FULLY FUNDED: Apply For The FEC 2026 Innovation Challenge (Future of Energy Conference, Ghana)

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FULLY FUNDED: Apply For The FEC 2026 Innovation Challenge (Future of Energy Conference, Ghana)

The FEC 2026 Innovation Challenge, organized by the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), is a major continental opportunity designed to identify and support innovative solutions addressing Africa’s most pressing energy challenges. This challenge forms a key part of the Future of Energy Conference (FEC) 2026 and brings together young innovators, startups, researchers, and entrepreneurs to showcase transformative ideas in energy access, sustainability, and efficiency.

Participants are invited to submit groundbreaking solutions ranging from renewable energy technologies and smart grids to clean cooking innovations, circular economy ideas, and advanced battery technologies. The programme not only highlights innovation but also connects participants to policymakers, investors, and industry leaders who can help scale these solutions across Africa.

Selected finalists will progress through multiple stages, including virtual assessments and innovation showcases, before pitching their ideas live at the main conference in Accra, Ghana.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link to apply

Host Institution

Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) * Future of Energy Conference (FEC) 2026

Program Type

Fully Funded

Program Benefits

Participants gain far more than just exposure. Finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their solutions at the prestigious Future of Energy Conference 2026 in front of over 1,000 stakeholders, including investors, policymakers, and industry leaders.

Winners and selected participants receive access to cash prizes to support further development of their innovations, along with mentorship and incubation support through ACEP’s Climate Innovation Hub. This helps innovators refine their ideas, scale their solutions, and potentially bring them to market.

Additionally, participants benefit from high-level networking opportunities, increased visibility, and potential partnerships that can accelerate their projects. Importantly, all intellectual property rights remain with the innovators, ensuring full ownership of their ideas.

Eligibility Criteria

This opportunity is open to young African innovators between the ages of 15 and 35, whether they are based on the continent or part of the diaspora. Applicants must be nationals of an African country and should be working on solutions that address real energy challenges relevant to Africa.

The programme accepts submissions from individuals or teams, although only one representative per team will be sponsored to attend the final event. Applicants must have a solution that goes beyond a basic idea, meaning it should be at least at the prototype or pilot-testing stage. Purely conceptual ideas without proof of feasibility are not considered.

Innovations should demonstrate originality or meaningful improvement on existing solutions, particularly in terms of cost, usability, scalability, or relevance to African contexts.

Eligible Countries

Open to all African countries (including diaspora Africans working on Africa-focused solutions)

Application Procedure

Click the official link below to apply for this opportunity

Official Link

https://acep.africa/fec2026-innovation-challenge/