Highlighting student-led innovation across the Southeast to promote a sustainable and resilient future. Because of heterogeneity and the breadth of entries, the committee will evaluate each submission in one of three separate categories:

Research — traditional experimental and scientific research

Solutions — new innovations and methodologies

Design — creative and design solutions

Student Projects

Compete and collaborate with students from across the Southeast

Category Prizes

Winner: $1,000

Runner Up: $750

Interdisciplinary Judges

Experts from academia, climate science, industry, policy and more

Apply today to be among 25 finalists to showcase at the Super South Summit Capstone Challenge. Five will be chosen to present their submissions across three categories (i.e. Research-led, Solutions-led and Design-led) on March 24, 2027.

December 1

Applications Open

March 1

Submission Now Closed

March 15

Participant Selection in Process

March 22, 23 and 24

Super South Exhibition

2026-2027

Eligibility

Projects must address sustainable innovation and impact

Open to undergraduate and graduate teams from accredited Southeastern U.S. institutions

Projects must be completed in the last academic year (Summer 2026, Fall 2026 or Spring 2027)

At least one team member must be present at Super South Summit to be eligible to be among the 5 finalists

Each student may submit only one project poster for the selected category (i.e. Research-led, Solutions-led and Design-led)

Evaluation Criteria:

All submissions will be judged on the basis of their potential for real impact on sustainability their innovativeness, and the clarity and visual appeal of their presentation.

Project
Impact on climate resiliency: is this a problem worth solving? How effectively does the project address this issue?

Innovation
Originality of subject and proposed solution.

Poster
Clarity, legibility and visual appeal.