WePOWER Track

WePOWER

About WePOWER

The WePOWER Track of IEEE YESIST12 is a global innovation platform dedicated to advancing clean energy solutions while empowering women as leaders and change-makers. With the theme “Powering Equality, Energizing the Future,” the track addresses the global need for affordable, sustainable energy systems while embedding gender inclusivity in technological innovation.

Aligned with UN SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) WePOWER encourages participants to design scalable, climate-resilient solutions—such as renewable microgrids, smart energy management systems, and AI-driven models—that improve energy access for underserved communities. WePOWER is more than a competition; it is a movement to build future-ready energy systems and create inclusive ecosystems that enhance women’s participation and entrepreneurship in the clean energy value chain.

Theme

“Powering Equality, Energizing the Future”

This theme addresses the urgent global need for affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy systems while embedding gender inclusivity at the core of technological innovation.

SDGs Aligned

This track encourages projects addressing one or more of the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:

Timeline

Call for Abstracts-1	17th Jan 2026
Deadline for Abstracts-1	5th Feb 2026
Time for reviewer to review the abstracts	6th Feb - 10th Feb 2026
Call for Abstracts-2	13th Feb 2026
Deadline for Abstracts-2	10th March 2026
Time for reviewer to review the abstracts	14th March to 24th March 2026
Announcement of qualified abstract	25th March 2026
Final Call for Abstracts	1st April 2026
Deadline for Final call for abstracts	25th April 2026
Time for reviewer to review the abstracts	25th April to 10th May 2026
Announcement of qualified abstracts	11th May 2026

Submit your Abstract now

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Call for Abstract-1 Ends: 20th Feb, 2026

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The Objectives of the WePOWER Track

To promote clean, reliable, and climate-resilient energy solutions for communities
To encourage women-inclusive innovation models in renewable energy and power systems.
To support energy access, efficiency, and affordability through smart technologies.
To strengthen technical skills, leadership, and entrepreneurship opportunities for women in the energy sector.
To develop scalable solutions aligned with real-world energy challenges.

Focus Areas

AI-Driven Smart Microgrids and Energy Access Solutions
IoT-Based Energy Efficiency and Smart Metering Systems
Smart Energy Management Systems
Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (Solar, Wind, Storage)
Clean and Efficient Cooking Technologies
Women-Centric Renewable Energy Skill Development Platforms (Apps & Tools)
Solar-Powered Community Charging Hubs
Affordable Solar Water Heating Models
Portable and Low-Cost Renewable Energy Devices
Clean Energy Solutions for Disaster-Prone Regions
AI Tools for Energy Demand Prediction in Low-Resource Settings

Benefits of participating

Global IEEE Recognition & Certification:Receive internationally recognized certificates from IEEE YESIST12, enhancing academic, professional, and research profiles.
Expert Mentorship:Gain guidance from IEEE professionals, industry experts, and clean energy researchers to refine ideas and improve technical feasibility.
International Platform Exposure:Opportunity to present innovations at a global stage and gain visibility among international delegates and organizations.
Skill Development:Strengthen technical, analytical, innovation, and leadership skills in clean energy, IoT, AI, and sustainable engineering.
Women-Centric Leadership & Inclusion:Promote women’s participation, leadership, and skill development in the clean energy and power sector.
Networking & Collaboration:Connect with innovators, academia, industry leaders, and IEEE communities worldwide.
Career & Entrepreneurship Opportunities:Open pathways for internships, research collaborations, startups, and future career growth.

Rules for participation

Participants may register as a team (One Girl student mandatory).
Teams may consist of 2 to 4 members.
Teams can be from the same institution, or a multi-institution collaborative team.
It is mandatory to have at least 1 FEMALE MEMBER in the team.
Having a mentor (Faculty/Professional/IEEE Member) is recommended, but not mandatory.

