CECECO Launches Clean Energy Hackathon 2026 to Empower Youth Across the ECO Region

Baku, Azerbaijan – The Clean Energy Centre for the ECO Region (CECECO) has officially announced the launch of the CECECO Clean Energy Hackathon 2026, a regional initiative aimed at engaging youth in developing digital and data-driven solutions to advance clean energy awareness, energy efficiency, and sustainability across six ECO member states.

The Hackathon is open to young people aged 16 to 35 from Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, offering a platform to apply technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship to real-world energy challenges.

This initiative aligns with the United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/77/327, which designates 26 January as the International Day of Clean Energy. In support of this global call for cooperation and innovation, CECECO aims to cultivate youth leadership and regional collaboration on clean energy solutions.

Objectives of the Hackathon

The 2026 competition is designed to:
• Raise public awareness on renewable energy and energy efficiency
• Empower youth to develop digital tools and data-based solutions for sustainable energy use
• Foster regional knowledge exchange and innovation in clean energy technologies

Competition Themes

Participants may submit proposals under two categories:

1. Digital Awareness & Behavioural Change
– Applications or AI/IT tools that monitor and reduce energy consumption
– Solutions to enhance energy efficiency in lighting, heating, and cooling systems

2. Data for Policy, Planning & Implementation
– Platforms connecting clean-energy startups with investors and strategic partners
– National or regional knowledge hubs on clean energy potential, planning, and regulations

Submission Process

All proposals must be submitted electronically to secretariat@cec-eco.net
with the subject line: “CECECO Clean Energy Hackathon 2026 – Proposal Submission.”
Deadline: 30 December 2025

Application packages must include:
• Applicant information and proof of age/nationality or residence
• A 3–5 page project proposal outlining the problem, solution, technical approach, impact, and scalability
• Optional mock-ups, prototypes, or platform demos

Awards and Recognition

Winners will be invited to attend the Award Ceremony in Baku on 26 January 2026, with all travel and accommodation costs covered. The awards include:
• 1st Place: $3,000
• 2nd Place: $1,500
• 3rd Place: $500

All participants will receive Certificates of Participation.

About CECECO

CECECO is a strategic regional initiative headquartered in Baku, Azerbaijan, established by the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), under the Global Network of Regional Sustainable Energy Centres (GN-SEC). Its mission is to promote clean energy development, support investment projects, mobilize financial and technical resources, and advance climate action through regional collaboration and innovation. The CECECO Charter was adopted in 2021, with six ECO member states currently signed on.