AICCEES 2026 Clean Energy Innovation Challenge Opens Applications for African Innovators

The Africa International Conference on Clean Energy & Energy Storage (AICCEES) 2026) has opened applications for its Clean Energy Innovation Challenge, inviting African innovators to showcase solutions that advance clean energy access, climate resilience and sustainable development across the continent.

The Innovation Challenge is designed to identify and support high-potential startups, SMEs, researchers and university spin-offs through a structured programme that combines technical assessment, mentorship, investor exposure and live pitching opportunities during AICCEES 2026.

The initiative follows a Build • Pitch • Scale approach to help innovators strengthen their solutions and increase their visibility among investors, industry stakeholders and clean energy partners.

Focus Areas

Applications are invited from innovators developing solutions in:

• Energy access and off-grid solutions
• Renewable energy systems and productive use
• Clean cooking technologies and fuels
• Energy storage, smart grids and digital energy solutions
• Sustainable mobility and clean transport
• Waste-to-energy and circular economy solutions
• Climate adaptation and resilience technologies
• Hydrogen, biofuels and clean transition fuels

Who Can Apply?

The challenge is open to:

• African-led startups
• Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
• Scale-ups
• Research institutions
• University spin-offs
• Innovators at prototype, pilot or early commercial stage

Women-led and youth-led clean energy enterprises are particularly encouraged to apply.

Programme Structure

Stage 1 – Call for Innovators

Applications are submitted through the AICCEES online platform.

Stage 2 – Screening & Shortlisting

Applications undergo an independent technical review, with 10–15 finalists selected.

Stage 3 – Mentorship Bootcamp

Shortlisted innovators receive mentorship covering:

• Pitch development
• Market readiness
• Business models
• Impact models

Stage 4 – Live Pitch Session

Finalists present 5-minute pitches followed by Q&A during the Clean Energy Business Innovation and Mentorship Session at AICCEES 2026.

Awards & Benefits

Successful finalists will benefit from:

• Proof-of-concept or seed funding support
• Sponsored incubation or accelerator placements
• Business mentorship and advisory support
• Investor introductions and partnership opportunities
• Media exposure and conference recognition
• Inclusion in the AICCEES Innovation Showcase Publication

Intellectual Property

Applicants retain full ownership of their intellectual property.

The programme does not require equity participation, and confidential information is protected throughout the application process.

Important Dates

Applications Open: 1 April 2026

Shortlisting: 31 August 2026

Mentorship Bootcamp: 1–20 September 2026

Live Pitch Session: 24–25 September 2026

Eligible Countries

Applications are open to innovators across Africa.

Click HERE to visit the official website.