Where youth tackle climate challengesāand learn what it really takes to make change.
Earthminds is a hands-on innovation program for high school students in Nelson, New Zealand. Over 16 weeks, students form teams, partner with real-world mentors, and work on bold, locally grounded climate and environmental challenges.
Our current cohort wraps up on 24 June 2025, with six youth-led teams tackling big problems and testing real solutions. Their projects focus on:
Each team is experimenting, learning from setbacks, and shaping ideas that could grow into real impact in their communities.
Want to see what theyāve been up to? Join us for the Final Showcase event or follow along on Youtube.
Earthminds is a free 16-week after-school program where students collaborate, innovate, and prototype solutions for real-world climate challenges.
First cohort started Tuesday 25th February 2025
Work on meaningful problems impacting our planet.
Get guided by industry experts.
Develop, test, and pitch real solutions.
Connect with startups and NGOs.
Present ideas to stakeholders & funders.
Open to high school students in Nelson, aged 13-16.
You're committed, and open to learning.
Just sign up on Eventbrite here and get more information.
Free to participate, but a $50 deposit refundable on completion.
Applications close: Tuesday 18 February 2025
Program starts: Tuesday 25 February 2025
Take the first step to making an impact.
Creating solutions to cut down food waste in schools & homes.
Bringing nature back to urban spaces with new designs & technologies.
Making homes more climate-friendly with smart innovations.
Addressing pollution & improving local rivers and streams.
Rethinking how we move around our cities with eco-friendly options.
These are just a few of the challenges!
Discover the detailed climate innovation challenges you could work on here.
Work on real-world problems
Get hands-on experience in sustainability & innovation
Meet inspiring experts & mentors
Build leadership & teamwork skills
Gain confidence in pitching & public speaking
Make a tangible impact in their community
No prior experience needed! If you're curious, driven, and ready to take action, Earthminds is for you.
Understand real challenges and solutions.
Learn to think like an entrepreneur.
How to tell your story and persuade others.
Bring ideas to life through experimentation.
Learn to work in high-performing teams.
Meet real experts & future employers.
The skills you build here go far beyond the classroom ā they'll help shape your future as a changemaker!
Weekly hands-on sessions (~2 hours per week).
Exciting field visits, guest speakers & workshops.
A supportive, action-oriented learning environment.
A chance to showcase your ideas at a professional pitch night.
Potential internship & networking opportunities.
A real impact on the planet!
Earthminds is led by a passionate team of educators, innovators, and climate advocates who believe in empowering young people to make a difference.
Supported by: Ministry of Inspiration, local startups, environmental NGOs, and business mentors.
Ideas that turned into actual projects.
Connections leading to further opportunities.
A standout experience for applications & CVs.
Ideas that keep growing beyond Earthminds.
Our framework for climate innovation
Have questions about the Earthminds program? We're here to help! Reach out to our team for more information about upcoming sessions, partnerships, or how you can get involved.
Email us at earthmindsnz@gmail.com for questions about the curriculum or schedule.
Interested in supporting Earthminds? Contact earthmindsnz@gmail.com.
Industry experts can apply to mentor by emailing earthmindsnz@gmail.com.
š Welcome to Earthminds