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POWER THE COMMUNITY 2026
Celebrating the Ideas Powering a Better Future
Every year we challenge student teams across the globe to look back at their communities and identify energy challenges they are facing. They then re-imagine a livable community with solutions that are affordable, sustainable and reliable ensuring energy prosperity for a community of up to 2,000 households.
Registered Teams
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231
from around the world
Project Submissions
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56
Innovative solutions
Countries
16
Represented
Expert Judges
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35
Industry professionals
Semi-Finalists
28
Advanced
Finalists
12
Competed in the finals
Our Three-Tier Judging System
GROUP STAGE
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56
Teams
7
Group
8
Teams
per Group
21
Judges
Top 4 teams from each group advanced to the Semi-Finals.
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SEMI-FINALS
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28
Teams
3
Lots
9-10
Teams
per Lot
9
Judges
Top 4 teams from each lot advanced to the Finals.
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FINALS
12
Teams
1
Group
5
Judges
1
Grand Prize Winner
5
Distinguished Design Winners
Meet Our Judges
Vikesh Dhole
SVP of Modeling & Optimization
Aspen Technology
"Great engineering combines innovation, efficiency, and sustainability to solve real-world challenges."
Jillian Evanko
Chief Executive Officer
Duravant
"Innovation begins when bold ideas are transformed into solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities."
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Pat Jelinek
Global Client Service Principal
EY
"The future belongs to teams that design practical solutions with lasting community impact."
Moez Zouaoui
Country Launcher & Development Manager
WeLight Africa
"Expanding access to reliable energy is one of the greatest opportunities to transform communities."
Tony Okoye
Principal & Studio Director
Gensler
"Sustainable design creates resilient communities where people can thrive for generations."
Introduction
This year, we challenged teams to design innovative and sustainable energy solutions capable of powering 2,000 homes. The response was extraordinary, 231 teams with 491 students from across the globe participated, representing countries such as India, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Rwanda, Afghanistan, United States, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Brasil, Indonesia, Cameroon, Tunisia, Uganda, Pakistan, Vietnam, Mexico, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Somalia, Niger, Senegal, Colombia, Jordan, Ethiopia, Sudan, Palestine, Madagascar, Kyrgyzstan, Greece, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, Libya, Malawi, Azerbaijan, United Kingdom, Türkiye, and Sri Lanka.
The competition showcased remarkable creativity, technical expertise, and practical solutions for sustainable energy. Our panel of 5 judges faced a tough decision in selecting 6 winning teams, including the grand prize recipient, from the many outstanding submissions.
231 Teams
Word Wide Reach
491 Participants
4 Sponsors
$31000
PRIZE POOL
5
JUDGES
6
WINNERS
Our Sponsors
Founding Sponsor
Founding Sponsor
Founding Sponsor
Software Sponsor
Power the Community 2026 LIVE – $31,000 Global Awards Ceremony Energy & Sustainability Innovation
Our Winners
1. Energeia (Energy Innovators Award)
Egypt
Project Video
Congratulations to Team Energeia for their outstanding innovation and sustainable energy solutions at PTC 2026!
Project Details
Team Energeia designed an innovative, sustainable energy system to power communities efficiently. Key features include:
• Community-scale solar & storage: Integration of solar panels with battery backups for reliable energy.
• Smart microgrid: Optimized for energy efficiency and disaster resilience.
• Eco-friendly cooking solutions: Adoption of clean energy alternatives to replace conventional fuels.
• Water & resource management: Rainwater harvesting and efficient resource utilization.
• Environmental impact: Reduces emissions and supports sustainable energy adoption.
Winning Price($10,000)
Team Energeia won the Energy Innovators Award and a $10,000 Grand Prize in the 2026 Power the Community International College Design Competition.
Team Certificate
For their outstanding efforts in creating a sustainable, community-focused energy system, providing reliable, affordable, and environmentally friendly energy for local communities.
Our Winners
2. EcoVolt (Distinguished Design Award)
India
Project Video
We congratulate Team EcoVolt for their outstanding design, earning recognition for sustainable innovation in the PTC 2026 competition.
Project Details
Congratulations to Team EcoVolt for winning the Distinguished Design Award in the 2026 Power the Community International College Design Competition!
Team EcoVolt developed a solar-powered energy storage system designed to provide reliable electricity to 2,000 rural households in India. Using repurposed EV batteries and a centralized solar charging station, the solution delivers sustainable, cost-effective energy where it’s needed most.
The team’s prototype demonstrates seamless integration with both grid and off-grid settings, highlighting scalability and real-world potential for rural electrification.
