Ready for a US$1M Challenge?

Join the TERA-Award Smart Energy Competition 2026!

About

This global Smart Energy Innovation Competition is dedicated to driving forward the future of sustainable energy solutions.

The competition brings together visionary startups, pioneering researchers, and industry leaders from around the world to uncover and accelerate cutting-edge technologies that have the potential to transform the energy landscape.

Participants are challenged to develop innovative solutions that address the pressing need for energy efficiency, renewable resources, and advanced energy management. With a substantial prize pool and the backing of a major industry leader, this competition offers a unique platform for innovators to showcase their ideas, gain exposure, and receive the support necessary to turn their concepts into reality.

From groundbreaking technologies to novel applications, the competition serves as a catalyst for change, fostering collaboration and inspiring the next generation of energy solutions that can make a significant impact on the global stage.

Join us in shaping the future of energy by participating in this exciting competition!

The best part? It is completely FREE to participate!

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Opportunity Benefits

Other Benefits

Strategic Investment: Outstanding projects from the competition will have the opportunity to receive a strategic investment from Towngas, Full Vision Capital, and other partner funds.

Application Scenarios: Towngas and its subsidiary, Towngas Smart Energy, will help top entries rapidly scale and implement their solutions.

Acceleration Program: Participants in the competition will have the opportunity to engage in face-to-face interactions with industry experts, renowned mentors, and investors, fostering project growth.

Media Exposure: The competition will feature extensive media coverage, documenting and promoting winners' journeys in collaboration with leading media outlets.

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Eligibility & Focus Areas

General Eligibility Requirements

Startups or research groups exploring partners, investors and markets
Prototypes and products with commercial potential; having a patent is a significant advantage.
Projects that are in the early stages of commercialization, with no restrictions on revenue size.
Ready for scaling with industry partners, investors and markets.

Technology Scope

Green Fuels & Hydrogen Energy

Next-generation Energy

Energy Storage & Conversion

AI x Energy

Energy Saving & CCUS

Smart Energy System

Selection Criteria

The judging panel consists of investors, experts and scholars from Towngas, Tsinghua University, the University of Hong Kong, and top international R&D institutions.

The evaluation takes into account four areas:

Innovation
Implementation
Talent Capability
Commercialization

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Timeline

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1/ Is the event virtual or in-person? Is travel required?

The competition can be joined remotely. However, if you are selected as a winner, you are strongly encouraged to attend the award ceremony in person.

Please note that travel expenses for the ceremony are the responsibility of the participants.

2/ What does the name "TERA-Award" mean?

The name of the event stems from the power unit “terawatt” (TW), equivalent to 1 trillion watts.

3/ Who are the members of the judging panel?

The competition committee has established a panel of expert judges across industry, academia, and research sectors to ensure a professional, fair, and impartial evaluation process.

This panel is composed of investment professionals, experts and scholars from Towngas, Tsinghua University, the University of Hong Kong, and top international R&D institutions.

4/ What language should I apply in?

Applications are accepted in English and Chinese. Non-Chinese nationals should apply in English.

5/ How many prizes will TERA-Award present?

Three cash prizes are available, including Gold, Silver and Bronze, with the following amounts:

TERA-Award Gold: US$1,000,000

TERA-Award Silver: US$100,000

TERA-Award Bronze: US$50,000

“Rising Star Award” , “Merit Award” and “Pioneer Award” will be awarded to respectively top-tier projects with highest readiness of commercialization and top-tier projects which are most innovative.

Outstanding projects in the competition will have the opportunity to secure investment and conduct technology trials in application scenarios.

6/ Which organisations are taking part in TERA-Award?

Host: The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas)

Empowered by: Full Vision Capital

Strategic partners: Affinity Equity, Bain Capital , IDG Capital, KEROGEN, Greater Bay Area Homeland Investments Limited.

Academic partners: Tsinghua University, The University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Academy of Sciences

Supporting organisations: Hong Kong Science Park, The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers Gas & Energy Division, Cyberport, EESIA, Garage+, Clean Heating Industry Committee, Quanta Research, Qinnovation Expertlab, New Energy Nexus, Founders Lair, StartupLinkX, Slush, Peking University Innovation Club

In partnership with the TERA Award, StartupLinkX plays a pivotal role in identifying and engaging standout startups worldwide.

7/ What’s the application process?

Submit your application before the registration deadline mentioned above. After submission, your entry will undergo a review, and you will be notified via email regarding the outcome at each stage, according to the timeline.

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Highlights from Previous Editions

Selected Winners of Past Editions

Organizers & Partners‍

Empowered by

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Partners