The Launch of Submissions for the 2026 Electric Innovation Awards

Call for Entries: 2026 Electric Innovation Awards

The Electric Innovation Initiative has officially opened the submission period for the 2026 Electric Innovation Awards, an event dedicated to celebrating groundbreaking electrification projects across the United States. With the aim of propelling the electrification movement toward a sustainable future, the initiative highlights solutions that can be effectively implemented nationwide.

About the Electric Innovation Initiative

Founded as a 10-year nationwide program, the Electric Innovation Initiative focuses on promoting electrification through collaboration among government, industry, and philanthropic leaders. The initiative aims to enhance the adoption of scalable, high-impact solutions in line with the nation’s electrification goals, which are set to evolve significantly by 2035. Co-founded by California Energy Commission Chair David Hochschild, the initiative brings together various stakeholders to foster innovative ideas that can transform the energy landscape.

The Awards’ Significance

Launched in its inaugural year, the Electric Innovation Awards aim to source and recognize diverse initiatives contributing to the electrification agenda. Last year, the program attracted over 180 entries, showcasing a variety of projects from energy systems to public policy. The awards serve not only as a platform for acknowledgement but also as a catalyst for accelerating ideas that can shift from small trials to widespread implementation.

In 2026, the awards will feature four distinguished categories:
1. Scale Catalyst Award – Recognizing initiatives engineered for scalability through partnerships and policy development.
2. Policy Innovation Award – Acknowledging public sector pioneers advancing electrification through innovative legislation.
3. Power for All Award – Celebrating efforts that enhance access to clean energy and electrification benefits.
4. Design Discovery Award – Honoring groundbreaking technologies and solutions influencing future electrification.

Expert Review Committee

Submissions will be carefully evaluated by a distinguished committee composed of leaders from various sectors, including city mayors, industry executives, and environmental experts. Notable committee members include:

- Serena McIlwain, Secretary of the Maryland Department of the Environment
- Eileen Higgins, Mayor of Miami, Florida
- Mike Brune, former Executive Director of Sierra Club

These reviews, bringing a wealth of experience and insight, ensure that selected projects represent the pinnacle of innovation within the electrification movement.

The Path Forward

As electric transition strategies take center stage in national discourse, cities are critical in translating electrification ambitions into actionable outcomes. Mayor Eileen Higgins of Miami emphasized that the focus must be on identifying efficient solutions applicable to various communities at an accelerated pace. The Electric Innovation Awards strive to unearth the leadership necessary for fostering rapid progress in electrification.

The winners of the 2026 Electric Innovation Awards will be unveiled during Climate Week NYC in September 2026, a prestigious gathering of climate and energy leaders. This celebration not only commemorates remarkable achievements but also opens up avenues for awardees to interact with policymakers, investors, and industry stakeholders through the Electric Innovation Forum. This exclusive event fosters dialogue aimed at enhancing electrification policies and accelerating solution adoption.

Winners last year included groundbreaking initiatives like Electrify America’s innovative battery storage systems and Atlanta’s electric vehicle readiness ordinance, illustrating the types of impactful projects that the awards seek to highlight.

Get Involved

Submissions for the 2026 Electric Innovation Awards are open until June 3, 2026. Interested participants can learn more about the awards and apply by visiting the Electric Innovation Initiative's official website. This is a fantastic opportunity for innovators and change-makers in the electrification sector to gain recognition and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Let’s drive the electrification conversation forward and spotlight the vital work being done across the nation to secure a cleaner, more resilient energy future for all.