $10,000
- Second place receives $5,000
- Everyone who submits a concept note will gain valuable knowledge and insights from leaders in blended finance, impact investing, and sustainability (social and environmental).
- Everyone who submits a proposal gets feedback from judges around the world who are also leaders in blended finance, impact investing, business, and sustainability (social and environmental).
Proposal submission deadline: October 12, 2026
LIFT is also looking for coaches and judges, contact for more information.
