CECECO Clean Energy Hackathon 2026 – Call for Proposals
We are pleased to share an exciting opportunity for all youth interested in innovation, sustainability, and clean energy. CECECO has officially launched the Clean Energy Hackathon 2026, a regional competition dedicated to developing digital and data-driven solutions that promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability. CECECO, the Clean Energy Centre for the ECO Region, is a strategic initiative aimed at advancing sustainable and clean energy across the member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). Headquartered in Baku, Azerbaijan, CECECO is a joint effort led by the ECO and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), integrated into UNIDO’s Global Network of Regional Sustainable Energy Centres (GN-SEC).
This initiative is open to young people aged 16–35 from CECECO signatory states, including Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Students, recent graduates, and young professionals in energy, environment, IT/AI, and entrepreneurship are strongly encouraged to participate. The participation of women is especially welcomed. It might be a good opportunity for your students to participate, as well and we would appreciate if you can disseminate this info among your students.
Full details about eligibility, themes, and submission requirements are provided in below.
Deadline: December 30, 2025
Email for submissions: secretariat@cec-eco.net
Subject line: CECECO Clean Energy Hackathon 2026 – Proposal Submission
Winners will be invited to the Award Ceremony in Baku on January 26, 2026, with travel and accommodation covered.
We encourage all interested students to review the attachment and apply.
Please find the detailed information below.
CECECO Clean Energy Hackathon 2026
On the Occasion of International Clean Energy Day – January 26, 2026
1. Overview
The CECECO Clean Energy Hackathon 2026 is a regional initiative to empower youth across CECECO signatory states—Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan—to develop digital and data-driven solutions that promote clean energy awareness, energy efficiency, and sustainability. This competition provides a platform for youth to leverage creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship to address real-world energy challenges and advance clean energy progress.
2. 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 2026. 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.
3. Objectives
•Raise public awareness of renewable energy and energy efficiency.
•Empower youth to create digital and data-driven solutions for sustainable energy use.
•Encourage youth leadership and participation in clean energy innovation.
4. Format
Participants will submit proposals online under one of the following themes:
➢ Digital Awareness & Behavioural Change
•Applications or IT/AI tools that help monitor and reduce energy consumption in residential, commercial, institutional, or educational buildings.
•Innovative solutions to improve the efficiency of lighting, heating, and cooling systems.
➢ Data for Policy, Planning & Implementation
•Digital platforms or portals connecting renewable energy and energy efficiency startups with investors and strategic partners.
•National or regional “knowledge hubs” showcasing clean energy potential, action plans, and regulatory frameworks.
Submission Method: All proposals must be submitted electronically via email to secretariat@cec-eco.net with the subject line: “CECECO Clean Energy Hackathon 2026 – Proposal Submission” no later than December 30, 2025.
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.
•A short bio (up to 150 words)
2.Project Proposal (maximum 3–5 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).
5. 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
6. Jury Composition and assessment
Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of regional experts, including representatives from:
• CECECO
•Partner organizations and sponsors
The jury will assess proposals based on:
•Innovation
•Feasibility
•Scalability
•Applicability in ongoing or future clean energy project
7. Awards and Recognition
Winners will be invited to attend the Award Ceremony in Baku, Azerbaijan, on January 26, 2026. All travel and accommodation expenses for winners will be covered by the organizers.
Awards:
•1st Place: $3,000
•2nd Place: $1,500
•3rd Place: $500
All participants will receive Certificates of Participation, recognizing their contribution to clean energy innovation.
8. About CECECO
CECECO, the Clean Energy Centre for the ECO Region, is a strategic initiative aimed at advancing sustainable and clean energy across the member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). Headquartered in Baku, Azerbaijan, CECECO is a joint effort led by the ECO and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), integrated into UNIDO’s Global Network of Regional Sustainable Energy Centres (GN-SEC). The Centre’s mission is to promote clean energy initiatives, support investment projects, mobilize financial and technical resources and drive climate action through innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building. The Charter of the Center was adopted in 2021 and so far, has been signed by 6 ECO member states - Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
For further questions, please contact:
Office of Global Outreach and Partners, ADA University
Email: exchange@ada.edu.az