Powering Maryland’s Energy Future: The Affordability Innovation Challenge

Register to Attend the Info Session: February 26, 2026

Apply for the Affordability Innovation Challenge

About the Competition

Powering Maryland’s Energy Future: The Affordability Innovation Challenge invites students to tackle one of Maryland’s biggest energy challenges: how to build a clean, modern energy system that remains affordable for all. As the state advances toward electrification and long-term carbon reduction goals, this challenge centers affordability as a core pillar of a just energy transition.

As Exelon marks more than 25 years of transformation, this student innovation challenge empowers the next generation to help shape an energy future that is clean, connected, and equitable. Student teams will identify a real-world energy challenge facing Maryland communities and present research-backed solutions through a slide-based video presentation, supported by industry mentors.

Background

Maryland is at the forefront of a historic energy transformation. With bold targets for rapid electrification and a path toward carbon neutrality by 2045, the city of Baltimore is reimagining what is possible. However, the true success of this energy revolution lies in one critical factor: Affordability.

As Exelon celebrates 25+ years of transformation, we invite the next generation of visionaries to help us build an energy future that is not only clean and connected but affordable and equitable for every household.

The 2026 Exelon Innovation Expo will mark our return to Baltimore – where our first Expo was held in 2013. This year, we expect an incredible turnout of 2,500 Exelon employees, industry leaders, community partners, and visionaries to explore how innovation can drive impact at scale – from AI and grid modernization to affordability, community impact, and climate resilience. Together, we will spark bright ideas, share breakthroughs, and build a bold future of energy that is clean, connected, and equitable for all.

We invite the next generation of visionaries to help us build an energy future that is not only clean and connected but affordable and equitable for every household.

The Challenge

How can we meet our ambitious decarbonization goals without leaving anyone behind? We are looking for creative, research-supported solutions that bridge the gap between cutting-edge sustainability and cost-effective energy access. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to identify a specific hurdle in Maryland’s energy landscape, develop and present a breakthrough strategy that prioritizes the financial well-being of our communities. Students will showcase their energy literacy in a brief PowerPoint presentation on the solution they identified.

Project Impact Areas

We encourage teams to explore innovation through the lens of affordability in one of the following areas:

  • Smart Electrification: How can we integrate millions of electric vehicles and home heat pumps while keeping infrastructure costs low for the average ratepayer?
  • Resilient Design: How can battery storage and microgrids protect vulnerable communities during extreme weather in a way that is cost-efficient?
  • Energy Literacy: What new tools can help families and students master their energy usage to lower bills and drive smarter consumption?
  • Inclusive Decarbonization: What pathways can local businesses or neighborhoods take to reduce emissions while stimulating local economic growth?
  • Inform for Impact: What can we do to further educate allies on the challenges we face and opportunities ahead so we can work towards a common goal?

Why Participate?

This is your student’s opportunity to voice their ideas and drive innovation in their local energy landscape. Supported by Exelon mentors, groups will refine their ideas, interact with industry leaders, and 5 schools will get the opportunity to showcase their solutions on stage at the 2026 Exelon Innovation Expo at Loyola University Maryland. Together, we will prove that a sustainable future is only possible if it is accessible to all.

 

Each participating school will receive:

  • One full day teacher training March 12, 2026 at TouchPoint Baltimore
  • One hands-on Science of Energy kit
  • The opportunity to apply for a $500 grant to support student projects
  • Invitation for small group of students to attend the Exelon Innovation Expo at Loyola University on June 9, 2026.

Next Steps: