REWARDING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS THAT CREATE MEANINGFUL IMPACT
Event by:
Founding Partner:
The Climate Change Summit Awards recognize and celebrate innovative and practical solutions to climate challenges submitted by young professionals, PhDs or researchers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).
The awards ceremony takes place during the Climate Change Summit (Oct 21st, 2025) and provides the 3 winners with grant funding totalling 15.000 € and valuable exposure.
Mobility solutions that reduce emissions and make it easier for people to move around sustainably
Tools and technologies for efficient city energy and resource useUrban planning or design approaches that improve climate resilience and quality of life
Projects that bring clean energy into homes, neighborhoods, or public infrastructure
Materials or systems that reduce environmental impact in construction, transport, or city services
Solutions that improve how we grow, distribute, or consume food, while reducing environmental harm
Approaches that prevent food waste or make better use of surplus, across any part of the food chain
Innovations that help farmers adapt to changing conditions while protecting soil, water, and biodiversity
Projects that restore degraded ecosystems or protect biodiversity in a way that benefits both people and nature
New materials or practices that reduce the footprint of food, farming, or land use
Plant-based or alternative food options that reduce pressure on land, water, and emissions, while supporting healthy diets
Initiatives that build climate understanding and lead to real-world change, whether through schools, community spaces, workplaces, or public campaigns
Initiatives that engage and mobilize communities, especially those most affected by climate impacts, to lead local solutions
Creative outreach that shifts behaviors and builds momentum for sustainable living
Digital tools or platforms that help people learn, connect, and take action in their daily lives
Eligibility Criteria
Categories
Participants in the competition must fall into one of four categories:
All participants must come from the following eligible countries:
Bulgaria
Croatia
Greece
Hungary
Moldova
Romania
Serbia
Slovenia
CCS AWARDS
Grant: Each winner receives 5.000 euro grant funding to jumpstart their eco-friendly idea
Exposure: Finalists present their projects on stage to hundreds of people live and more than 800,000 online (including investors and environmental leaders)
Validation: Expert validation, recognition, and credibility for your project
Media Exposure: Broad media coverage that increases project visibility.
Networking Opportunities: Finalists can connect with investors, leaders, and innovators.
Area of expertise: Applicants must select one of the three categories
Planning: Submissions should include a one-year investment plan (use of funds and achievable goals)
Simplified process: The application and evaluation will be conducted through a digital platform
Three prizes: One per category, each valued at €5,000
Exposure: Winners will be featured to high-profile audience at the Climate Change Summit Awards Ceremony
Copyright © 2025 – Climate Change Summit – All Rights Reserved
An informal opportunity for participants to meet and greet each other over coffee before the session begins.
Olivian Savin – Manager Communication & Marketing FEL Romania
Ștefan Gheorghe – Executive Director CNR-CME
Andrei Gurin – Sustainable Finance Unit, Team Leader – Taxonomy and Reporting, European Commission
Ana Nedea – Director of Strategy & Business Development, SIMTEL Team
Olivian Savin – Manager Communication & Marketing FEL Romania
Co-organized with the Representation of the European Commission in Romania and the EU Climate Pact, this Climate Change Summit side event is a speed networking session aimed at professionals and key stakeholders in Central and Eastern Europe. It offers a chance to quickly connect with influential people, build new relationships, and explore potential collaborations. The goal is to help participants make valuable connections that can support their work and initiatives in the region.
An informal opportunity for participants to meet and greet each other over coffee before the session begins.
Roxana Cojocaru, Executive Director, Social Innovation Solutions
Mara Roman, Deputy Head, Representation of the European Commission in Romania
Ana-Maria Pălăduș, Vice President, REPER21, National Coordinator for the EU Climate Pact in Romania
In this session, each participant will have the opportunity to introduce themselves briefly, sharing their role, the organization they represent, and their key areas of focus related to climate action and sustainability. This session is designed to give attendees a better understanding of who is present and to start identifying potential points of collaboration.
This interactive segment will guide participants through structured networking exercises, encouraging meaningful exchanges and collaboration opportunities. Activities will include:
These activities are designed to help attendees make impactful connections in a short amount of time and foster potential long-term partnerships.
A relaxed networking lunch where participants can continue their conversations and deepen connections made during the morning sessions.
Room 1: Legislation
Room 2: How to make Sustainable Financing work (workshop led by Theresa Spandel, on implementation of the CSRD)
Room 3: ESG Measurement and Reporting in Practice (session led by Alexander Stevens)