The Energy Innovation Challenge 2026 was held on 27 August at the Liberation War Museum (Muktijuddho Jadughor) in Dhaka, bringing together young innovators, energy experts, industry representatives, academics and development practitioners.
Organised by the Participatory Research and Action Network -PRAAN with support from ActionAid Bangladesh, the fourth edition of the Challenge provided a platform for young people to transform promising ideas into practical solutions for a cleaner, more sustainable and self-reliant Bangladesh.
From 106 ideas to 15 innovative prototypes
The Challenge received 106 submissions from across Bangladesh. Following virtual pitching and a multi-stage selection process, 30 applicants advanced to the semi-final round and 15 finalists were selected for the grand finale.
The proposals were assessed according to five criteria:
- Innovation
- Feasibility
- Uniqueness
- Potential impact
- Effective use of the proposed budget
At the finale, the 15 participants presented their prototypes through individual exhibition booths and formal presentations. Members of the jury visited each booth, spoke with the innovators and assessed the practical feasibility and potential impact of their solutions.
The showcased projects addressed a wide range of environmental and energy-related challenges, including solar energy, agrivoltaics, battery cooling, biogas, waste-to-energy technologies, air monitoring and sustainable materials.
Connecting innovation with real-world needs
The Challenge was designed not only to recognise creative ideas, but also to help young innovators develop solutions that could be implemented in rural and urban communities.
Speakers and jury members emphasised the importance of community engagement, realistic project planning, long-term commitment and stronger investment in renewable energy. They also encouraged participants to continue developing their projects beyond the competition.
Mohammad Mahmudul Hasan, Head of Programme for Water, Food and Climate at Helvetas Bangladesh, highlighted the importance of turning imagination into meaningful action:
“Together, we turn ideas into impact, and innovation into a movement for a sustainable, self-reliant Bangladesh.”
The event also included contributions from representatives of ActionAid Bangladesh, the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority, the University of Dhaka, Daffodil International University, Bright Green Energy Foundation and other organisations working in energy, climate and sustainable development.
A climate action demonstration titled “Youth Voices for a Just Energy Future” connected the participants’ work with the wider global climate agenda.
Five projects receive fellowships
Following the prototype demonstrations and jury evaluation, five projects were selected for fellowships. As recorded in the fellowship awards section of the event report, the recipients were:
- Ali Raftanur Emon – Bio-based PCM Battery Cooling
- Mashiyat Raunaq Preetom – Sungrid BD
- Md. Mahfuzur Rahman – Ankur Baksho
- Tamanna Sultana – EcoStyene
- Sowda Rahnuma – SheGreen Bag
Each winning team received a BDT 50,000 fellowship to support the further development and implementation of its innovation. Certificates and crests were also presented to all 15 finalists in recognition of their contributions.
Building networks for future innovation
A total of 72 people attended the finale, including participants, jury members, guests of honour, industry representatives, previous fellowship recipients and officials from PRAAN and ActionAid Bangladesh.
Alumni from earlier editions shared their experiences with the finalists and encouraged them to build lasting professional relationships. Participants also had opportunities to connect with mentors, academics and industry representatives who could support the future development of their ideas.
The Challenge demonstrated the value of bringing together young innovators and experienced professionals. Alongside the fellowships, its major outcomes included:
- Mentorship and expert guidance for emerging innovators
- Stronger connections between young people, industry and academia
- Greater awareness of renewable energy career opportunities
- Practical solutions with potential applications in rural and urban communities
- Recognition of the need to strengthen women’s participation in future editions
A movement towards a sustainable Bangladesh
Closing the event, Umme Salma Popy, Project Coordinator at PRAAN, thanked the jury members, organisers and participants for their time, creativity and commitment.
The Energy Innovation Challenge 2026 showed that young people are ready to contribute practical ideas to Bangladesh’s clean energy transition. With continued mentorship, partnerships and financial support, these ideas have the potential to grow into solutions that improve communities, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and advance a more sustainable energy future.
More than a competition, the Challenge represents a growing movement to connect youth-led innovation with the needs of people and the future of Bangladesh.
