The Nordic Energy Challenge 2026 is now open, and Nordic Energy Research looks forward to welcoming a new round of ideas and perspectives. This year’s theme is Powering Nordic AI, and the deadline for submissions is in early March. We checked in with the 2025 winners, Heidi Ivan and Avinash Renuke, to hear what the Nordic Energy Challenge meant to them and what they would like to say to future participants.

An idea born out of frustration and hope

The winning team from last year’s challenge submitted their proposal, NEXIA, Nordic Energy eXcellence for Inclusion & Access, to help address the persistent gender imbalances in the energy sector. Avinash describes a starting point rooted in both frustration and hope. “To be honest, when we first submitted NEXIA, it was an idea born out of frustration and hope at the same time,” he says. He points to enduring gender imbalances in the energy sector as a key motivation. “We kept seeing that globally, women represent only around 20% of the energy workforce, and even in the Nordics, the numbers in leadership and technical roles were far from balanced.”

For both Heidi Ivan and Avinash Renuke, the Nordic Energy Challenge was an opportunity to step back and articulate an idea that mattered. For Heidi, it created space to reflect on an issue outside her usual area of work, but one with personal relevance. “The Nordic Energy Challenge offered me an opportunity to pause and reflect on an issue that has personally affected me at different points in my life, even though it is unrelated to my usual area of work,” she says.

At one point, the team questioned whether their ambition was too high. However, Avinash says the competition helped them sharpen their proposal. “I remember one moment during the development phase when we asked ourselves: ‘Are we being too ambitious?’ But the challenge pushed us to think bigger and structure our idea more clearly.”

Confidence to speak up on equality

Avinash Renuke (centre) at the prize cermony at the Arendalsuka in Norway.

When asked what they gained from participating, both Heidi and Avinash highlight the value of sharing ideas in a supportive setting.

For Heidi, hearing how others engaged with the issue was a key part of the experience. “Participating in the Nordic Energy Challenge gave me perspective on how others understand and value the issue,” she says. She adds that the process strengthened her confidence to speak up, even outside her usual scope.

Avinash says the challenge gave him the platform to speak clearly about equality as part of the green transition. “The Nordic Energy Challenge gave me the platform and the confidence to speak clearly about something that is sometimes uncomfortable,” he says. “It encouraged me to present equality not as a side conversation but as a necessity for the green transition.”

Dream big, and do not wait until your idea is perfect

Both winners encourage future applicants to see the Nordic Energy Challenge as an opportunity to reflect, contribute, and share ideas that matter.

For Heidi, the competition is an invitation to step back from daily routines and engage with issues that feel important. “You don’t need to be an expert to contribute something valuable. Bringing a thoughtful, honest perspective can be just as impactful,” she says.

Avinash’s message is similarly direct. “If you’re sitting with an idea that keeps you awake at night, the kind that makes you think, ‘This could really change something,’ then this is your sign to step forward,” he says.

“Your idea does not need to be perfect. It needs to be honest. It needs to address a real problem.” “So, if you’re thinking about applying, do it. The future of energy needs your voice,” Avinash concludes.

Do you want to participate?

The Nordic Energy Challenge 2026 is open for submissions until early March. This year’s theme is Powering Nordic AI. Read more about the competition, deadlines, and how to participate here.