Innovation Challenges are global calls to action aimed at accelerating research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) in technology areas where MI members believe increased international attention would make a significant impact in our shared fight against climate change. The Innovation Challenges cover the entire spectrum of RD&D; from early stage research needs assessments to technology demonstration projects.

These challenges are aimed at catalyzing our global research efforts in areas that could provide significant benefits in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy security, and creating new opportunities for clean economic growth. By doing so, MI members aim to encourage increased engagement from the global research community, industry, and investors, while also providing opportunities for new collaborations between MI members.

The Innovation Challenges were developed through a collaborative process between MI members. Engagement in an Innovation Challenge is entirely voluntary and is built around a coalition of interested MI members. With sufficient interest from MI members, new Innovation Challenges could be launched in the future.

The seven Innovation Challenges are the following:

1. Smart Grids Innovation Challenge – to enable future grids that are powered by affordable, reliable, decentralised renewable electricity systems
2. Off-Grid Access to Electricity Innovation Challenge – to develop systems that enable off-grid households and communities to access affordable and reliable renewable electricity
3. Carbon Capture Innovation Challenge – to enable near-zero CO₂ emissions from power plants and carbon intensive industries
4. Sustainable Biofuels Innovation Challenge – to develop ways to produce, at scale, widely affordable, advanced biofuels for transportation and industrial applications
5. Converting Sunlight Innovation Challenge – to discover affordable ways to convert sunlight into storable solar fuels
6. Clean Energy Materials Innovation Challenge – to accelerate the exploration, discovery, and use of new high-performance, low-cost clean energy materials
7. Affordable Heating and Cooling of Buildings Innovation Challenge – to make low-carbon heating and cooling affordable for everyone

The Innovation Challenges are each advanced by a voluntary coalition of participating MI members, under the co-leadership of two to four countries.

Innovation Challenges: Leads and Participants