Deadline: 27-Jul-2025
The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) has launched the Ethanol Stove Innovation Hackathon to support youth-led innovations in clean cooking. The competition invites young innovators to develop working prototypes of ethanol-based cookstoves that are environmentally sustainable and responsive to the diverse cooking needs of households in Ghana and beyond.
This initiative aims to promote innovation in clean cooking technologies, support youth entrepreneurship in the energy sector, and contribute to Ghana’s goal of achieving universal access to sustainable cooking solutions.
The hackathon unfolds in three phases. In the first phase, applicants must submit an expression of interest along with an initial stove design sketch, a concept document of no more than 1,500 words outlining the design features, and a profile detailing the team’s or individual’s background and motivation. Concepts will be evaluated based on originality, clarity, feasibility, and alignment with clean cooking goals.
Shortlisted applicants will proceed to the second phase, where they must submit a detailed technical proposal of up to 2,500 words. This includes refined stove designs highlighting components like combustion systems, safety features, materials, and production methods. A cost breakdown must also be submitted to demonstrate economic viability and address potential production challenges.
In the final phase, selected applicants will receive part of a $15,000 grant pool to develop a functional ethanol stove prototype and an accompanying design guide. Participants will benefit from mentorship, expert guidance, and feedback throughout the development process. The prototype must reflect the technical and economic principles of the original proposal and be suitable for real-world use.
The completed design guide will be made publicly available under a non-commercial public license to encourage further innovation. While applicants retain intellectual property rights, the open license ensures the design can be shared and improved by others within the clean cooking community.
Eligibility is limited to Ghanaian citizens aged 35 or younger. The competition targets tertiary students, early-career professionals in energy and design, and young entrepreneurs interested in clean energy and sustainable innovation. Both individual and team entries are allowed, with a maximum of five members per team, and all members must meet the eligibility criteria.
Applicants with backgrounds in stove design, mechanical engineering, materials science, or industrial design will have an advantage. Female applicants and gender-diverse teams are especially encouraged to apply, reflecting the competition’s commitment to inclusive innovation.
For more information, visit ACEP.
