Following the launch of the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE, which seeks to inspire ultra-efficient passenger vehicles, the X PRIZE Foundation is developing prizes that will end our addiction to oil and stem the harmful effects of climate change. We’re looking for breakthroughs in clean fuels, renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy storage, carbon reduction, and sustainable housing.

Alternative Energy Forum at MIT

On Wednesday, September 10, the X PRIZE Foundation gathered some of the leading experts in the Energy industry to speak to a group of MIT students. Dr. Ray Kurzweil, Dr. George Church, and Dr. Saul Griffith spoke about the benefits of solar power, bio power, and wind power, respectively. The event, which was hosted by MIT and the MIT Energy Club, was focused around what each speaker would advise the next president in the Energy Sector. We're going to have video of the event available soon, but until then, you can download their powerpoint presentations to get an idea of what they spoke about.

Dr. Ray Kurzweil's Presentation
Dr. George Church's Presentation
Dr. Saul Griffith's Presentation

Prizes under consideration include:

Clean Fuels

The X PRIZE foundation received a grant to develop a prize to develop and promote widespread adoption of clean aviation fuel. We’re also developing a partnership for second generation small scale distributed biofuel production technologies.

The Energy X PRIZE Suite

The X PRIZE Foundation has received grants to develop an Energy & Environment Prize Suite to catalyze a new era of clean, renewable, cost-effective energy with minimal impact on the climate and the environment. This effort will result in a suite of prizes with a combined purse value of as much as $100 million. The areas of investigation include alternative generation, energy efficiency, energy storage sustainable housing, and carbon sequestration. Read a general overview of the Energy and Environment X PRIZE Suite.

The X PRIZE Foundation's energy planning work is assisted by an Energy and Environment Advisory Council made up of some of the world's most esteemed experts. They suggest areas of focus, screen concepts, review proposed rules, and recommend ways to link the prizes into a powerful, synergistic sequence. Our Advisory Council spans thought leaders from academia, advocacy, industry, media, finance, and philanthropy

Also see our work on a Village Utility prize, being developed as part of our global development vertical.

If you have any ideas for an Energy and Environment X PRIZE, you can propose them here!