The Feeder of the Future Prize is a $100,000 single-phase competition which aims to encourage the development of advanced distribution system feeder and circuit designs that align with the evolving demands of 21st-century power delivery, including dynamic loads, onsite generation, and distributed devices.
The ITV program is funded by DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). EERE works to strengthen America’s industrial sector and advance global competitiveness of U.S. industry by funding research, development, and early-stage demonstration (RD&D) of efficient, secure, and cost-effective industrial technologies. EERE funds both sector-specific technology solutions—with a focus on helping the most energy-intensive industries overcome barriers and benefit from the latest in technology innovation and strategic analysis—and cross-cutting technologies across the industrial sector. EERE also provides tailored technical assistance programs to leverage energy efficiency measures and help manufacturers save money and streamline operations.
Enel Grids, a world leader in power distribution, is currently focused on improving the reliability and quality of the Group’s grids and is looking for innovative solutions for the rapid undergrounding of overhead power lines in order to reduce the costs and time required for this important activity. If you have a cutting-edge solution, consider taking part in this challenge to win $10,000 and a chance to contribute to improving the reliability and efficiency of Enel’s MV and LV distribution systems
When a reservoir conduit cannot be closed, thousands of cubic feet of water can roar through uncontrolled, threatening public safety, irreplaceable reservoir storage, and power generation. Seal Team Fix invites engineers, fabricators, and creative problem-solvers to stop that torrent in its tracks. Your mission: design a rapid-deploying, temporary seal that can be deployed to a submerged 3- to 25-ft diameter conduit opening, accommodate differential pressure, and achieve a 95–98 % flow reduction – without leaning on trash racks or other non-structural surfaces.
The U.S. Department of Energy AlgaePrize 2025–2027
The AlgaePrize 2025–2027 Competition, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), supported by the Algae Foundation and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and part of DOE’s American-Made Challenges, challenges students to develop novel solutions to production, processing, and new product development, which will help lower the costs of producing algal biofuels and bioproducts. Apply by November 3rd.
Enel is looking for new ideas and solutions that integrate functionality, aesthetics, innovation and sustainability into wind turbines. A global challenge to give sustainable energy a new look, through solutions that combine technological advancement and design. The winning projects will receive awards during a dedicated event which will be held in Rome.
GUIDE-H2 aims to address a key challenge facing many commercial-scale hydrogen projects: delays or cancellations due to the lack of tools, training, and local support in assessing and optimizing deployments for maximum positive impact. Consistent, universally understandable indicators that can help guide deployments and accelerate progress while enabling long term sustainability can provide significant value.
It is critical that Tribal nations have the capacity to ensure that their perspectives are heard in offshore wind energy decision-making processes that may impact their communities, cultural resources, homelands, and ocean spaces. To support Tribal capacity to engage in offshore wind energy decision-making, planning, and regulatory processes, the Capacity Accelerator for Tribal Offshore Wind Engagement, managed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy, is offering a $7.1 million prize pool to Tribal nations and collectives.
Startup Runway is a pitch competition and investor introduction platform for existing businesses led by women and founders of color headquartered in the United States. At this time, we do not take applications from outside of the United States. If your company is still ‘an idea’ please do not submit. Companies with an MVP and a few customers are the most competitive. We also do not take submissions from startups who have previously been chosen by a top ranked national accelerator such as 500 Startups, Gener8tor, YCombinator or Techstars. Startup Runway’s investor introduction platform works for business models that are scalable and looking for funding to grow. Criteria for selection include that your startup has raised less than $200K in investments. The next Showcase will occur on March 6 in Atlanta!
The Rice Business Plan Competition gives collegiate entrepreneurs real-world experience to pitch their startups, enhance their business strategy and learn what it takes to launch a successful company. 2025 marks our 25th year of the Rice Business Plan Competition (RBPC). To celebrate this milestone, we are proud to announce that Rice Business is our presenting sponsor. Rice Business, in its 50th year, is the home to the No. 1 Graduate Entrepreneurship Program and shares our mission to empower the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders. Hosted by the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, the RBPC has grown to become the world’s largest and richest student start-up competition, with 42 teams competing for more than $1 million in cash, investments and prizes.
Be part of the Energy Tech 2025 Conference at the SPARK VIRGINIA Pitch Competition, where Virginia’s most innovative minds in utility, energy, and climate technology compete for $10,000 in prizes ($7,500 grand prize winner; $2,500 runner up)! Taking place on March 6, 2025, at the Science Museum of Virginia during Energy Tech 2025 in Richmond, this exciting event will showcase groundbreaking technologies poised to transform Virginia’s energy economy. Eight startups will pitch their cutting-edge solutions to a panel of Virginia’s top investors, utility executives, and energy leaders. With only five minutes to present and five minutes for Q&A, these entrepreneurs will compete for funding, recognition, and the opportunity to accelerate their journey to commercialization.
Following a successful Round 1 and Round 2 of this prize series, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Electricity is excited to announce the $2.5 million Digitizing Utilities Prize Round 3: Resilient Grid Innovation. Round 3 of this competition aims to incentivize technology development partnerships with interdisciplinary teams of utility and energy sector partners with software developers and data experts to facilitate the transformation of digital systems, data analytics, and grid resource integration for the electric sector.
