Powering Tomorrow: Electricity Systems was a global UpLink challenge for early-stage ventures developing technologies to help power systems handle faster, more concentrated and more complex electricity demand. It was part of the UpLink Innovation Challenge Series – Spring 2026 and was run by UpLink within the World Economic Forum.
The challenge sought TRL 4–7 solutions across grid infrastructure, flexible power assets, data foundations and digital technologies, and AI or GenAI applications. Selected ventures were intended to connect with industry and finance networks and pursue real-world deployment and scale.
Benefits & funding
- Approximately 10 submissions were to be selected as winners and recognized as UpLink Ventures.
- Benefits included access to selected World Economic Forum and partner activities, global visibility, strategic introductions and targeted expert support.
- The official page listed no cash prize; the published benefits were non-cash support and ecosystem access.
Eligibility
- Applicants needed to be early-stage ventures developing breakthrough electricity-system solutions at technology readiness levels 4–7.
- Solutions needed to fit grid infrastructure, power assets and flexibility, data and digital technologies, or AI and GenAI for power systems.
- The call was global, with no stated nationality, residence, age, education or work-experience gate on the published page.
Can you apply?
Open to all applicants
No nationality, residency, education, or experience limits are listed.
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Application process
- 1Match the venture to one of the challenge’s four focus areas and confirm that the solution is at TRL 4–7.
- 2Build the submission around the published criteria: solution quality, impact, business-model scalability, traction signals and team.
- 3Submit through the official UpLink challenge page during the application window; the 2026 call is now closed.
Program timeline
Challenge launch and submissions opened.
22 April 2026
Application deadline.
29 June 2026
Review and selection.
June–September 2026
Pitch event for shortlisted candidates.
September 2026
Cohort announcement.
October 2026
Cohort programme.
2027