MSRDC on behalf of U.S. Department of Energy
The $7.49 million Community Energy Innovation Prize is the successor of two U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) prizes related to community-based clean energy innovation: the Community Clean Energy Coalition Prize and the Inclusive Energy Innovation Prize.
The new combined prize is supported by DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Office of Economic Impact and Diversity (ED), and Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO). Eligible competitors will develop and carry out activities related to clean energy that promote business and technology incubation and acceleration as well as other community-based capacity building, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
The prize is part of the government’s Justice40 Initiative—a plan to deliver 40% of climate investment benefits to disadvantaged communities and inform equitable research, development, and deployment within federal agencies. Through its three tracks, the prize will serve to inspire and mentor collegiate students; bolster grassroots community organizations; and accelerate innovation in the manufacturing sector, in alignment with a new White House strategy aimed at growing the economy, creating jobs, enhancing sustainability, strengthening supply chains, and ensuring national security.
DOE intends for the Community Energy Innovation Prize to serve as a “front door” to its clean energy funding programs and other federal funding opportunities to communities and organizations who have been historically underserved. In addition to cash awards, the prize will provide awardees with mentorship, relevant resources, and connections in their path to forging an inclusive clean energy future.
Visit: Prize Page