Each year, graduate student teams from various parts of the world are invited to participate in the Kellogg-Morgan Stanley Sustainable Investing Challenge. The objective is to create and present innovative financial strategies to address significant environmental and social issues.
In 2023, over 300 students representing 53 countries and 60 universities introduced fresh financial instruments to generate a positive impact. The challenge fosters relationships with top industry experts to identify, support, and encourage the next generation of sustainable finance leaders.
Prizes
Grand prize:$10,000
Runner up:$5,000
Third place:$2,500
Eligibility Criteria
- Each team can consist of up to four (4) members.
- All team members must be currently enrolled in a graduate program when submitting the prospectus. Undergraduate students are not eligible.
- Your team can consist of members from different graduate schools.
- All ideas presented must be original and generated by the team members themselves.
Judging Criteria
Creativity & Financial Innovation(25%)
- Has the team put forward a unique investment opportunity aimed at delivering both financial returns and societal impact? We are interested in either:
- A groundbreaking financial framework or
- A traditional investment strategy is applied creatively to tackle a previously unaddressed social or environmental issue.
- What sets this project apart? Is it akin to numerous others, or is it genuinely pioneering?
- Does the proposal feature an unconventional capital structure, such as incorporating various forms of capital and engaging a wide range of institutional investors?
- Does the proposal reveal innovative approaches to generating returns, introducing a new asset class, or establishing a fresh cash flow or value stream?
Impact and scale(25% )
- Does this offer a scalable solution that can generate substantial capital and create significant positive effects on the environment or society?
- Are there specific impact indicators? Is the impact genuine and sustainable?
- Does the proposed approach primarily rely on financial mechanisms rather than relying solely on charitable contributions?
- Has the team shown thoroughness in defining and projecting the expected impact?
- Does the proposal feature a distinct capital structure, such as incorporating various types of capital and involving a diverse range of institutional investors?
- Does the proposal introduce innovative methods to generate returns, introduce a new asset class, or create a unique cash flow or value stream?
Feasibility(25%)
- Does the investment proposition appear reasonable?
- Are there tangible opportunities for market-rate returns that have been adjusted for risk? (even if considering an initial period with lower, concessionary returns)
- Can you envision institutional investors showing interest in and providing funding for this?
- Was the thesis extensively researched, and does it present robust evidence of financial soundness that takes into account the broader economy?
Quality of due diligence and financials(20%)
- How comprehensive and in-depth is the research supporting the thesis?
- Are the projected returns and cash flow assumptions credible? Has the team shown strong financial reasoning and validity of crucial financial assumptions?
- Have the critical investment questions concerning returns, asset quality, underwriting, and risk management (both market-based and non-market) been acknowledged and dealt with?
- Does the team possess the necessary skills to carry out the plan? Have they outlined the required skills within the investment team?
- Are the proposed fees and incentives fair and justified?
Presentation(5%)
- Has the team effectively conveyed their proposal with clarity, persuasiveness, and conciseness?
- For the final event: Have all team members contributed either during the initial presentation or the Q&A session?
Application procedure
In order to apply for this opportunity, click the provided link
For further information please visit the official website of Kellogg-Morgan Stanley Sustainable Investing Challenge 2024.
Application Deadline
January 21, 2024.
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