The GreenTruth IdeathonPitch. Compete. Impact.
An initiative by The Literally Finance Project
Empowering youth to confront greenwashing through research-driven innovation, education, and civic engagement.
Submissions close in --
Judged by educators and professionals from
What is the GreenTruth Ideathon?
The GreenTruth Ideathon is an international challenge that invites students to take action against greenwashing. Your goal is to come up with an idea to expose or combat misleading environmental claims made by companies.
Submissions take the form of a 1-3 minute video pitch, judged by leaders in sustainability, economics, and policy.
Prompt
Greenwashing is widespread and evolving. Whether in tech, fashion, finance, or energy, companies often exaggerate or misrepresent their environmental impact to appear more sustainable than they are. Your challenge is to come up with an idea that combats greenwashing at its root, and make a video about it.
Choose Your Path & Compete for Prizes
Select the track that aligns with your skills and compete for meaningful rewards.
Need inspiration? Propose an AI tool that flags false ESG claims, a TikTok campaign exposing fast fashion, or a policy requiring carbon transparency.
Challenge Tracks
Policy Innovation
Propose ESG reforms and disclosure mandates that create real regulatory change.
Tech for Transparency
Build tools that detect greenwashing using AI, data analysis, and innovative tech.
Consumer Action
Drive campaigns that pressure accountability through grassroots mobilization.
Prizes & Recognition
Fuel Your Idea With Funding & Support
The winning team will receive a $100 seed grant to continue developing their idea after the competition, along with national recognition and expert mentorship. Additional funding may be added as we finalize sponsor contributions.
Make a Great Pitch Video
Watch this short guide on how to structure your submission and keep it engaging, clear, and memorable.
Event Timeline
Your journey from idea to impact in four key milestones
July 10
Launch & Signups Open
July 31
Workshop Videos
August 9th
Final Submissions Due
August 15th
Live Showcase Event + Awards
Submit Your Pitch
Open to students of all ages worldwide. No prior experience needed. Teams of 1–4.
Meet the Judges
Industry experts and academic leaders evaluating your innovative solutions
Professor P.K. Sen
Professor of Accounting, UW Bothell
Professor P.K. Sen has served as a full Professor of Accounting at UW Bothell since 2012. He holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University and previously taught at UC Berkeley, SUNY Buffalo, Cincinnati, and more, with an extensive record mentoring doctoral students across leading institutions.
Professor Kent Wheiler
Associate Professor & Director of CINTRAFOR, UW Seattle
Professor Kent Wheiler is Associate Professor in the School of Environmental & Forest Sciences at the University of Washington and Director of CINTRAFOR. He joined UW in 2017 after a 30-year career managing international forestry operations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Era Schrepfer
Executive Director, FIUTS
Era Schrepfer has served as Executive Director of FIUTS (Foundation for International Understanding Through Students) since 2006. She holds a degree from the University of Washington and brings extensive nonprofit and global engagement experience. Under her leadership, FIUTS has expanded its reach through partnerships with the U.S. Department of State and other organizations.
Cambry Baker
Program Manager, EarthGen
Cambry Baker is Program Manager at EarthGen, working at the intersection of climate justice, action‑oriented education, and youth leadership development. She develops and facilitates educational programs empowering students across Washington to take environmental action. Additionally, she has supported youth-led climate and food-waste projects—including coordinating student groups tackling food waste in Bellingham schools.
Judging Criteria
Each submission will be evaluated based on five core criteria, with a total of 100 points possible.
Evaluation Rubric
Comprehensive scoring breakdown for all submissions
| Category | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
Relevance | The project addresses a real-world greenwashing issue in tech, finance, or sustainability. | /15pts |
Creativity & Innovation | The idea is unique, original, or shows creative thinking beyond existing solutions. | /25pts |
Feasibility | The proposed solution is practical and achievable with current resources or technology. | /15pts |
Impact | The project demonstrates potential for measurable change or public engagement. | /30pts |
Clarity of Communication | The pitch and brief clearly explain the idea, problem, and implementation plan. | /15pts |
| Total Score | /100 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about joining and competing in GreenTruth.
Who can participate?
GreenTruth is open to all students worldwide — no restrictions on age, grade, or experience level.
Do I need a team?
No — you can compete solo or in a team of up to 4 people. It's completely flexible.
What do I submit?
A 1–3 minute video pitch that clearly explains your idea, why it matters, and how it works. You can also include optional mockups, designs, or prototypes.
What are the judging criteria?
Submissions are scored on five factors: relevance, creativity, feasibility, impact, and clarity. Each entry is evaluated out of 100 points.
What are the deadlines?
Submit your pitch by August 5 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. Winning ideas will be presented at an in-person showcase in Seattle on August 15.
Can I participate virtually?
Yes — all submissions are virtual. An optional showcase event will be held in person in Seattle.
Does it cost anything?
No — GreenTruth is completely free to enter and participate in.