116
entries for sustainability concepts
NT$1M
in prizes for winning ideas
6
finalist teams, split between elites and academics
Pictured at right: representatives from GE, TPC, and TCG with the challenge winners. Masking is not required for certain activities (e.g., when taking photos) as per local regulations.
Overview
Rewarding new ideas for solutions that will help Taiwan reduce power consumption—and grow a generation of energy-minded global citizens
The challenge
Ranking 57 among 61 countries in the Climate Change Performance Index 2021, Taiwan is reaching higher to offset greenhouse gases and integrate renewables.
The solution
In partnership with Taoyuan City Government (TCG) and Taiwan Power Company (TPC), GE awarded over NT$1 million to winning innovations for smarter electricity and decarbonization.
The objective
Competitively lighting the way
What exactly is GE’s Innovation Challenge? In collaboration with TCG and TPC, this healthy competition’s objective was to crowdsource new approaches to decarbonizing power and reducing energy consumption for the island of Taiwan.
While a first in Asia, the contest was an open invitation beyond the Taiwan’s four walls. Industry experts, higher-education students, youth from Taiwan, and youth from abroad answered the call. Selected teams fell into two categories: elite groups and student groups. Ultimately, 10 teams from each group competed, but only six would place in the finals.
The teams
Building a global energy community
The chance to strut sustainability ingenuity attracted 116 entries. It was a tall order, but GE and Taoyuan City Government wanted to see who in the world could best conceive of a cleaner, environment-friendly system to balance the island’s grid—and plant more seeds for Taiwan’s circular economy.
Evaluation
Quickly meeting grading standards
Prepared with just a few briefing sessions and online workshops, the teams developed solutions that would be ranked according to the following rubric.
25%
anticipated impact
20%
practicality
20%
sustainability
15%
scalability
15%
innovation
The 10 finalists from both student and elite categories advanced to the final round, presenting ideas to a panel of judges from GE, TPC, TCG, Chung Yuan Christian University, and Chien Hsin University of Science and Technology.
How to win
Winners granted cash prizes to further their ideas
First place winner received NT$250,000; second place NT$150,000; and third place NT$100,000. In addition, a special prize of NT$10,000 was awarded to 10 chosen students.
1st place elite: DOMI
In the elite category, DOMI took first place for its “Lighting Unlimited Hope.” This innovative model electronically links banks with families in need, which would replace home lighting for free with low-consumption alternatives.
2nd place elite: Ecofirst
Second place went to Ecofirst Co., Ltd. for its ground-breaking air-conditioning system that would use an AI-controlled water chiller to cut energy usage by 45%.
3rd place elite: Sustainable Systems
Sustainable Systems landed in third place for its idea of a public carbon collection initiative; one that uses an internet-based carbon-reduction business model.
1st place student: Hot Rongrong
For the student category, Hot Rongrong placed first for their Combined Heat and Power Cogeneration System and Hot Water Supply Module, which applies innovation to traditional technology with proof-of-concept.
2nd place student: Intersecting Water and Peach
Intersecting Water and Peach’s micro-water system was selected for the second prize and seeks to solve energy and water pollution by leveraging sewer and hydro generator systems at water recycling centers.
3rd place student: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
Third place was awarded to students from the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology. Their Wind Digester would transfer and reduce wind pressure on high-rises, tackling structural issues while generating electricity.
Outcomes
When talent and ingenuity intersect
GE’s Innovation Challenge with us was a widely supported idea. We expect it will result in bright energy solutions, and also encourage coming generations to care more about energy issues like Taiwan’s. Let’s create a better future for this beautiful island.
Chung Bin-li
President, Taiwan Power Company
Taoyuan City is expanding its renewables with an energy transformation based on coal reduction, liquid natural gas increase, and non-nuclear energy. This new energy mix is aimed at success by 2025 but has been bolstered by the Innovation Challenge’s collective ingenuity.
GE’s been playing an important role in supporting the development of Taiwan since 1961 via the domains of Healthcare, Aviation, and Power businesses. With GE having started the challenge, GE Gas Power Asia President and CEO, Ramesh Singaram, is proud to say, “We’ve seen ideas that can push Taiwan’s decarbonization. I’m impressed by the quality of talent, because every contestant displayed a level of innovation that will be key in steering us toward a low-carbon future."
Contact us
Want to learn more?
