![Final logo von photoshop[7814].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6edbec_f11bf4e6234243efa08e55c9d0555acd~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_229,h_92,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Final%20logo%20von%20photoshop%5B7814%5D.png)
The Sustainable
Investment Challenge
The Sustainable Investment Club is proud to co-lead the Sustainable Investment Challenge at the University of St. Gallen (HSG), a hands-on master’s course where, in the 2025 autumn semester, students designed financial solutions that combine strong returns with measurable impact. The Pitching Competition at SQUARE showcased exceptional breadth and quality — from climate and energy innovations in Chile and Brazil to healthcare, nature restoration, affordable housing across Europe, and social-impact financing in India.
Special recognition went to the winning team: Circular Water Fund, a semi-liquid private credit strategy advancing tertiary wastewater treatment in Peru to expand freshwater availability through circular infrastructure. Supported by leading partners including LGT Private Banking, Julius Baer, Blue Earth Capital AG, WWF Switzerland, and HSG faculty, the Challenge culminates in presentations before a distinguished jury and encourages top teams to compete internationally in the Kellogg-Morgan Stanley Sustainable Investing Challenge.
Prof. Dr. Nerlinger
Academic Advisor
Dr. Martin Nerlinger, Assistant Professor for Climate and Sustainable Finance at the University of St. Gallen, is the academic advisor to the Sustainable Investment Club. With strong expertise in Climate Finance and Sustainable Finance, he supports the club by providing academic guidance and helping connect our work with current research and teaching. Through his courses and publications, Dr. Nerlinger explores how finance can contribute to a net-zero economy. He collaborates closely with the club, including co-leading the Sustainable Investment Challenge, a course in which students design investment solutions that are both impactful and financially sound.
His support helps us grow as a student initiative, develop innovative ideas, and contribute to a more sustainable financial future.
Partner
The support from industry leaders adds significant value to the course and greatly enriches the learning experience of the students. Through their insights, feedback, and real-world perspectives, students gain a deeper understanding of current challenges and opportunities in sustainable finance. These collaborations bridge the gap between theory and practice and help students develop solutions that are both innovative and applicable in today’s financial landscape.
Julius Bär
Julius Baer is a leading Swiss wealth management group headquartered in Zurich, with a global presence in around 25 countries and 60 locations, including key financial hubs such as London, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Dubai. With a client-centric approach and an open product platform, Julius Baer provides objective advice tailored to individual needs. The firm combines a solid financial foundation with an entrepreneurial management culture, positioning itself as a global reference in private banking and wealth management.
Blue Earth Capital
Blue Earth Capital is a global, independent, specialist impact investor, headquartered in Switzerland, with operations in New York, London, and Konstanz. They seek to address the world’s most pressing social and environmental challenges by delivering measurable impact while aiming for attractive and market-rate financial returns. BlueEarth operates dedicated private equity, private credit, and multi-asset solutions as well as customized mandates.
LGT Private Banking
LGT Private Banking is one of the leading international private banks, owned by the Princely House of Liechtenstein. The bank specializes in providing personalized wealth management and investment services for private clients, families, and institutions. With a long-term and sustainable approach, LGT focuses on preserving and growing clients’ assets through tailored financial solutions and expert advice. Headquartered in Vaduz, Liechtenstein, LGT operates globally with offices in major financial centers, combining tradition, stability, and innovation in its banking philosophy.