A new contest is searching for solutions to a defining problem of the AI era: soaring energy consumption.<\/span><\/p>\n The <\/span>Energy Innovation for AI Startup Challenge<\/span><\/a> launches amid growing concern over the environmental cost of artificial intelligence. <\/span><\/p>\n Just last month, the International Energy Agency (IEA) warned that global electricity demand from data centres is set to more than double by 2030 \u2014 with AI the main driver. Demand from dedicated AI data centres alone is forecast to more than quadruple.<\/span><\/p>\n The surge threatens to deepen an already critical issue. Last year, Growth in global energy demand soared to almost twice its recent average, according to the IEA. As the increase accelerates, it\u2019s set to intensify climate change, strain infrastructure, widen inequalities, and deplete vital resources.<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s a problem partly caused by tech. It\u2019s also a problem we need tech to solve. That\u2019s <\/span>the impetus behind the <\/span>Energy Innovation for AI Startup Challenge<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n From Shark Tank to Tinder Swindler<\/p>\n TNW Conference 2025 combines the latest breakthroughs in tech, the startup ecosystem & enterprise innovation<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Powered by Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC) \u2014 the world\u2019s largest startup competition for entrepreneurs addressing global challenges \u2014 and run in partnership with TNW, the contest is looking for startups tackling AI\u2019s growing app<\/a>etite for energy.<\/span><\/p>\n The challenge welcomes a range of ideas, from advanced renewables and next-gen energy systems to smart grids and data centre optimisation.<\/span><\/p>\n Young Sohn \u2014 the chairman and co-founder of XTC and the founding managing partner of VC fund Walden Catalyst Ventures \u2014 said the need for new approaches is essential.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe next era of AI cannot be built on yesterday\u2019s energy paradigms,\u201d he told TNW. \u201cWe\u2019re challenging innovators to deliver transformative energy solutions that will power the AI revolution sustainably.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Applications for the challenge are open now<\/a> \u2014 but startups need to act fast. The deadline for entries is April 30.<\/span><\/p>\n Five finalists will pitch their ideas on stage at TNW Conference<\/a><\/span> on June 19 in Amsterdam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As well as gaining global exposure, the startups will connect with top-tier investors, corporate leaders, and policymakers.<\/span><\/p>\n Sohn \u2014 who will discuss the future of deep tech at TNW Conference with former ASML CEO Peter Wennink \u2014\u00a0urged startups to submit their energy ideas.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cShow us your breakthroughs in advanced renewables, high-density energy storage, intelligent grid architectures, or novel harvesting technologies \u2014 the systems that will allow AI to scale responsibly,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe five selected startups invited to pitch on stage at TNW 2025 will define how the world balances technological progress with planetary boundaries.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n If you want to watch the pitching contest, Young Sohn\u2019s talk with Peter Wennink, or anything else on the packed agenda<\/a> for TNW Conference<\/a>, we have a special offer for you. Use the code TNWXMEDIA<\/a>2025 at the check-out to get 30% off your ticket<\/a>.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on\u00a0Google News<\/a><\/span>\u00a0too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n If you want to read more like this article, you can visit our Technology category.<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
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