We’re supporting competitors in the American-Made Solar Prize Round 7, a competition designed to energize U.S. solar innovation through a series of contests that accelerate the entrepreneurial process from years to months.
With the recent launch of Round 7, the competition is now seeking innovators, entrepreneurs, and those with an idea to revolutionize the solar industry. That could be you!
If you have an innovative solar solution, we invite you to compete in the Ready! contest, where you can win $50K by identifying an impactful idea or solution addressing a critical need in the solar industry. Twenty winners will be awarded $50K. Participants compete for progressively larger prizes, including an optional justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion–focused prize that rewards efforts to lower barriers to solar adoption in underserved communities.
Ready! Contest: Teams focus on innovative ideas that can be commercialized in 3 to 5 years and address a solar industry technology need, proving that they have developed a great team, a game-changing solution, and an achievable plan.- Set! Contest: Teams make progress in developing and demonstrating early-stage proofs-of-concept.
- Go! Contest: Teams focus on proving that their solutions successfully work and that they have made substantial progress over the course of the contests.
JEDI Contest: Creating Space for Change
The Solar Prize Round 7 includes an optional additional challenge that focuses on advancing solar in underserved communities. Participants who choose to incorporate this initiative into their solutions have the chance to be considered for a Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Contest and earn part of the $200,000 bonus cash prize!
New to Round 7: Power Up Your Idea
This contest is designed to support and advance new and diverse teams that have compelling applications but aren’t selected to advance to the Set! Contest. Up to 10 teams may be selected to split a $100,000 prize pool and receive tailored business support.
If you have an idea with the potential to solve a critical challenge in the solar industry and are looking for support to make it happen in the next 3 to 5 years, consider applying to the Solar Prize. Since its launch in early 2018, the Solar Prize has funded 140 startup teams with more than $18 million in cash prizes.
Anyone interested in competing in Round 7 is encouraged to follow the prize on HeroX to stay in the know about upcoming dates and deadlines!
Office Hours
Meet with VentureWell’s Sarah Wharmby for one-on-one support as you prepare for the Ready! Contest. Save your spot now to get tips for applying and learn what will make your submission stand out.