The next breakthrough in carbon sequestration innovation is just beneath the surface
Many of the world’s largest industries have transformed and unlocked new value through digital systems innovation, and now’s the time for agriculture to do the same. The Terraton Challenge rallies innovators to develop solutions that advance The Terraton Initiative, the global effort to remove 1 trillion tons – or a teraton – of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and use it to enrich agricultural soils. Fueling the Initiative with technological innovation and competition, The Terraton Challenge seeks to focus global innovators on agriculture as a climate solution.
The Terraton Challenge
For its inaugural year, the Terraton Challenge will focus on three critical areas: technologies that accelerate soil carbon sequestration, methods to quantify soil carbon, and innovative financial offerings that reward growers for capturing and maintaining soil carbon.
Follow these three links to learn more and apply by October 1, 2019!
Accelerate: Increasing the speed at which carbon dioxide is sequestered in soils
Quantify: Catalyzing the next generation of soil carbon sampling & measurement systems
Reward: Developing incentives that reward growers for sequestering soil carbon
Guidelines
Who should apply?
Any team with an original solution to one of our Terraton Challenge tracks should apply. We invite applicants from:
All Geographies: This is a global problem that needs a global solution. Innovators from around the world are encouraged to apply. Semi-finalists must be willing and able to travel to the U.S. at their own cost to demo their solution at the BeneficialAg 2020 conference.
All Stages: We want to hear solutions from innovators at all levels of development. Whether your idea is scribbled in a notepad, or already deployed on thousands of acres, we encourage you to apply.
All Industries: The Terraton Challenge welcomes ideas from industries beyond agriculture.
Please note that each application must be original and must not contain any material that violates or infringes on the intellectual rights of any non-team member or party.
Why participate in The Terraton Challenge?
PRIZE OPPORTUNITIES
Up to $3.5k is available for submitting an idea. Winning participants that prove scalability will be eligible for a total of $60k in grants and up to $3M in contracts by Indigo—all while maintaining IP rights to their solution.
INDUSTRY VISIBILITY
All semi-finalists will have the opportunity to demo their solutions at BeneficialAg 2020, a gathering of stakeholders across the supply chain in Memphis, Tennessee.
MENTORSHIP & REAL-WORLD EXPERIMENTATION
Access a cohort of tech & ag thought leaders available to mentor you throughout the competition. With this support, you can take your solution above and beyond its original scope.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PRESERVATION
Did we mention all awards and contracts are equity free? It’s your idea, you should maintain ownership and IP rights throughout the Challenge and beyond.
ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE
With the goal of improving farm economics and supporting sustainable practices, all while addressing climate change, we're inviting innovators and entrepreneurs to bring their best ideas forward.
Still not sure if you should apply?
Contact The Terraton Challenge team with your questions by emailing the link below.
The Terraton Challenge is subject to contest rules, terms and conditions located here. The Terraton Challenge is made up of two separate contests: an initial screening contest (“Round One”) and a semi-finalist contest (“Final Round”). By submitting an application, applicants are enrolling in Round One only. The only potential prize for Round One is an invitation to participate in the Final Round, subject to additional terms and conditions, acceptance of which are required to participate in such Final Round. Submission of an application to Round One does not guarantee participation in the Final Round. Only Round One winners are eligible to participate in the Final Round. Subject to additional terms, Final Round participants may be eligible for a chance to win a grant of up to $20,000.00 and one or more contracts with Indigo that may be worth up to $3 million in total. No purchase necessary to enter. Contests are void where prohibited.
It's not too late! This is the last call for submissions to The Terraton Challenge! Applications are due tomorrow, Tuesday October 1st at 11:59pm ET.
Our judges are excited to review your applications! Hear from one of our partners below:
“With a deep background in environmental sciences, I am excited to participate in this ambitious program which is actively supporting solutions in the most pressing challenge of our generation.” – The Terraton Challenge Round One Judge
If you experience any issues submitting your application, please email before the application deadline.
Have questions about applying for The Terraton Challenge? Join the team for office hours!
The Terraton Challenge team is hosting office hours on Tuesday 9/24 at 4pm CT / 5pm ET, during which they will cover off on application requirements and answer any questions. Sign up here.
Proposals are due by October 1st at 11:59pm ET. Additional information about the contest can be found on The Terraton Challenge website.