The Efficiency for Access Coalition announced the first-ever Global LEAP Awards Electric Pressure Cooker (EPC) Competition. The competition will identify low-cost, energy-efficient EPCs that are appropriate for communities living in off- and weak-grid contexts. The competition is supported by Modern Energy Cooking Services and administered by CLASP.

Three billion people around the world depend on food cooked over polluting, open fires or inefficient biomass stoves. Exposure to household air pollution from burning wood, charcoal, coal and kerosene is a leading risk factor for diseases, disproportionately affecting women and children. Furthermore, emissions from household cooking are a significant source of ambient air pollution and a major contributor to climate change.

Electric pressure cooking provides a wide range of benefits, from saving time and money every time you cook, to lowering the burden of disease associated with household air pollution.

While the market for AC grid-compatible EPCs in developed markets is well established, few products are designed specifically for consumers in weak- and off-grid contexts where cooking practices are unique. There is a clear need to design and develop EPCs that are energy efficient, cost-effective, durable, safe and adapted to the cooking needs and aspirations of everyday cooks around the world.

The Global LEAP Awards will identify and promote the world’s best EPCs appropriate for use in underserved markets, including off- and weak-grid areas, accelerating market development and innovation. The Global LEAP Awards uses a competition-based approach to drive innovation in early stage technologies, while building valuable technical and commercial market infrastructure. Previous rounds have focused on solar water pumps, cold chain, e-waste, and other emerging product technologies.

Winners and Finalists of the 2020 Global LEAP Awards EPC Competition will be eligible for up to $200,000 in innovation prizes. Additionally, Winners and Finalists will have the opportunity to find potential investors through the Efficiency for Access Coalition Investor Network, which includes 31 leading investors with interest in appliance and productive use companies.

Designers, developers, manufacturers and distributors are encouraged to nominate eligible products at www.globalleapawards.org. The deadline to submit nominations is 27 March, 2020 with results expected by mid-2020.

For more information, please see our brochure.