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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. This year’s 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.
