Applications Open For TERA-Award 2026 With US$1.15 Mln Prize Pool

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 (Bernama) -- The TERA‑Award 2026 has been launched with a total prize pool of US$1.15 million to accelerate breakthrough energy technologies for climate solutions, with applications open until late April. (US$1=RM3.88)

The award has expanded its global reach through strategic collaborations with the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL).

UNCTAD provides UN policy expertise and global networks to connect TERA-Award innovations with international markets for rapid deployment, while CISL strengthens evaluation through world-leading climate/energy research to identify commercially viable projects.

“By collaborating with international organisations and governments worldwide, we aim to accelerate the real-world deployment of TERA‑Award projects and deliver practical technology pathways for the global energy transition,” said TERA‑Award Organising Committee Executive Chairman, Alan Chan Ying-lung.

Founded in 2021 by Dr Peter Lee Ka‑kit, the TERA-Award has attracted nearly 2,000 projects from 76 countries and has awarded a total of US$4.65 million, positioning itself as an international platform combining prize funding, real-world applications, industry collaboration and capital support for frontier climate innovations.

In response to emerging technological challenges, TERA-Award 2026 will introduce two new categories alongside its four established tracks, namely AI × Energy and Next-Generation Energy, according to a statement.

The AI × Energy category promotes the integration of artificial intelligence into energy systems to enhance efficiency and resilience, while the Next-Generation Energy category expands beyond renewables to include advanced nuclear technologies.

Last year’s edition attracted 785 projects and concluded with an award ceremony at the University of Cambridge.

-- BERNAMA