Seda Innovation Challenges 2024: Pioneering sustainable energy solutions 

• Challenge winners will share a prize pool of US$3,400 
• Aims to promote innovative tech leveraging renewable energy for global transition

SEDA Innovation Challenge 2024 has reached its final stage, with five projects set to compete. Final project documentation is due by 19 September 2024, and the winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony during the 2024 IEEE R10 Humanitarian Technology Conference (HTC) on 1 October 2024.

The challenge is a collaboration between the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda) Malaysia, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Kuala Lumpur Subsection, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UCSI University, and Leave a Nest (M) Sdn Bhd. It aims to identify and promote innovative technologies that leverage renewable energy to facilitate a global energy transition.
 
The top five finalists are:

• Amsolar Ecos with their project titled ‘Energy Control Cost Optimization System’
• Unique Edge Technology - UTM with their project ‘MERCAT – Microgrid’
• Vem X with their project: Virtual Energy Manager: Real-Time Monitoring and Predictive Analytics for Enhanced Energy Efficiency
• UCPVC with their project; SolCurve: Seamless Remote PV Monitoring System
• Sunshine with their project, FarmE

This initiative, held in conjunction with the 6th International Sustainable Energy Summit (ISES) 2024, focuses on integrating sustainability into the core of innovation, emphasising reducing environmental impact, improving efficiency, and promoting responsible resource management. It provides a collaborative platform for interdisciplinary approaches to address critical challenges in the sustainable energy sector, enabling innovators to present scalable and practical solutions with the potential for widespread implementation.

The 6th International Sustainable Energy Summit (ISES) 2024 was held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from 20 to 21 August 2024. This summit serves as a backdrop for the announcement of the finalists of the Seda Innovation Challenge, further highlighting the importance of sustainable energy solutions in shaping a cleaner and more resilient future.

Hamzah Hussin, organising chair of the 6th ISES 2024 and CEO of Seda Malaysia, stated, “The Seda Innovation Challenge 2024 is a significant stride in our efforts to expedite the global energy transition through innovation and cooperation. Participants are demonstrating exceptional creativity and dedication to sustainability, pushing the boundaries of renewable energy technology. We anticipate that the solutions developed here will inspire others and pave the way for scalable advancements towards a cleaner, sustainable future.”

Prof. Dr Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, vice-chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, added, “Universiti Teknologi Malaysia is committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions through innovation and collaboration. Our participation in the Seda Innovation Challenge 2024 aligns with our mission to foster research and development in renewable energy technologies. We believe that interdisciplinary approaches and strategic partnerships are essential to addressing the complex challenges of sustainable development. This competition provides an excellent platform for innovators to showcase their groundbreaking ideas, and we are proud to support initiatives that contribute to a cleaner and more resilient future.”

Lee Chean Chung, a member of the Authority Seda Malaysia who delivered the certificate to the finalists, said innovation would be the essence of accelerating the energy transition. He added, “Efforts to embrace sustainability are at the core of your innovations, with a focus on minimising environmental impact, enhancing efficiency, and promoting responsible resource management.”
 
Participants in this year's challenge are competing in three pivotal categories, each targeting a distinct aspect of renewable energy technology: 

i. Artificial Intelligence Analytics: Aiming to boost energy efficiency through integrated data analysis for enhanced decision-making. 

ii. Internet of Things (IoT) & Blockchain: Focusing on monitoring energy systems to increase efficiency and reliability through continuous data flow. 

iii. Smart Geographical Information System (GIS) & Digital Twin: Seeking to optimise renewable energy locations by considering environmental impact and resource efficiency.

The winners of the Seda Innovation Challenge 2024 will share a prize pool of US$3,400 (RM15,000), distributed across the following categories: i. Innovation Award: Recognising the most groundbreaking technology in sustainable energy. ii. Impact Award: Awarded for the project with the most significant positive environmental and societal impact. iii. People’s Choice Award: Acknowledging the most popular project as voted by ISES attendees.

The Seda Innovation Challenge 2024 showcases innovators' remarkable talents and underscores the essential role of sustainable energy solutions in shaping a cleaner and more resilient future.

For information on the Seda Innovation Challenge, please visit https://www.seda.gov.my/seda-innovation-challenge/