Challenge aims to find world's top 10 energy innovations

A new initiative announced today aims to find the top sustainable energy innovations that can be quickly and cost-effectively brought to both developed and developing countries on a large scale.

The LAUNCH: Energy Challenge is the third challenge to be tackled by LAUNCH, a program led by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), NASA, the US Department of State and NIKE Inc. Previous challenges tackled the issues of water and health.

This time around, LAUNCH is looking for innovative products, services or programs that can transform for the better how people access and use energy. The goal of the challenge is to connect the top 10 “game-changing” innovators with government and business leaders who can help speed up the deployment and adoption of their ideas around the world.

Open to individual inventors and entrepreneurs, smart to large companies, non-profits, research organizations and other enterprises, the LAUNCH: Energy Challenge seeks to identify the most promising innovations in:

• Energy generation, in particular, renewable energy sources and technologies;
• Energy harvesting and storage;
• Industrial applications for self-sufficient facilities, energy management systems, self-powered wireless sensors and other technologies;
• Community applications for self-contained energy generation, next-generation cookstoves for the developing world, microgrid technologies and more;
• New financing models or strategies to promote the creation of — or access to — innovative energy systems or technologies;
• Education innovations for best energy practices by consumers, utilities, and policy makers; and
• Deployment programs, tools and networks that can enable the adoption and use of energy innovations.

The deadline for entries is Sept. 9, and applicants should be ready to pilot-test, “go to market” and/or scale up their innovations. Finalists will be announced in early October, and the top innovators will be asked to attend the LAUNCH: Energy Forum at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida from Nov. 10 through 13.

“Access to sustainable sources of energy is one of the 21st century’s greatest development challenges,” said Alex Dehgan, science and technology adviser to the administrator at USAID. “We believe in supporting leading-edge innovators in the energy sector, and we hope to give a boost to several who will make a big impact on our most pressing global energy challenges.”