The global energy landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation. As climate change accelerates and energy demands surge, nations across the globe are grappling with how to build cleaner, more resilient, and equitable energy systems. Both Germany and
Ghana—despite their vastly different infrastructure and economic contexts—face urgent and overlapping challenges: integrating renewables into national grids, improving energy efficiency in homes and industries, expanding clean
cooking access, and ensuring equitable access to modern energy services.
Germany, a global leader in renewable energy, faces growing complexity in managing decentralized energy flows and ensuring grid stability. Ghana, on the other hand, continues to navigate energy access gaps, unreliable grids, and a heavy reliance on fossil
fuels and biomass. These shared challenges call for bold, locally grounded, and globally scalable innovations.
This innovation challenge invites Ghanaian thinkers, makers, and entrepreneurs to imagine and prototype energy solutions that work for both Ghanaian and German futures.
Focus Areas
Decentralized Renewable Energy Systems Offgrid solar, microgrids, hybrid systems Community or cooperative energy models
Energy Storage & Grid Resilience Affordable, locally sourced battery solutions Smart grid systems for urban and rural contexts
Sustainable Cooking Technologies Electric, solar, or biogas-based alternatives to biomass
Energy Efficiency in Buildings and Industry Passive cooling, low-cost insulation, smart devices Circular materials for construction
Green Mobility and EV Infrastructure Low-cost electric mobility for urban/rural areas Innovative EV charging models
Waste to Energy Solutions
Eligibility
Ghanaian individuals, startups, student teams, academics, researchers, and early stage businesses
Teams must be based in Ghana but may collaborate with international partners. Maximum 3 participants per team
Participants must have a bachelors, certificate to validate experience in area of innovation
All finalists must be willing to relocate to Germany to develop their ideas further in collaboration with the University of Koblenz and affiliated partners.
Preference will be given to ideas that demonstrate feasibility, impact, and potential for replication in both Ghana and Germany.
Challenge Format
Oct 12 – Oct 30: Open call for submissions (concept notes or prototypes)
Nov 1 – Nov 15: Shortlisting of semi-finalists
Nov 15 – Dec 15: Mentorship & prototype development phase (bootcamp sessions, technical support)
End of January: Final pitch event + announcement of winners
Awards & Support
Mentorship from leading energy experts, engineers, and business coaches in Ghana and Germany.
Technical support to develop and test prototypes.
A chance to enter the EXIST Startup Grant Program in Germany: Winners will be fasttracked to apply for the EXIST Business Startup Grant, which
supports early-stage startups emerging from academic environments with funding, mentoring, and startup infrastructure in Germany.
