IdeaSquare at CERN, United People Global, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) are launching a joint call for ideas focused on innovative methods for energy generation and storage in extreme environments, that are suitable for supporting natural disaster prevention and mitigation in developing countries.
The call seeks affordable, new, and innovative solutions that can be deployed in situ in a cost-effective manner, for example, through funding from regional or local authorities and/or administrations.
The 15 most promising ideas will be invited to Geneva to participate in an in-person workshop to be held on 5–6 November 2026. Travel and accommodation expenses may be covered, subject to the availability of resources from the organizers.
Applicants must submit their ideas via this website, strictly following the provided submission template and guidelines, no later than 31 March at 17:00 CET. Submissions received after this deadline will not be considered. Authors from any country are welcome to submit. One author and/or group of authors can submit more than one idea.
Background and Rationale
Developing countries face unique challenges in addressing the increasing frequency and intensity of natural and climate-induced disasters. At the same time, opportunities exist for innovative, low-cost solutions in energy generation, energy storage, and disaster prevention/mitigation. By engaging entrepreneurs from developing countries, this workshop seeks to catalyze novel ideas and practical technical solutions that can be implemented in real-world contexts.
Objectives
· Promote innovative entrepreneurship focused on technical sustainability and resilience.
· Provide a platform for entrepreneurs to develop solutions for energy and disaster resilience.
· Connect entrepreneurs with global organizations (IEEE, Red Cross, UNESCO, World Meteorological Organization, etc.) for mentorship and implementation support.
· Develop concrete prototypes for testing and deployment in vulnerable regions.
