2022 Future of Energy Challenge
If you're looking for mentorship, an accelerator curriculum, and a community of sustainability-oriented social entrepreneurs to join, then the Future of Energy Challenge is for you!
About the Future of Energy Challenge
For the fifth consecutive year, Net Impact is seeking creative and actionable ideas from next generation leaders that will shape our path to a more sustainable energy future. We invite teams who dream of launching their own sustainable energy enterprise to develop solutions with us in 2022.
Through access to our expansive network of social impact changemakers and influential business leaders, Net Impact provides challenge participants with resources and mentorship to transform their innovative ideas into viable proof of concepts that will lead to sustainable business ventures.
Last year’s challenge focused on emission reductions specifically related to scope 3 emissions. This year’s challenge is targeting emissions reductions more broadly by seeking solutions related to the reduction of scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. For more information, please download the challenge brief.
Challenge Prompt
Addressing GHG emissions across a supply chain is an area with substantial opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to have an impact in the energy space. We invite you, the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs, to submit your solutions to the following prompt:
Describe your social enterprise and how it will significantly reduce emissions, whether applied to individual consumer or commercial activities.
How The Challenge Will Help Launch Your Enterprise
How The Challenge Will Help Launch Your Enterprise
By participating in the 2022 Net Impact Accelerator you will:
- Receive mentorship from industry experts and business coaches who will work with you to develop assets such as a proof of concept, impact assessment strategy, theory of change, and a minimum viable product.
- Have access to a network of sustainability-oriented social entrepreneurs working towards impactful solutions.
- Get feedback to grow your solution and the support to launch your venture.
- Develop a pitch deck to share with potential investors or clients.
Key Dates
Key Dates
- January 18: Program Launch
- March 18: Early Bird Deadline
- April 15: Final Submission Deadline
- May 13: Semi-finalist teams selected and notified
- June-July: Virtual Business Accelerator (for selected teams)
- End of July/early August: Final Pitch Presentation and Winners Selected
Benefits
Benefits
Mentorship
Industry experts and mentors provide guidance and feedback as finalists develop a roadmap to launching their enterprise
Connections
Unlock access to a network of business and industry experts, and a community of sustainability-oriented social entrepreneurs
Prize
The winning team will receive up to $10,000 of non-dilutive funding to invest in the next stage of developing their clean energy start-up. See the challenge brief for full details.
How it Works
How it Works
Submit a Proposal
Participants submit a proposal with a potential solution addressing the challenge prompt **Download the challenge brief for more information**
Submit your solutions by the final deadline of April 15, 2022!
Become a Finalist!
Up to six teams will be chosen as the Future of Energy Scholars. Future of Energy Scholars will develop their solutions through an accelerator to grow their solution into a scalable business.
Pitch-off and Win!
The accelerator culminates with a pitch competition in the summer of 2022. The winning team will receive up to $10,000 of non-dilutive funding to invest in the next stage of developing their clean energy start-up. See the challenge brief for full details.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Criteria
- Undergraduate students, graduate students, and professionals are all welcome to apply.
- Teams must have between 2 and 4 members.
- Teams must be committed to launching their solution over the next 3-5 years within the U.S. market.
- Because this is an immersive program that will prepare your team with the skills and resources to successfully launch your energy solution, selected teams must commit 6 hours a week, per team, from early June to the end of July 2022.
Questions?
Highlights from 2021
The Future of Energy Challenge is hosted by Net Impact and powered by Shell GameChanger