Winning Price($4,200)
The Distinguished Design Award and $4,200 prize were awarded to Team EcoVolt for their outstanding project and innovative energy solution.
Team Certificate
For their exceptional work designing a community-based affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy system for 2,000 households, each team member will receive a personalized certificate recognizing their contribution.
Our Winners
3. Iron Throne (Distinguished Design Award)
India
Project Video
We congratulate Team Iron Throne for their innovative energy solution and winning the Distinguished Design Award at PTC 2026!
Project Details
Congratulations to Team Iron Throne for winning the Distinguished Design Award in the 2026 Power the Community International College Design Competition.
Team Iron Throne designed a hybrid renewable energy microgrid to provide reliable electricity to 2,000 rural households in India. Their solution integrates solar PV, battery storage, and microgrid management systems, ensuring affordable, sustainable, and resilient energy access.
Winning Price($4,200)
The Distinguished Design Award and $4,200 prize were awarded to Team Iron Throne for their innovative energy solution.
Team Certificate
For their outstanding efforts in creating a community-centered, sustainable, and reliable energy solution for rural households, Team Iron Throne receives individual certificates for each team member recognizing their contribution.
Our Winners
4. Etheria Gaia Energy (Distinguished Design Award)
Indonesia
Project Video
We congratulate Team Etheria Gaia Energy for their innovative, sustainable energy solution and winning the 2026 PTC Distinguished Design Award!
Project Details
Team Etheria Gaia Energy designed a sustainable microgrid solution for rural communities in Indonesia. Their project features:
• Hybrid Energy System: Integrates solar PV, biogas, and energy storage for continuous power supply.
• Community-Focused Design: Electrifies over 2,000 homes with clean, affordable, and reliable energy.
• Sustainable & Scalable: Promotes local employment and reduces environmental impact with modular and replicable design.
• Health & Safety Benefits: Reduces reliance on fossil fuels, promoting cleaner indoor air and improved living standards.
• Digital & IoT Integration: Smart energy management for efficient monitoring and real-time system adjustments.
This solution provides a replicable model for rural electrification across similar regions.
Winning Price($4,200)
Distinguished Design Award – $4,200 awarded to Team Etheria Gaia Energy in the 2026 Power the Community International College Design Competition.
Team Certificate
For their profound efforts in creating a sustainable energy solution providing affordable, reliable, and clean electricity for over 2,000 households in Indonesia.
Our Winners
5. Watts UP (Upcycled Power) ? (Distinguished Design Award)
Madagascar
Project Video
Congratulations to Team Watts UP (Upcycled Power) ? for winning the Distinguished Design Award and $4,200 in the 2026 Power the Community competition. Their innovative upcycled energy solution brings sustainable power to communities, demonstrating creativity, impact, and environmental stewardship.
Project Details
Team Watts UP (Upcycled Power)? developed an innovative system to repurpose EV batteries, providing sustainable electricity for 2,000 households in Madagascar. Their solution combines renewable energy with community-led design, ensuring affordable, reliable, and environmentally friendly power while empowering local communities through accessible energy management.
Winning Price($4,200)
The Distinguished Design Award and $4,200 were awarded to Team Watts UP (Upcycled Power?) for their outstanding design in the 2026 Power the Community International College Design Competition.
Team Certificate
The certificate recognizes each participant for their efforts in delivering a community-based energy solution that is sustainable, affordable, and reliable for 2,000 households.
Our Winners
6. AngaWatch (Distinguished Design Award)
Kenya
Project Video
We proudly congratulate Team AngaWatch for receiving the Distinguished Design Award and a $4,200 prize in the Power the Community International College Design Competition 2026.
Kudos to Ryan Nguitui and Githinji Gitahi for their innovative flood early-warning solution, merging community empowerment with real-time data for safer, resilient communities.
Project Details
Team AngaWatch developed a solar-powered early flood warning and community monitoring system designed to provide real-time alerts and actionable insights for flood-prone areas. Their solution integrates IoT sensors and satellite data to track rainfall and water levels, enabling timely community interventions. The project ensures resilient, data-driven flood management while promoting education, local engagement, and long-term sustainability in the targeted communities.
Winning Price($4,200)
$4,200 and the Distinguished Design Award were awarded to Team AngaWatch for their outstanding contribution in the 2026 Power the Community International College Design Competition.
Team Certificate
For their significant efforts in creating a community-centric, solar-powered flood warning system that enhances safety, sustainability, and preparedness for at-risk populations.
