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Sustainable Information Technology Enter your project for the Impact Award!

The Lucerne School of Computer Science and Information Technology awards its inaugural Impact Award for sustainability. Starting in the 2025/26 study year, it will honor each a sustainable bachelor’s and master's thesis. Enter your thesis and win a CHF 1,000 cash prize. 

 

Information Technology can be a driver of real change: through algorithms steering renewables, AI-supported diagnostics in the health sector, or apps that promote social justice. Does your thesis fit the bill? Then we want to see it.

Some examples of sustainable thesis projects 

New app helps with postpartum depression (in German)

The birth of a child is considered one of the most beautiful moments in a person’s life. However, 20% of mothers and 10% of fathers in Switzerland experience postpartum depression. Two students have developed an app to support them. 

Go out and play-gaming meets biodiversity (in German)

Sandro Ulrich wants to excite Gen Z about nature with a localized smartphone game. His Master’s in Digital Ideation gives him the tools to make it happen.

Teaching a coffee machine to save energy (in German)

Companies benefit from projects with student involvement: For his bachelor's thesis, Andrin Meier developed an intelligent standby mode for Thermoplan AG, helping to save energy in the future.

Bergrestaurant Wildspitz

Energie sparen mit KI

Wie lässt sich Energie intelligenter nutzen? HSLU-Student Ramon Stoffel hat in seiner Bachelorarbeit ein System entwickelt, das mithilfe von Reinforcement Learning den Energieverbrauch eines Bergrestaurants optimiert – und zeigt, wie KI echten Mehrwert für Nachhaltigkeit und Wirtschaft schaffen kann.

Eligibility

Learn more about how to participate here

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You can apply if: 
- your bachelor's or master's thesis deals with a topic related to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)
- your thesis contains analyses, strategies, models or algorithms that contribute to sustainable development

In addition, your thesis should meet the following requirements: 
- It is classified as public and was completed in the fall semester of 2025 or spring semester of 2026
- You received a grade of at least 5.0 or a recommendation from your supervisor. 

How we evaluate your entry 

Learn how the adjudicating panel decides here

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The jury is made up of sustainability experts and lecturers from HLSU. They will evaluate your work. 
- Relevance to the SDGs – Does your work contribute to sustainable development?
- Innovation & creativity – Is your approach original and forward-looking?
- Practical feasibility – Can your idea be applied in the real world?
- Social & environmental impact – What positive effects does your work have on the environment, social justice, and society? 

What are the SDGs?

Learn more about the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) here.

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The SDGs are 17 goals for a better and fairer world. They were set by the United Nations. By 2030, they should help make the world more sustainable – for all people and the environment.

A few examples:

  • No poverty: Everyone should have enough to live on
  • Good health and well-being: Access to medical care for all
  • Affordable and clean energy: Electricity from wind, solar, or water
  • Climate action: Less CO₂ and better protection of nature
  • Gender equality: Women and men have the same opportunities
  • Quality education: Everyone should be able to learn

Information technology can help with many of these goals—for example, with apps, AI, software, or data analysis. 

Prize Money:

We award two CHF 1,000 cash prizes 
- one for a bachelor's thesis  
- one for a master's thesis

Award ceremony 

We award the prizes in the framework of the graduation ceremony in summer 2026.

Note the deadlines: 

13 February 2026 (for the 2025 fall semester)  
5 June 2026 (for the 2026 spring semester)  

Any questions?

Ask us at:
impact@hslu.ch

Enter your thesis now!

Impact Program: Your idea, your impact! 

Do you have a sustainable project but need more help? The Impact Program provides support to students and employees through advice and funding to get sustainable ideas off the ground. Get up to CHF 5,000 in funding for your project! 

Learn more and apply