The Energy and Food Sovereignty Nexus Prize is a $4.1 million initiative designed to encourage Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) to create innovative, student-led projects that integrate clean energy with food sovereignty. By combining sustainable energy technologies with agricultural practices, this prize supports TCUs in building capacity to foster self-sufficient food systems on Tribal lands while providing students with valuable hands-on experience.
Projects may include initiatives such as greenhouses powered by geothermal, wind, or solar energy, and solar arrays that provide shading for crops or grazing livestock. TCUs are encouraged to incorporate traditional crops and livestock into their designs, ensuring their solutions are tailored to local environments and cultural practices. This program seeks to empower students to share knowledge gained from their projects with their Tribal communities, advancing both energy independence and food security.
The prize consists of three phases designed to guide TCUs from concept to implementation and showcase:
Phase 1 (Teaming): Up to 30 winning TCUs will receive a $40,000 cash prize to form teams, summarize project concepts, and cover travel costs to the 2025 Indian Energy Program Review in Denver. Each team must include at least three students and one faculty member.
Phase 2 (Planning and Construction): Up to 20 teams will progress to Phase 2A (Planning and Permitting), receiving $75,000 to create detailed project plans. In Phase 2B (Construction), winners will receive an additional $60,000 to build their projects.
Phase 3 (Presentations and Awards): Teams will present their completed projects at the 2025 Indian Energy Program Review. Prizes include $75,000 for first place, $50,000 for second, $35,000 for third, and up to four honorable mentions at $10,000 each.
Participants will have access to Power Connectors, organizations offering guidance and support as teams develop and implement their projects. The initiative highlights collaboration and emphasizes sustainability, encouraging TCUs to create impactful solutions for their communities.
Eligible TCUs are encouraged to start forming teams and follow the prize updates on the HeroX channel. Full rules and submission guidelines for Phase 1 will be released in fall 2024. For additional questions or information, participants can contact organizers at TCUprize@nrel.gov.
The Energy and Food Sovereignty Nexus Prize provides a unique opportunity for TCUs to advance clean energy integration with sustainable food practices while empowering students to make meaningful contributions to Tribal communities.
