Develop scalable solutions to address global energy poverty
The competition opened in October 2026, and the Full-Proposal is due May 1, 2027. (Concept paper (optional is due 1 February 2027; the Concept Note for SouthStar only is due 1 November 2026.
Register your team for updates as soon as you have a Team Leader for direct correspondence and guidance for the competition.
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Why Compete?
Learning opportunity
Learn about one of the most pressing issues facing humanity from experts in the field
Huge untapped market potential
A market of unserved people is one of the largest market opportunities today
Exposure
Winners of the online round and the global round will be featured on press releases, social media, and various media outlets
Networking
Participate in banquets and other social events with participants active in the sector
Field pilot
Teams selected to field-test will be provided a letter from the competition to assist with fundraising to offset their costs.
Significant Prize Monies
Amongst Global Final winners, over $1 Million USD in prizes and team support has been distributed.
The Power Electronics Society Administrative Committee approved the following prize purse for the 2025 Empower a Billion Lives Global Final winners. For 2027, we are targeting the same amounts. These numbers may increase or decrease based on fundraising. Based on fundraising, these numbers can increase.
Global Final Prizes
| Prize Targets | |
| Grand prize | $150,000 |
| 6 Tracks | $300,000 |
| 3 Student ($30K, $20K, $10K) | $60,000 |
| 5 Hon Mention | $25,000 |
| Total Prizes | $535,000 |
New for EBL 2025: Track prizes on Clean Cooking, Resiliency, and Local Entrepreurship.
Timeline
1. Online rounds
The Concept Paper is open for submission on 1 January 2027, and the 3-page proposal is due on 1 February. Though a Concept Paper is not required, submitting one provides your team with expert reviews and comments for improving your Full Proposal.
The Full Proposal is open for Submission on 1 March 2027 and is due 1 May 2027.
2. Field test
Invited teams complete a field pilot in an approved region of their choosing. Exceptions are made for Student Teams.
3. Global Final
December 2027
TBD
Invited teams demonstrate the ruggedized prototypes, field test results, and final business plan.
Join the Competition
To register a Team for the EBL 2027 competition. The Team Leader is required to complete the registration form. Indicating your intention to compete will allow for direct communication with the Team Leader regarding updates and Competition-relevant information. Please register your team well before you are ready to submit proposals.
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