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The Second Manchester Prize: Accelerating AI for a Clean Energy Future
19 November 2024
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the second Manchester Prize, a multi-million-pound initiative from the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT).
This prestigious award celebrates UK-led innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) that will drive the UK closer to its ambitious clean energy and net zero goals.
The Manchester Prize was introduced to spark transformative, AI-powered solutions that can address some of society’s biggest challenges. With each annual prize focused on a critical area of need, this year’s round highlights the clean energy sector, inviting the brightest minds to push the boundaries of AI in pursuit of a greener, more sustainable future.
To find out more about Round Two of the Manchester Prize, visit the website.
The second round of the Manchester Prize will bring brilliant British innovation to bear to deliver a clean, secure energy future for the UK. Whether in energy, healthcare, or beyond, we’re backing AI innovations to deliver real and lasting change across the country.
Why clean energy, why now?
The climate crisis demands urgent action, and transitioning to net zero is at the heart of the UK’s response. The government has set bold targets to decarbonize the national grid by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Achieving these goals will protect billpayers, boost the UK’s energy independence, create jobs, and fortify our infrastructure against climate risks. AI’s capacity to innovate within the clean energy sector is immense: from improving efficiency in wind and solar power to optimising energy consumption in homes and industries.
The Manchester Prize will provide £1 million to the most impactful AI solution that can transform the UK’s clean energy landscape. Solutions should use AI to accelerate the adoption of clean energy at scale, enable low-cost operations of clean energy systems, or significantly reduce demand and optimise energy use.
Up to 10 promising finalists will receive £100,000 in seed funding, £60,000 in compute and comprehensive support to help develop their prototypes. In spring 2026, the most advanced and impactful solution will be awarded the grand prize of £1 million.
We need an ambitious approach to using artificial intelligence across the development, engineering and operation of our energy systems and so I am pleased to see the Manchester Prize recognising that with its dedicated new round on decarbonisation.
How to enter
The Manchester Prize is encouraging innovators, academics, entrepreneurs, disruptors, creatives and free-thinkers to submit their ideas, from now until entries close at 12:00 GMT on 17 January 2025. To enter, teams simply need to complete a straightforward entry form, which is available here.
The Challenge Works team is hosting a webinars on Monday 25th November, for those interested in the second edition of the Manchester Prize. During these, they will talk you through the information on how to enter the competition and answer any questions you may have.
