Frequently asked questions
What is Sustainable Energy Ideas 2026?
A nationwide contest inviting university students and energy-sector professionals to pitch practical ideas that speed up renewable energy adoption and energy efficiency in Bangladesh. It is anchored in the Power Division's National Renewable Energy Development Strategy Paper (RESP) 2026–2030.
Who can participate?
Group A (students): teams of 2 undergraduate or graduate students from any public or private university in Bangladesh, in any discipline.
Group B (professionals): individuals working in technical or managerial roles in the energy sector, including entrepreneurs. Submit ideas on renewable energy or energy efficiency; Group B is judged as one combined track.
What are the contest categories?
Every entry falls under one of two themes. Category 1 is about reaching 20% renewable electricity by 2030: rooftop solar, solar irrigation and off-grid systems, grid modernisation and storage, and land-efficient renewables. Category 2 is about achieving 15% improvement: clean cooking technologies, campus or community projects, monitoring tools, retrofits, behaviour change and policy. See the Categories page for details.
What do I need to submit?
A one-page concept note (PDF) describing your idea, and a pitch video of up to 3 minutes explaining the concept, its feasibility and expected impact. Upload the video to Facebook with the contest hashtag and paste the link in the submission form. For student teams, both members are expected to appear in the video.
How are submissions judged?
The jury scores every entry on feasibility and technical soundness (35%), innovation and originality (25%), potential impact and scalability (25%), and quality of pitch and communication (15%). The top entries in each category are shortlisted for a live final pitch.
How does the People's Choice award work?
Share your pitch video on Facebook with #seideas. Among shortlisted entries, the video with the most public engagement wins the People's Choice award.
What are the prizes?
Winners receive a trophy, public recognition and a high-configuration laptop (premium performance, 16 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD or higher). First runners-up (Group A) receive a crest, certificate and a high-configuration tablet (premium display, high-performance processor, 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage or higher). The People's Choice winner receives a high-configuration tablet. Every shortlisted finalist receives a certificate of participation.
What is the timeline?
Submissions open on 9 October and close on 15 October 2026. Screening and shortlisting follow, with the final pitch on 1 November and the award ceremony from 3 November onwards.
Can I change my entry after submitting?
Yes. You can update your concept note, video link and details until the submission deadline. After the deadline your entry is locked for judging.
If I win, will my idea be piloted?
It is possible. Development partners, financing institutions and EPC companies may follow the final pitch. If the right idea meets the right institution, further development can follow.
Where do I ask questions?
Follow the Energy Ideas 2030 event page on Facebook for updates, deadlines and submission tips, or contact the organisers using the details at the bottom of this page.