In partnership with

Google for Education

PLANET PROTECTORS

Students leading the sustainability charge

4 & 5 November 2026

B2, Hall D,E & F Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore

DEADLINE EXTENDED! SUBMISSIONS CLOSE 15 MAY 2026, 23:59 GMT+8

Now in its 3rd edition, the Planet Protectors Sustainability Challenge returns to EDUtech Asia 2026 in proud partnership with Google for Education. Since its launch, the competition has empowered students across Asia to move beyond awareness and into action. In 2025, we received over 200 submissions from across the region, showcasing bold thinking, digital innovation and youth-led environmental leadership.

In 2026, we evolve.

The Challenge introduces distinct problem statements for K-12 and Higher Education, recognising that impact looks different at every stage of learning. Whether reimagining greener school environments or transforming campus -wide systems and behaviours, students must leverage Google tools to design ecosystems that give back to the environment more than they take.

This is more than a competition. It is a platform for Asia’s next generation of changemakers to demonstrate how innovation, education and responsible technology can work together to build a truly net-positive digital future.

The 2026 Challenge:

Building a Net-Positive Digital Future

What does this mean?

In this challenge, technology isn’t just something we use - it’s something we use responsibly and creatively to make the world better.

In previous years, the competition focused on doing less harm – this year we’re taking a different approach.

A net-positive digital future means creating digital solutions that shift the focus into regeneration, renewal and restoration. Instead of simply reducing negative impacts, we’re challenging students to create projects that actively create positive value for people, communities and the planet.

K-12 League

Suitable for ages: Upper Primary / Grade 4 (10 years old as of 2026) to Upper Secondary / Grade 10 (16–17 years old)

Problem Statement: Design a digitally responsible school community

Digital devices, cloud platforms, AI tools and online learning are part of everyday school life - but they all have an environmental footprint, consuming energy and resources.

Your task is to redesign the way your school community uses technology so that digital life has a smaller environmental footprint - or even a positive impact .

Teams can propose one innovative idea or a broader system for change .

Higher Ed League

Suitable for ages: Post-Secondary / Institutes of Higher Learning (18 years old and above)

Problem Statement: Designing a circular digital system

As digital technologies grow, so does the demand for energy, materials and devices. Instead of the traditional “take, make, discard” model, this challenge calls on teams to design systems that extend lifecycles, eliminate waste and regenerate value.

Your task is to design a circular digital system that reduces waste, extends the life of technology and creates lasting environmental and social value.

Teams may propose a focused innovation or a broader system-level solution .

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION NOW

Submissions close on 15th May 2026, 23:59 GMT +8

Important deadlines

EDUtech Asia 2026 Planet Protectors Timeline

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION NOW

Submissions close on 15th May 2026, 23:59 GMT +8

Why become a Planet Protector:

In the face of escalating environmental challenges, the need for sustainable solutions has never been more urgent. Yet, there exists a significant gap between awareness and action. The EDUtech Planet Protectors initiative seeks to bridge this divide, spotlighting the crucial role of student-led innovation in driving real-world environmental change. This initiative aims to:

✅ illuminate the potential of young minds in crafting sustainable futures
✅ spark a shift in educational paradigms
✅ drive greater emphasis on global citizenship
✅ address an immediate environmental issue
✅ cultivate a generation of mindful and resource-efficient individuals

Once projects have been developed, teams will be invited to showcase their prototype at EDUtech Asia in Singapore on 4-5 November 2026.

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION NOW

Submissions close on 15th May 2026, 23:59 GMT +8

Suggested Google Tools to be used

⚙️ Gemini , Gemini App, including Gemini features such as Gems, Deep Research, Canvas, Audio Overview, Video Generator powered by Veo3 & more.
⚙️ Notebook LM
⚙️ Google Workspace for Education tools
⚙️ ChromeOS Tools
⚙️ Read Along
⚙️ Google Maps and Google Maps Platform
⚙️ Google Earth and Google Earth Engine
⚙️ Google Lens
⚙️ Google Cloud
⚙️ Google Translate
⚙️ YouTube
⚙️ Teachable Machine
⚙️ Tools listed on experiments.withgoogle.com
⚙️ Other relevant Google tools or solutions

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION NOW

Submissions close on 15th May 2026, 23:59 GMT +8

The awards

A panel of expert judges will evaluate the students' proposed solutions. The best three teams from each league will be crowned during the awards ceremony happening on 5 November 2026.

This is your chance to vote for your favourite project! Head to the EDUtech Planet Protectors Arena to hear the students' pitches and witness their projects firsthand. Make your vote count!

Judging Criteria

Creativity: How original and innovative is the proposed solution?

Practicality: How feasible is the implementation of the solution in real-world settings? Have they considered cost, accessibility and scalability?

Use of Google Tech: How effectively does the project incorporate technology to solve the problem?

Knowledge/ Research: How well does the team understand the issue? Have they demonstrated thorough research on its causes, impacts and existing solutions?

Presentation Skills: How clearly and persuasively does the team communicate their solution?

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION NOW

Submissions close on 15th May 2026, 23:59 GMT +8

Hear what the past participants have to say

NUS High School

Praxis High School Indonesia

De La Salle University

Baliuag University

Common FAQs

How do I apply for the Planet Protectors Sustainability Challenge?

You can submit an application in 5 easy steps:
1. Form a Team: Gather 4 students and a teacher chaperone to supervise.
2. Brainstorm: Develop a solution or initiative that tackles the problem statement.
3. Describe Your Idea: Clearly articulate your vision in 200 words.
4. Visualise your idea: Design a simple infographic to support your concept.
5. Submit: Complete and send in the application form.
✨ Take the first step toward becoming a Planet Protector! Apply Now

How many students can there be in a team?

Each team must have 4 students. Additionally, each team must be chaperoned by an educator from their school/ institution.

Must the team be present at the event?

If your application is shortlisted, all team members must be physically present at EDUtech Asia 2026 in Singapore on 4 and 5 November 2026.

Do all students need to be from the same institution?

Yes, the challenge is a regional, inter-school competition, so students must belong to the same institution. However, they can be from different years or age groups.

Are teacher/ adult chaperones required?

Yes, each team must have an educator chaperone, regardless of the students’ league (K-12 or Higher Education). This ensures safety during travel and proper use of technological tools.

How does one win the competition?

Judges’ Awards: The judges will score each team and determine the top three winning teams from each league.
People’s Choice Awards: Teams can also win one of three People’s Choice Awards – voted by attendees onsite.
The Champion of each league will also receive a special prize sponsored by Google for Education. Prizes will be revealed in time.

What are the age requirements for each league?

K-12 League: students should be aged between 10 and 17 years old by November 2026.
Higher Ed League: students should be 18 or older by November 2026.

Can students use Google tools if they don’t meet the age/ legal requirements?

Teams must adhere to the age and legal requirements for Google tools in their respective countries. Violations, even with assistance from educators or family members, will result in a 20-point penalty in judging scores.

What are the key dates we should take note of?

Please refer to the official competition timeline provided above for key dates.

Are there any fees to participate?

There are no entry fees to join the competition. However, finalists are responsible for funding their own travel to Singapore for the event.