The Hero Dubai Desert Classic (HDDC), in collaboration with Deloitte, has announced the launch of the Green Incubator Challenge, a pioneering global initiative inviting innovators to propose sustainable solutions for events. The winning concept will be implemented at the 2027 DP World Tour and Rolex Series tournament.
Designed to accelerate innovation and create real impact in environmental sustainability, the Challenge is open to entrepreneurs, start-ups, students, and companies worldwide. Participants are encouraged to submit both fresh concepts and ready-to-deploy solutions aimed at transforming sustainability practices within the events industry and tackling the urgent threats posed by climate change.
The HDDC has consistently been at the forefront of sustainability in sport, becoming the first golf tournament in the Middle East and the DP World Tour Rolex Series to achieve GEO Certified® Tournament status for three consecutive years. By introducing the Green Incubator Challenge, HDDC has become the first golf event globally to launch an international initiative focused on crowdsourcing sustainable event solutions, further solidifying its leadership in advancing sustainable sport and entertainment.
Winners will benefit from strategic support provided by both the tournament and Deloitte, serving as the event’s Knowledge Partner. As a global leader in sustainability and climate change consulting, Deloitte collaborates with governments, organisations, and communities to accelerate the transition towards a greener future. Throughout the Challenge, Deloitte will offer expert mentorship, evaluation, and guidance, ensuring proposals are not only ambitious but also practical and scalable.
Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of Hero Dubai Desert Classic, said: “We’re incredibly proud to introduce the Green Incubator Challenge as golf’s first-of-its-kind initiative, driving sustainable innovation across sport and entertainment. Through this Challenge, we aim to identify bold, visionary ideas that will shape the future of sustainable events globally.”
Daniel Gribbin, Sustainability Leader at Deloitte Middle East, said: “At Deloitte, we are committed to partnering in initiatives that drive sustainable innovation and create tangible environmental impact. The Green Incubator Challenge exemplifies how collaboration between sports and entertainment industry leaders and innovators can accelerate the transition to greener events. We are proud to support as the Knowledge Partner to help the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and wider events in the industry in advancing this vital agenda and look forward to nurturing the groundbreaking solutions that will emerge from this challenge.”
Maria Grandinetti-Milton, Director of Sustainability at the DP World Tour, added: “As part of our Green Drive programme and commitment to be net zero carbon by 2040, we’re always encouraging our tournaments and promoters to embrace sustainability innovation. The Hero Dubai Desert Classic has always been at the forefront of this, and the new Green Incubator Challenge is another example of their leadership in sustainability. I can’t wait to see the ideas and innovations that spring from the Challenge in the months ahead.”
The shortlist of submissions will be revealed on 18 November 2025, followed by the announcement of the three finalists on 19 December 2025. Finalists will pitch their solutions to a panel of industry experts during the week of the 2026 tournament.
More information can be found on the Hero Dubai Desert Classic website. To sign up for the Green Incubator Challenge, please visit: https://dubaidesertclassic.com/green-incubator-challenge
