Dhaka, 10 October 2026: A nationwide sustainable energy idea contest, titled Sfuron: In Search of Sustainable Energy Innovations, has invited university students and energy-sector professionals to propose innovative solutions to Bangladesh’s energy challenges. Winners will receive prizes and opportunities to present their ideas to development partners, investors and financing institutions.
The contest aims to generate practical ideas to help Bangladesh achieve its renewable energy and energy efficiency targets. It is aligned with the National Renewable Energy Development Strategy Paper (RESP) 2026–2030, which sets a target of 10,450 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and aims to reduce energy consumption by 15% across households, industry and commercial sectors against a 2026 baseline.
Organized by the Power Division of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources in cooperation with the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA), the initiative is being implemented by GIZ Bangladesh on behalf of German Development Cooperation and the European Union.
The contest features two categories: renewable energy and energy efficiency. The renewable energy track welcomes ideas on rooftop solar, grid modernization, energy storage, domestic production of solar panels and inverters, wind power, agrivoltaics and floating solar. The energy efficiency track seeks proposals on efficient technologies, clean cooking, digital energy monitoring, building retrofits, behavioural change and policy interventions.
University students from public and private institutions must participate in teams of two, while professionals working in the power and energy sector can apply individually. Participants from all academic disciplines are eligible to compete.
Applicants must register through the contest website and submit a written concept note alongside a pitch video of up to three minutes. Shortlisted participants will present their ideas before a panel of expert judges.
Applications are open from 8 to 25 October 2026. Winners in each category will receive trophies, certificates and prizes, along with opportunities to showcase their proposals to potential investors and development partners.
Interested participants can register and submit their ideas through the official website: https://seideacontest2026.sreda.gov.bd/ The contest can also be followed through the hashtag #seideacontest2026.
