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BAKU, AZERBAIJAN • NOVEMBER 18
THE GLOBAL CHALLENGE
Challenge Overview
The Network for Global Innovation (NGIN) is launching a global challenge focused on the most critical technologies utilities and grid operators need to achieve a carbon-neutral future. The Just Transition to the Future energy challenge (JTF) identifies these essential technologies and organizes a global competition among the world’s leading entrepreneurs in both the Global North and Global South.
The Just Transition to the Future energy challenge is a global program involving grid operators, utilities, and governments in multiple countries calling on their entrepreneurs to submit solutions.
Technology Challenges that Address Critical Problems
The energy sector accounts for 70% of all GHGs globally. The JTF focuses on identifying real-world technical problems that, when solved, can make a significant difference in enabling this transition. Figuring out the technical, operational, financial, and political challenges in transitioning “the grid” — is the primary near-term challenge facing climate change efforts. A vital part of this program – perhaps the key part – is solving technical problems that inhibit a sustainable future for underserved populations.
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Target Participants
We are seeking 30 early-stage companies that can demonstrate innovative technologies and/or business models. Applicants must have formed a company, the founder must be full time, and the technology is either in the pilot phase or market.
Timetable
The Just Transition to the Future initiative will be formally launched at COP 29 in November 2024. Call for entries will close end of March 2025. Prizes will be awarded in Second Quarter 2025.
Partnership
Just Transition to the Future Challenges seek to engage with stakeholders on both a global and local/regional level. We seek to partner with national and international companies and organizations who have an equal commitment to solving critical energy challenges and can bring unique resources to bear. Serious inquires.
THE JTF REGIONAL CHALLENGES
INDIA
Greenovation Energy Challenge A Renewable Energy Challenge for Agri and Allied Sectors
A Just Transition to the Future Global Programme
Challenge Introductory Statement
As the global demand for sustainable energy solutions intensifies, India’s agricultural sector stands at the crossroads of innovation and necessity. Greenovation Energy Challenge invites visionary entrepreneurs to pioneer groundbreaking solutions and technologies that promote a just transition to renewable energy for our nation’s farmers.
NAMIBIA
Water-Energy Nexus Solutions for Drought-Resilient Communities
A Just Transition to the Future Global Programme
Challenge Introductory Statement
The Water-Energy Nexus Challenge invites participants to develop integrated solutions that optimize both energy and water use in various contexts. The goal is to create sustainable approaches that address the dual challenges of water scarcity and energy efficiency, enabling communities, industries, and agriculture to thrive in the face of drought and climate change.
Participants are encouraged to design holistic systems that incorporate renewable energy to power advanced water management technologies, including water recycling, energy-efficient water distribution, and water-saving infrastructure. Solutions should be adaptable to the specific conditions of drought-prone regions and scalable for broader implementation across sectors, including households, agriculture, and industry.
SOUTH AFRICA
The Solar for All Low-Cost Rooftop Solar Systems for Rural Communities
A Just Transition to the Future Global Programme
Challenge Introductory Statement
In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, rooftop solar systems emerge as a pivotal technology to democratize access to clean energy, particularly in rural landscapes. This initiative aims to devise a cost-effective strategy to deploy rooftop solar panels, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility for all customer segments, especially underserved communities and low-income groups. By leveraging innovative approaches, this program seeks to bridge the gap between advanced energy solutions and regions with limited access to grid infrastructure, thereby fostering a more resilient and equitable energy ecosystem.
The Challenge is to design a modular, low-cost rooftop solar system tailored for rural households in South Africa. The system should be easy to transport, install, and maintain, and should include options for micro-financing to make it affordable for low-income families. Solutions must consider the harsh weather conditions and aim to create job opportunities by involving local businesses and technicians. Solutions should target one or more of the following objectives..
MEXICO
Electric Vehicle Charging Hub of the Future
A Just Transition to the Future Global Programme
Challenge Introductory Statement
Network for Global Innovation (NGIN), in partnership with GreenMomentum, is organizing an e-mobility-focused technology challenge. The rapid advancement and adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) present a transformative opportunity and challenge for urban infrastructure, particularly in electrical supply and demand management. These hubs are crucial for facilitating the widespread adoption of EVs by providing quick, reliable charging solutions.
Solutions should target one or more of the following applications:
- Innovations at the nexus of sustainable energy and e-mobility including irrigation, crop production, storage, distribution and business models.
- Solutions that empower the workforce by providing reskilling opportunities and creating new jobs in the renewable energy sector will be
- Implementing sustainable energy solutions that improve livelihoods while reducing GHG emissions and minimizing environmental impact.