RISE Showcase and Awards
About the programme
RISE (Real Impact on Society and Environment) is U21’s international video showcase of student achievement in sustainability and social innovation designed to accelerate the scale and impact of student-led projects.
A RISE project must be based on one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals and go beyond theory into practical implementation. It doesn’t need to be a full business or enterprise, just show real potential for progress and growth.
The RISE Awards celebrate projects at all stages, with categories for Most Potential, Most Collaborative, Most Impact and People’s Choice Award for Innovation.
Why take part?
In addition to the opportunity to be recognised via a certificate of commendation and a LinkedIn recommendation (optional), you will gain:
- Connections with international peers working on similar sustainability challenges, working in different contexts
- Enhanced understanding of the skills and mindset required to effectively communicate ideas, adapting language for an international audience
- Experience taking social enterprise or innovation ideas beyond small-scale, local implementation, into something bigger
- The chance to win one of four prizes valued at $2000 per award
Who can take part?
- Current students – undergraduate and postgraduate who are actively working on a project related to the Sustainable Development Goals
- Each U21 member institution is invited to nominate up to 4 student-led projects based on an aspect of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
- You can find a list of your university contacts here and any further questions please contact programmes@universitas21.com to find out who is leading RISE in your institution
All you need to know can also be found in the RISE Handbook
Key dates
- Deadline for student finalists video submissions: 20 May 2026 (Please note each institution may have their own internal deadline that may be earlier so please check this with you RISE contact)
- Finalists RISE development workshop: June
- Judging and announcement of RISE awards: July
Time commitment
The time commitment for RISE will vary from project to project, depending on the time it takes you to prepare a RISE video, write an accompanying bio and promote your entry online and via your networks.
As a RISE finalist you will be invited to attend a one off RISE Development Workshop which will last for 90 minutes.
How far advanced should projects be?
A RISE project can’t be just theoretical. There needs to have been some positive actions taken by the team to turn an idea into reality. However, that doesn’t mean it has to be a fully-fledged enterprise or small business. Here are some ideas of what a RISE entry might look like, at all stages of the students’ journey.
The RISE Pledges are designed to offer tailored support no matter what stage a project is currently at. Furthermore, the RISE Awards specifically focus on recognising projects at different stages: Most Potential, Most Innovative, and Most Impact.
Participant reflections
The most important thing I have gained [from RISE] is a global perspective on problem-solving and collaboration. The exposure to innovative ideas and diverse approaches from participants around the world has profoundly influenced how I think about scaling my project and addressing educational disparities. On a personal level, the programme has instilled a deeper sense of confidence in taking bold steps toward ambitious goals while staying true to the mission of equity in education. This mindset continues to drive both my work and my personal aspirations.”
Kritesh Bisht, University of Birmingham (The Equal Opportunities Project, EQOP), RISE 2023/24