Community Energy Innovation Prize

Posted By: EN Todayon: September 19, 2023In: General Energy News

The Community Energy Innovation Prize (CEIP) is a new prize competition under the Department of Energy’s American-Made Challenges that will offer approximately $7.9 million in total funding to support community-based organizations, the private sector, nonfederal government entities, and collegiate teams in developing and carrying out activities related to clean energy that permit business and technology incubation and acceleration and other community-based capacity building, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The prize combines the goals of two previous prize competitions—the Community Clean Energy Coalition Prize and the Inclusive Energy Innovation Prize—building on their history of success in advancing community-based solutions to clean energy innovation and deployment.

The CEIP is structured in three tracks (outlined below): the Clean Energy Ecosystem Track, the Manufacturing Ecosystem Track, and the Collegiate Track. As a Power Connector on CEIP, CEBN will provide support to applicants on all tracks through group office hours and co-hosted Power Connector events.

Upcoming Events

*CEBN events, co-hosted with fellow CEIP Power Connectors

Office Hours

Four Power Connectors (including CEBN) are supporting the prize. Sign up for individual or group office hours to ask questions about the prize and meet other applicants.

1:1 office hours- All Tracks:

Group sessions:

Clean Energy Ecosystem Track

The Clean Energy Ecosystem Track aims to support communities and organizations that have been historically underserved by awarding prizes for community-led projects that advance community-based clean energy transition programs across a wide variety of clean energy initiatives, technologies, and areas of focus. Example projects include (but are not limited to) workforce training programs, microgrid deployment in rural and low-resourced communities, engaging students from underserved communities in clean energy curriculum, and installing solar panels and batteries to create a resilient network for neighborhood food sites, cooling centers, and charging hubs.

Eligible applicants include private entities (for-profits and nonprofits); nonfederal government entities such as states, counties, tribes, and municipalities; academic institutions; and individuals.

Award Amounts

Phase 1: CONCEPT – Up to 16 cash prizes of $100,000 each and in-kind mentorship service
Phase 2: PROGRESS – Up to 16 cash prizes of $100,000 each and in-kind mentorship services
Phase 3: IMPACT – Up to 16 cash prizes of $10,000 each
Grand Prize – Total cash prize pool of up to $1,500,000 to be distributed among GRAND PRIZE winners.

Timeline

October 12, 2023 – Informational Webinar
February 2, 2024 – Phase 1: CONCEPT Deadline
July 5, 2024 – Phase 2: PROGRESS Deadline
November 15 – Phase 3: IMPACT Deadline

Additional Resources

Manufacturing Ecosystem Track

The Manufacturing Ecosystem Track funds projects that accelerate the clean energy manufacturing innovation ecosystems in historically disadvantaged communities. Successful applicants will bring together public, private, and community stakeholders to address key obstacles to advancing manufacturing innovation, business models, and market development. These projects may include manufacturing-related education and workforce development, entrepreneurship, resilient supply chains, circular economy development, or other goals related to clean energy manufacturing.

Eligible applicants include private entities (for-profits and nonprofits); nonfederal government entities such as states, counties, tribes, and municipalities; academic institutions; and individuals.

Award Amounts

Phase 1: CONCEPT – Up to 8 cash prizes of $100,000 each and in-kind mentorship service
Phase 2: PROGRESS – Up to 8 cash prizes of $100,000 each and in-kind mentorship services
Phase 3: IMPACT – Up to 8 cash prizes of $10,000 each
Grand Prize – Total cash prize pool of up to $500,000 to be distributed among GRAND PRIZE winners

Timeline

October 12, 2023 – Informational Webinar
February 2, 2024 – Phase 1: CONCEPT Deadline
July 5, 2024 – Phase 2: PROGRESS Deadline
November 15, 2024 – Phase 3: IMPACT Deadline

Additional Resources

Collegiate Track

The Collegiate Track challenges student-led teams to work alongside a community partner on a project focused on a critical issue related to the clean energy transition in their community. The goal is to help prepare students for careers in clean energy through collaboration in a real-world setting. Students from minority serving institutions (MSIs), universities located in rural and/or disadvantaged communities, and community colleges are highly encouraged to apply. Some suggested areas of study and/or specializations could include but are not limited to engineering, business, marketing, communications, policy, and social sciences.

Collegiate Track teams must be made up of an academic institution, eligible students, and a community partner that meets the eligibility requirements.

Award Amounts

Phase 1: CONCEPT– Up to 10 cash prizes of $15,000 each to the university recipient and in-kind mentorship services
Phase 2: PROGRESS – Up to 10 cash prizes of $20,000 each to the community recipient and in-kind mentorship services
Phase 3: IMPACT
Grand Prize: Total cash prize pool of up to $100,000 to be distributed among GRAND PRIZE winners.