Ugandan Students Win Gold in Global Clean Energy Access Competition
A team of students from Gulu University, Uganda has won the gold award in the 2024-25 Efficiency for Access Design Challenge for their innovative hydrogel solar evaporator design, a sustainable solution that purifies contaminated water using solar energy and hydrogel materials. Designed for use in Ugandan refugee camps, the system is eco-friendly and low-cost, helping improve access to clean water and electricity.
The Efficiency for Access Design Challenge is a global competition that invites teams of university students to design affordable and energy efficient appliances and technologies that can help accelerate energy access for underserved communities in low-income countries. Now in its sixth year, the Challenge has engaged over 700 students from 40 universities across 17 countries, generating more than 115 project ideas that contribute to SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy.
This year’s silver awards were presented to Makerere University, Uganda, for their eco- solar cassava flash dryer, and Aston University, United Kingdom, for their solar-powered sanitary pad vending machine. Bronze awards went to another team from Makerere University, Uganda, for a smart solar-powered poultry feeding system; Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria, for a solar-powered irrigation system; University of Rwanda, for a solar-powered fishpond aerator; and Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, India, for a smart irrigation and fertiliser system. An additional team from the University of Rwanda won the People’s Award for their solar-powered tea leaf harvester.
Jolanda van Ginkel, Head of Portfolio, IKEA Foundation, said,
“The ingenuity and commitment shown by these young innovators is exactly what the world needs to accelerate a just energy transition. By focusing on decentralised renewable energy, grid decarbonisation, and productive use of renewables, their solutions empower communities to thrive. At the IKEA Foundation, we are proud to support initiatives that increase energy efficiency and affordability—because access to renewable energy is not just a climate solution, it’s a pathway to opportunity and resilience.”
Throughout the year, the Efficiency for Access Design Challenge team ran webinars, networking and other interactive events for students, which aimed to enhance their understanding of the off-grid appliance sector. Student teams were also paired with industry mentors who provided them with structured guidance to create their projects.
The Challenge is delivered by Energy Saving Trust, co-Secretariat of Efficiency for Access, in collaboration with Engineers Without Borders UK, and is funded by UK aid from the UK government via the Transforming Energy Access platform and the IKEA Foundation.
Following the Grand Final on Thursday 26 June 2025, the Challenge will enter a strategic pause to assess its future direction and ensure alignment with the evolving needs of the energy access sector. Having successfully developed globally responsible design skills in university students around the world, the delivery team is now focused on enhancing its impact by more closely reflecting workforce demands in the off-grid appliance sector.
Emilie Carmichael, Head of International, Energy Saving Trust, commented,
“As we mark six years of the Efficiency for Access Design Challenge, it’s inspiring to see how student-led innovation continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in clean energy access. Each year, we’ve seen young people bring forward practical, inclusive solutions that respond to real needs in underserved communities. We’re proud of the Challenge’s achievements– and hopeful about the continued impact of the students and ideas it has helped to nurture.”
To provide sustainable energy for all, we urgently need to enhance the efficiency and affordability of solar-powered appliances. Globally, 750 million people live without electricity, and many more lack reliable access. Solar-powered appliances can help improve lives and livelihoods and help vulnerable communities build climate resilience. However, less than 2% of the current demand is being met. Rapid innovation and investment are essential to close this gap and achieve universal energy access by 2030.