About the challenge

"Energize the Future" is a three-day hybrid energy hackathon designed to empower young minds (ages 13-25) to tackle real-world renewable energy and sustainability challenges. The overarching theme is "Empowering Young Minds to Build a Sustainable Future." Participants will innovate, prototype, and present solutions in various areas of solar power, wind energy, smart grids, and green technology.

Teams will select from three specific energy challenges:

  • Smart Energy Grids: Design a system for efficient electricity distribution.
  • Solar for All: Develop a cost-effective solar panel solution for low-income communities.
  • Waste-to-Energy: Propose an innovative way to convert waste into renewable energy.

A key requirement for all solutions is to include a viable business model.

Get started

To participate in the "Energize the Future" Hackathon, please note the following:

  • Eligibility: The hackathon is open to students aged 13 to 25 years old. Beginners and experienced coders are welcome.
  • Team Formation: Participants are required to form teams of 2 to 4 persons. While you can form teams in advance, Day 1 includes dedicated time for brainstorming and team formation.
  • Day 1 Agenda (Ideation & Team Formation):

         1. Open Ceremony: Meet speakers, sponsors, and coaches.

         2. Challenge Reveal: Formal introduction of the three energy challenges, emphasizing the                     need for a business model.

         3. Workshops & Brainstorming Sessions: Guided sessions to help generate ideas.

         4. Mentor Guidance & Q&A: Opportunities to interact with industry experts for advice.

         5. Criteria Briefing: Information on team size requirements and the structure of the judging                   rounds (R1, R2, R3).

Requirements

What to Build

Teams will work on developing innovative solutions in response to their chosen energy challenge. The hacking time is in November, 2025. The output can take various forms:

  • Digital Models
  • Coding Simulations
  • Physical Prototypes

Participants will have access to a range of resource tools:

  • Online Simulation Tools: Tinkercad (for Waste-to-Energy), Python, MATLAB, CAD software, Smart Draw (for Smart Energy Grid), and OpenSolar (for Solar Powered Solutions).
  • In-person Resources: For those attending physically, 3D printers, circuit kits, and solar panel prototypes will be available.

Throughout Day 2, teams will engage in prototyping and development, with multiple check-in rounds (R1, R2, R3) to receive feedback from mentors.

What to Submit

On Day 3, the hackathon culminates in final presentations and judging. The Prize Giving will be held in November 2025. Teams will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Core Judging Criteria:

  1. Novelty: Is there something unique or interesting about the solution?
  2. User Experience: How intuitive and accessible is the solution?
  3. Problem-Solution Fit: How well does it address the stated problem?

Impact-based Criteria:

  • Potential Impact: How significant could the solution's effect be?
  • Scalability: Can the solution grow to serve more users/markets?
  • Market Viability: Is there a clear path to adoption/commercialization?
  • Sustainability: Is the solution viable long-term?

Presentation Elements:

  • Pitch Quality: How well was the solution communicated?
  • Demo Effectiveness: How compelling was the demonstration?
  • Team Collaboration: How well did the team work together?

Teams will pitch their ideas and provide live demos of their prototypes. Following presentations, scores will be finalized, and winners will be announced.

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

$60,000+ in prizes
+ other prizes
1st Place
$30,000 in cash
1 winner

First place receives $30,000 JMD + additional prizes

2nd Place
$20,000 in cash
1 winner

Second place receives $20,000 JMD + additional prizes

3rd Place
$10,000 in cash
1 winner

Third place receives $10,000 JMD + additional prizes

Participation
20 winners

To be revealed

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

To be revealed soon

To be revealed soon
Young Scholars Education Ltd.

To be revealed soon

To be revealed soon

Judging Criteria

  • Novelty
    Is there something unique or interesting about the solution?
  • User Experience
    How intuitive and accessible is the solution?
  • Problem-Solution Fit
    How well does it address the stated problem?

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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