The U.S. Department of Energy L-Prize challenges industry to bring forward new innovations to realize the full potential of advanced lighting systems for commercial buildings. The competition has three distinct phases: Concept Phase winners were announced in February 2022, the Prototype Phase opened in June 2022, and the Manufacturing and Installation Phase is expected to open in September 2023. Participation in the Concept Phase is not required to participate in the Prototype Phase. The L-Prize Prototype Phase “Intent to Submit” deadline is January 13, 2023.
The Prototype Phase introduces two tracks, one for luminaires and the other for connected systems, and competitors are invited to submit working prototypes for evaluation. A total prize pool of $2 million for this phase will be split among up to six competitors across the two tracks. Here is everything you need to know to enter:
- Visit the L-Prize website and register on the HeroX platform. Click on “Solve this Challenge” and accept the competitor agreement in order to access the full capabilities of the website.
- Click on “Begin Entry” and complete the Intent to Submit form, providing a brief description of your intended luminaire or connected system. You do not need to have your complete submission package ready at this time. The complete submission package is due in May 2023; see the L-Prize Official Rules for more details.
- If you have any questions that you think are not answered after reading the L-Prize Official Rules, and after searching the HeroX Forum Q&A, please email LPrize@nrel.gov
The public comment period for the L-Prize Manufacturing and Installation Phase requirements closes January 13, 2023.
The final phase of the L-Prize will reward production and installation of real products meeting the L-Prize technical requirements. DOE will evaluate entries on technical performance and innovation in addition to U.S. manufacturing content, deployment strategy, and innovative installation models. Up to four competitors will share an award of $10 million. The public comment period to provide inputs on the Manufacturing and Installation Phase requirements closes on January 13, 2023. Complete the Comment Form on the L-Prize website and share your input.
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