Background

Simple innovations can dramatically affect how businesses and markets function in developing countries. The nations of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) have great potential for developing economically and environmentally sustainable projects in such key areas as renewable energy, energy efficiency, biofuels, and energy access in rural areas. Local innovations and adaptation of existing technologies to local conditions are key to increasing the competitive supply of sustainable energy services to address environmental challenges. The IDEAS competition seeks to support initiatives in applied scientific research and technology focused on the adoption, innovation, assimilation, development, and transfer of technologies for renewable energy and energy efficiency that have a tangible local or regional impact in promoting the development of sustainable economies and reducing poverty.

What is IDEAS?

The IDEAS competition is an initiative that supports the development of innovative projects that promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy access in rural areas. This year’s competition is the fourth in a series that began in 2009. More than 1,800 applications from 28 countries in LAC have been received and 43 winners have been selected to date. For more information on previous competitions see http://www.iadb.org/ideas

How to apply

Participants must complete the IDEAS online form at www.iadb.org/ideas

Each participant may submit only one proposal.Proposals must be submitted in English, Spanish, Portuguese, or French.

Deadline for submission of proposals

Proposals must be submitted upon completion of the IDEAS online application form at http://www.iadb.org/ideas between May 1, 2013, and midnight, August 15, 2013, Washington, DC time.

For more information visit: http://www.iadb.org/en/topics/energy/ideas/ideas-iv-2013,8239.html