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The Boston Innovation Prize: Energy-efficient air conditioning

51 Submissions
$30,000 USD
Challenge closed

Challenge overview

The Energy-efficient air conditioning challenge is presented by the Barr Foundation in coordination with the Cambridge Energy Alliance, a public-private collaborative to reduce energy usage in the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. The challenge focuses on achieving significant improvements in residential or small commercial sector cooling methods applicable to existing building stock in urban environments located in humid climates, with the goal of reducing summer peak electric loads and overall energy consumption. See the Video!

More details are available after you have registered as an InnoCentive Solver.
Theoretical proposals for a radically energy-efficient method of cooling and dehumidifying are desired.

Your submission will need to include the following to become eligible for the cash award:


  1. A written proposal with detailed descriptions of the proposed method of air conditioning, conceptual design of the proposed unit including description of size, weight and proposed materials, and installation instructions.
  2. Explanations including rationales as to why you believe that the proposed solution can be expected to meet the Requirements listed in the Detailed Description of the Challenge.
  3. References to relevant background information (literature, patents, data sheets, etc).

This Challenge solicits a theoretical proposal that will be evaluated on a theoretical basis considering current state of the art.

After review of the submissions received, selected Solvers may be asked to prepare a prototype of their design for an additional cash award. This will require the submission of detailed design plans and the delivery of a prototype unit.

Solvers who are interested in building a prototype and who have access to the required resources (engineering shop, tools and equipment) should include a statement about their interest and engineering capabilities in their proposal.

About the sponsoring organization

The Barr Foundation is a private family foundation committed to enhancing the quality of life for all of Boston’s citizens. The Foundation’s funding priorities are in the areas of education, environment, and arts and culture.

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