Join a 48-hour journey of innovation, collaboration, and impact as you tackle real sustainability challenges facing Lancaster University – and compete to win £250 and a paid internship!
Friday 20th– Sunday 22nd February in Lancaster University Management School
What is ECOChallenge?
ECOChallenge is LUSU Green’s flagship sustainability innovation challenge, delivered in partnership with the Sustainability Team, the 9 Colleges and Work in Progress.
Join students, sustainability experts, and innovation mentors in an exciting, action-packed, 48-hour journey to tackle real world-challenges affecting campus. Learn new skills, network with professionals and build your CV.
Button not working? Sign up here: ECOChallenge 2026 Student Registration Form
Please note, you must sign up before 23:59 on Sunday 15th February.
What Happens at ECOChallenge?
Over the course of the weekend, you will:
- Be assigned to a college team
- Explore sustainability challenges facing Lancaster University
- Develop innovative, practical solutions with expert guidance
- Receive mentoring from sustainability experts and industry professionals
- Pitch your idea to a panel of prestigious (but friendly!) judges from within and beyond the University
No prior experience or knowledge is required. Whether you’re a budding innovator or just passionate about sustainability, ECOChallenge is for everyone. We will support you every step of the way .
What's in it for you?
- Cash Prize: Win £250 in cash for the winning team. There will be awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and People’s Choice.
- Paid Internship Opportunity: One team will receive paid work via an internship to bring their idea to life with the Sustainability Team.
- Join the Community: Be part of a vibrant, supportive community, and build friendships with like-minded students
- Skill Development: Sharpen leadership, innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and sustainability skills. Gain hands-on experience creating practical, grassroots-level solutions
- Career Development: Gain recognition, new skills, and expand your professional network of contacts.
- Impact and Rewards: Earn 15 Lancaster Award points and receive an official participation certificate to boost your CV with demonstrable experience in sustainability, innovation, and collaboration - enhancing your career prospects.
Event Schedule*
Friday, 20th February
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | LUMS Breakout Spaces 2 & 3
- Welcome to ECOChallenge.
- Keynote talk from multi-award-winning advocate and Lancaster University graduate Phoebe L. Hanson
- Get top tips from previous ECOChallenge winners
- Identify key sustainability challenges impacting our University
- Collaborate with your team to identify a sustainability challenge you want to address
Saturday, 21st February
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | LUMS Breakout Spaces 2 & 3
- Brainstorm ideas to your problem and refine your solution
- Receive expert guidance from sustainability experts and industry professional mentors
- Craft and rehearse a compelling presentation to showcase your solution
Sunday, 2nd March
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | All spaces (LUMS LT 15, LT 18, Breakout Spaces 2 & 3)
- Final mentoring and pitch preparation
- Pitch your idea to an esteemed panel of judges
- Awards ceremony
- Celebrate your achievements with fellow participants
*Note: The schedule and timings may be subject to slight changes prior to the event. Refreshments and food will be provided at multiple points throughout the event. We recommend bringing a reusable cup for hot drinks.
What did last year’s participants say about ECOChallenge 2025?
- 95% agreed that they enjoyed taking part in ECOChallenge
- 95% agreed that they improved their teamwork and participation skills
- 92% agreed that they have developed new skills because of participating
Last year’s winner, Ruby Moss, said her favourite part of ECOChallenge was:
"Meeting my team mates, being given space to be as creative as possible, and the mentor system! Especially swapping mentors for a short amount of time was amazing! I had such a wonderful time doing ECOChallenge! I really loved ECOChallenge! I've done it every year I've been at Lancaster University and it's gotten even better every year!"
Key Note Speaker
We are delighted to welcome Phoebe L. Hanson, a multi-award winning advocate and Lancaster University Graduate.
Phoebe works to bridge the gap between young people and policymakers on climate change. She co-coordinated Mock COP, a youth climate conference engaging youth from over 140 countries. She also co-founded Teach the Teacher, which supports climate education in 200 UK schools a year.
Ready to take on the Challenge?
Don’t miss out! Sign up today and be part of the change
Register Now - ECOChallenge 2026 Student Registration Form
You must sign up before 23:59 on Sunday 15th February.
If you have any questions about participating in ECOChallenge 2026, please contact Scott Baker, LUSU Green Coordinator, at lusugreen@lancaster.ac.uk.
