Stage 1
Proposal
Teams apply with a local environmental problem, project idea, parts list, short essays, and a no-AI declaration for written materials.
The Tech Branch head and co-head select roughly the top 20 teams.
New GSV Program Track
The Tech Branch
An international pilot for student teams in low-income communities building real environmental hardware and software for problems they know firsthand.
Pilot Path
Idea to deployment
Stage 1
Proposal
Top 20 advance
Stage 2
Software
Top 10 advance
Stage 3
Hardware
Deploy locally
What It Is
Students building the tools their communities need
GSV's core program brings environmental education to younger students. The Tech Branch is a separate track built around a different idea: students closest to an environmental problem should be able to build tools that address it.
International student teams from low-income regions
Teams of 3 to 6 students with computer access
Projects rooted in a real local environmental problem
No prior coding or hardware experience required
How It Works
Three stages, earned step by step
Teams only receive hardware after they have shown a strong proposal and working software. That keeps funding focused on projects ready for real-world deployment.
Stage 2
Software
Selected teams build the software side of the project with async support through the GSV website and email.
AI tools are allowed for coding. The strongest working software submissions move forward.
Stage 3
Hardware
The top teams receive hardware kits purchased and shipped by GSV, then build and deploy in their own communities.
Final reports include photos, results, data, and reflection on what worked.
Support Model
Built for asynchronous international support
Because teams are international, most support happens through written messages, email, and website submissions rather than live calls. The Tech Branch team reviews proposals, answers technical questions, checks software, and coordinates hardware logistics.
Website messaging
Teams can ask questions and receive async guidance from the Tech Branch team.
Head and co-head review
The program head and co-head oversee proposal review, software review, and final deployment reports.
Hardware logistics
GSV purchases and ships kits only for finalists after funding is confirmed.
Pilot Cohort
Apply with a real problem and a practical idea
The Tech Branch is still in early development. The pilot will teach us what support, funding, timing, and project structure actually work before GSV expands the program.
Start Application