TERA-Award Smart Energy Competition 2026

About

The TERA-Award Smart Energy Competition 2026 invites startups and researchers worldwide to develop innovative solutions for sustainable energy, offering a chance to win up to US$1 million, gain strategic investments, and receive mentorship from industry leaders, all while promoting groundbreaking technologies that can transform the energy landscape.

Benefits

• Outstanding projects will compete for three major prizes — US$1,000,000 (Gold), US$100,000 (Silver), and US$50,000 (Bronze)
• Top-performing teams may receive follow-on investment from Towngas, Full Vision Capital, and other partner funds to support long-term growth beyond the competition.
• Selected teams will work closely with Towngas to pilot, deploy, and scale solutions in real industrial and commercial environments.
• Participants will gain access to a tailored acceleration program, including face-to-face engagement with industry experts, senior executives, mentors, and investors, to refine technology, strategy, and market positioning.
• Winning teams will benefit from extensive international media coverage, with their innovation journeys showcased through leading media partners, enhancing global visibility and credibility.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible solutions must fall within the smart energy and sustainability domain.
• Holding a patent or proprietary intellectual property is considered a significant advantage, though not mandatory.
• Projects should be in the early stages of commercialization, with no restrictions on revenue size.
• Startups ready to scale—and actively seeking collaboration with industry partners, investors, or new markets—will be strongly favored during evaluation.

Target Region

Global

Target Sector

Energy