The electric power system is entering a new operating reality, with electricity demand projected to grow 2.5 times faster than overall energy demand through 2030. Driven by electrification, industrial growth and the rapid expansion of large loads such as data centres, demand is emerging faster, in more concentrated geographies and with higher reliability requirements, placing increasing pressure on power systems not designed for this combination of speed, complexity and scale.
Meeting this demand requires innovative solutions to improve how power systems are integrated, coordinated and optimized. Building on the Innovation Playbook, this Challenge, led by UpLink and the World Economic Forum's Future of Power Systems Initiative, sought ventures developing breakthrough solutions across grid infrastructure, power assets and digital technologies. Selected ventures will have opportunities to connect with industry leaders, access real-world deployment pathways, contribute to shaping secure, affordable and sustainable power systems, and engage with the World Economic Forum’s energy-focused ecosystems, financial institutions and global scale-up opportunities.
