Energy management and automation company Schneider Electric is inviting students and young entrepreneurs to present innovative, affordable and sustainable energy solutions for its 2025 Go Green competition.

This year’s theme, Renewable Energy for Life & Livelihood, focuses on solar-powered agriculture, including pre/post-harvest activities, storage and processing; and solar-powered microbusinesses in sectors such as retail, services, refrigeration, manufacturing and production.

The top three winning teams will share €10 000 in seed funding.

First launched in 2011, the Go Green competition is supported by Schneider Electric’s Youth Education & Entrepreneurship and Access to Energy programmes. It aims to identify and nurture grassroots innovations that improve access to clean energy, boost local economies and create long-lasting community impact.

“Through the Go Green competition, we’re not just challenging youth to think creatively, we’re investing in their potential to become the next generation of energy innovators.

"Furthermore, it is an opportunity for students to gain hands-on mentorship, access valuable learning resources, and secure critical seed funding to turn their ideas into reality,” says Schneider Electric Anglophone Africa human resources VP Tanya Ramlagan.

Participants are encouraged to design solutions that are affordable, sustainable, locally sourced and innovative, aligning with real-world needs and local capabilities.

Teams have until May 31 to register and must submit project proposals by June 30.

LEARNING BEYOND THE COMPETITION
To support project development, Schneider Electric will provide access to its exclusive Get Into Energy Transition course through the Schneider Electric University, designed to upskill participants on key sustainability and energy transition concepts.

This learning pathway, created in partnership with INCO, equips young people with practical skills for future careers in the energy sector.

Importantly, every team will be matched with a Schneider Electric mentor, offering tailored support in refining their solution, developing business models and understanding the practical impact of their idea.