Efficiency for Access Design Challenge Grand Final: Enduring Impact
Online event
About this Event
To provide sustainable energy for all, we urgently need to enhance the efficiency and affordability of high performing appliances. The Efficiency for Access Design Challenge invites teams of university students to create affordable, high-performing appliances and technologies that can be used by underserved communities in low-income countries.
Now in its sixth year, the Challenge Grand Final is the culmination of months of dedication and innovation from students working on appliance designs that push the boundaries of clean energy access. Held under the banner of ‘Enduring Impact’, the Grand Final will reflect on the last six years of the competition, spotlighting the lasting influence of the Challenge on alumni and the broader off-grid appliance sector.
Held on World Refrigeration Day, the event underscores the vital role of sustainable cooling technologies in achieving climate resilience. The agenda includes a keynote speech from Leo Blyth, Senior Energy Consultant at the World Bank, exploring lessons from taking appliances to market across East Africa and how failure fuels innovation. The event will also feature a panel discussion with Challenge alumni reflecting on how lessons learned through the Challenge have helped them in their early careers , and an award ceremony recognising student achievement in this year’s competition.
The Grand Final supports London Climate Action Week by nurturing the next generation of global climate leaders, fostering collaboration between academic, public, and private sectors, and driving momentum on practical, scalable solutions to climate challenges.
Agenda highlights:
• 10:00 – Welcome and thematic introduction
• 10:10 – Keynote by Leo Blyth, the World Bank
• 10:20 – Showcase & first half of the award ceremony
• 10:45 – Alumni panel: Career impact of the Challenge
• 11:05 – Second half of the award ceremony & showcase
• 11:25 – Closing remarks
Intended audience:
Clean energy and climate professionals, students, educators, development practitioners, policymakers, and anyone interested in youth-led climate solutions and inclusive innovation.
Objectives & outcomes:
• Celebrate student innovation in clean energy access and cooling
• Showcase impactful, inclusive design solutions
• Reflect on the Challenge’s contribution to climate careers and global energy access
• Inspire cross-sector engagement to help accelerate climate action
Energy Saving Trust and Engineers Without Borders UK
Energy Saving Trust is an independent organisation dedicated to promoting energy efficiency, low carbon transport and sustainable energy use. We aim to address the climate emergency and deliver the wider benefits of clean energy as the UK transitions to net zero.
We empower householders to make better choices, deliver transformative programmes for governments and support businesses with strategy, research and assurance – enabling everyone to play their part in building a sustainable future. Energy Saving Trust is co-Secretariat of Efficiency for Access, a global coalition dedicated to advancing access to energy and affordable, energy efficient appliances in underserved communities.
Engineers Without Borders UK is working to reach the tipping point to ensure a safe and just future for all. Part of a global movement of over 60 Engineers Without Borders organisations, we inspire, upskill and drive change in the engineering community and together take action to put global responsibility at the heart of engineering.
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