SUST 4906 / SUST 6152 Scaling Climate Innovations

Apply by October 23, 2026

Are you a graduate or undergraduate student looking to:

  • Gain hands-on, experiential learning experience?
  • Be recognized as a Climate Fellow with MaRS Discovery District?
  • Work directly with innovative climate-focused startups and organizations?
  • Develop expertise in climate innovation, sustainability, and systems change?
  • Complete an elective toward the MBA Sustainability Specialization, BBA Responsible Business Specialization, or the MBA Graduate Diploma in Business and the Environment?

If so, this course may be for you!

About the Course

SUST 4906 / SUST 6152: Scaling Climate Innovations is a unique, project-based course that explores how climate solutions, technologies, and sustainable practices can be adapted and scaled to create meaningful impact.

Students will learn how to:

  • Map and analyze existing socio-technical systems and landscapes
  • Identify barriers that prevent climate innovations from being widely adopted
  • Conduct primary research with Canadian stakeholders
  • Develop evidence-based strategies to accelerate the adoption of climate solutions
  • Apply global best practices and real-world case studies to complex sustainability challenges

Learn Through Real-World Experience

This course is offered in partnership with the MaRS Discovery District’s Mission from MaRS initiative.

A select group of students will be chosen to serve as Climate Fellows, working alongside MaRS, startups, and other key stakeholders throughout the semester. Through this experience, students will gain valuable exposure to Canada’s climate innovation ecosystem while building practical research, consulting, and collaboration skills.

Because of the experiential nature of the course, admission is through a competitive application process.

Learn more about the Mission from MaRS climate initiatives here https://missionfrommars.ca/about-us/

What Students Said about the Course

“What made this experience especially meaningful was that it was far more than a conventional research exercise. We had to apply the theories and frameworks learned in our academic program, test them against real-world evidence, and translate our findings into recommendations that were practical, feasible, and adaptable. … the experience gave me a much deeper understanding of the realities of innovation and commercialization, and the opportunity to work not only with past cases, but also with emerging technologies and businesses facing real-time challenges.” MBA ’26

“Participating in the MaRS x Schulich course allowed me to gain tangible work experience while in school, classroom collaborating with MaRS’s climate team. I have directly applied the skills I learned in this course, such as stakeholder engagement and market analytics, into my current role in marketing. I also was able to make valuable industry connections through MaRS volunteering opportunities.” MMgt ’26

“Coming from a background outside of climate innovation, this was a completely new area for me, but one that I truly enjoyed exploring. My team worked on a project focused on residential building decarbonization, giving me the opportunity to research real-world challenges and explore innovative solutions that can support a more sustainable future. … This opportunity helped us connect learning with real-world challenges. I learned so much from this experience and am grateful to have been part of it.” MMgt ’26

Who Can Apply?

The course is open to:

  • MBA students
  • BBA students
  • MMgt students
  • MES students

Winter 2027 enrollment is by application only.

Important Dates

  • Applications open: Now
  • Application deadline: October 23, 2026
  • Selection decisions released: Early November 2026
  • Course term: Winter 2027

How to Apply

Complete the application form https://ssbforms.apps01.yorku.ca/machform/view.php?id=632907

Please note that the application requires:

  • Supporting documents
  • A video submission

Students must apply individually and will be evaluated based on:

  • Academic achievement
  • Work ethic
  • Teamwork and collaboration skills

Preference may be given to students pursuing the Graduate Diploma in Business and the Environment or a Sustainability Specialization. Project teams will be formed by the faculty lead.

Want to Learn More?

Watch the Sustainability Area Application Information webinar recording here: SUST 6152 SUST 4906 Info Session Fall 2026 sm.mp4 Note: use your Passport York login to access video.

Questions?

📧 SUST@schulich.yorku.ca