CECECO Clean Energy Hackathon 2027

 Background

 On January 26, 2023, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/77/327, proclaiming January 26 as the International Day of Clean Energy. The resolution aims to raise global awareness and mobilize collective action for a just transition to clean energy, recognizing its critical role in addressing climate change, improving public health, and ensuring universal access to sustainable energy. In alignment with this global call for cooperation, CECECO proudly announces the Clean Energy Hackathon 2027. The initiative will:

•  Encourage creative thinking and digital innovation to advance renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable energy solutions.

•  Promote regional knowledge exchange, strengthen the culture of innovation, and raise public awareness of the clean energy transition among youth.

Bring Clean Energy to Everyday Life

 Participants will identify a real energy access, efficiency, or reliability challenge and develop an innovative clean-energy solution that responds directly to its needs.

•  Sustainable & Scalable: A solution that is capable of creating lasting impact beyond the initial implementation;

•  Viable & Innovative: A solution that demonstrates a credible pathway toward practical implementation, financial sustainability, and potential for wider adoption.

    Green Hydrogen Innovation and Start-up Challenge:

Participants will develop an innovative and feasible green hydrogen solution concept that addresses a challenge in the ECO region and demonstrates clear potential for impact and scale.

 • Green hydrogen and start-up challenge: An innovative solution or early-stage start-up concept that advances the production, integration, use, or commercialization of green hydrogen and its derivatives across the value chain.

 • Feasibility, market potential, and impact: A solution that demonstrates technical feasibility, business potential, scalability, partnership needs, and expected contribution to clean energy, emissions reduction, energy security, and industrial decarbonization.

Submission Method:

All proposed ideas/concepts must be submitted electronically through the designated submission form available on our website no later than December 1, 2026, at 23:59 Baku time (UTC+4).

Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of international and regional experts, including representatives from CECECO, UNIDO, Partner organizations, and sponsors.

Evaluation Criteria:

 · Visibility and Clarity: The problem, proposed solution, and intended users should be clearly identified and described. A simple visual representation, prototype, demonstration, or practical output can be provided to facilitate understanding of the proposed solution.

· Accuracy and Innovation: The proposal should be supported by credible information, realistic assumptions, and relevant data, where available.

· Plagiarism compliance: All submitted work should be original. Any external sources, data, tools, visuals, or other materials used should be properly acknowledged and referenced. Plagiarism or failure to appropriately reference external materials may result in disqualification.

· Feasibility: The proposed solution should demonstrate potential for realistic testing or implementation in the selected setting. Practical requirements, potential barriers, and approximate implementation costs should be identified and considered.

· Expected Energy and User Impact: The expected energy, cost, environmental, and/or user benefits should be supported by credible estimates.

 Application Requirements:

 Applicants must include the following materials in their submission package:

 1.  Applicant Information:

•  Full name

•  Email address and phone number

•  Country of nationality or residence

•  Scanned copy of a national ID card, passport, or residency document confirming age (16–35) and citizenship or residence in a CECECO signatory state.

•  Curriculum vitae (CV)

 2.  Project Proposal (maximum 5 pages), outlining:

• Problem statement

•  Proposed solution and innovation

•  Technical approach

•   Expected impact

•   Feasibility and scalability 

 3.  Optional: Any mock-ups, prototypes, or supporting materials (PDF, PPT, or link to demo).

Participants

•  Youth aged 16–35

•  Citizens or residents of CECECO signatory states (Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan)

•  Students, recent graduates, and young professionals in energy, environment, IT/AI, or entrepreneurship

•  Participation of women is strongly encouraged

 Awards and Recognition

 Three winners will be selected and recognized with monetary awards in recognition of their outstanding solutions and achievements. Winners will be invited to attend the Award Ceremony. The organizers will cover travel and accommodation expenses for winners.

 All participants will receive Certificates of Participation, recognizing their contribution to clean energy innovation.