Guidelines

Originality of Work: All submissions must be original and created exclusively for IEEE YESIST12. Plagiarism, duplication, or submission of previously awarded projects is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification as per IEEE ethics.
Alignment with Track Theme: Projects must clearly align with the WePOWER Track theme, focusing on clean energy innovation, sustainability, and women’s empowerment, supporting SDG 7 and SDG 5.
Clear Problem Definition: Teams must clearly identify the real-world energy challenge being addressed, supported by research, user needs, or contextual data.
Technical Feasibility & Impact: Proposed solutions should be technically sound, practical, scalable, and demonstrate measurable social, environmental, or economic impact.
Inclusivity & Sustainability: Solutions should promote inclusivity, affordability, and long-term sustainability, particularly enabling women’s participation in clean energy ecosystems.
Proper Documentation & Submission Format: Participants must strictly follow the official submission guidelines, templates, naming conventions, and deadlines specified by IEEE YESIST12.
Professional & Ethical Conduct: All teams are expected to maintain professionalism, respect fellow participants, and adhere to the IEEE Code of Ethics throughout the competition process.

Evaluation Criteria

Relevance to Theme: The project aligns strongly with the given theme by directly addressing its core objectives. It demonstrates clear applicability and purpose within the thematic framework.
Understanding of Problem: The problem is clearly identified with a well-defined scope and context. Underlying causes and real-world implications are thoroughly analyzed.
Novelty/Innovation: The project introduces a creative and original approach to solving the identified problem. It goes beyond conventional solutions by integrating innovative ideas or methods.
Validating of Innovation: The proposed solution is supported through testing, prototyping, or logical validation. Results and observations justify the effectiveness of the innovation.
Scalability: The solution has potential for implementation on a larger scale with minimal modifications. It is adaptable to different contexts and user requirements.
Presentation & Communication: The project is presented in a clear, structured, and engaging manner. Ideas, visuals, and explanations effectively communicate the project’s intent and outcomes.
Environmental Impact: The project considers sustainability and minimizes negative environmental effects. It promotes eco-friendly practices or contributes positively to environmental well-being.
Results: The outcomes meet the stated objectives and validate the project’s purpose. Results are clearly documented and demonstrate measurable impact or improvement.

Submission Mode

Pilot Entry

Participants from regions with an active YESIST12 Pilot event.
Projects are first presented and evaluated at a preliminary competition.
Winners from the Pilot event get a direct entry into the Grand Finale.

Direct Entry

For participants from countries or regions without a YESIST12 Pilot event.
Submissions (Abstract, PPT, Video) are evaluated directly by the jury.
Selected projects are notified via email and advance to the Grand Finale.

Track Structure

The WePOWER Track follows a structured process to identify and showcase innovative projects, consisting of the following phases:

Phase 1 Call for Abstracts-1

This is the initial phase where the abstract submission is open to anyone interested in participating in the WePOWER Track. The call for abstracts is announced globally, and participants can submit their abstracts through the submission portal available on the website. Phase 1 serves as the first opportunity for participants to showcase their ideas and concepts.

Phase 2 Call for Abstracts-2

Phase 2 is an extended call for abstract submissions. Teams that wish to extend their participation opportunity can do so by submitting their abstracts in this second phase. It also gives a chance for participants who did not advance to the next rounds in Phase 1 to reapply and take part in the competition.

Phase 3 Selection & Registration

Potential and innovative projects that are submitted in the first and second call are selected for finals, and the teams are intimated via mail.

Phase 4 Finale

Selected teams will present their project works before the jury during the finals. Evaluation will be carried out based on the criteria.

Selection Method

The selection process will be conducted in two main stages:

Stage 1 - Abstracts & Prelims

Abstract submission is open to all students via Pilot entry or Direct Entry.

A) Direct entry participants will be evaluated based on abstract submission. Selected innovative projects will be informed via email.

B) Pilot entry participants present projects in a preliminary round conducted by pilots. Winners move to finals.

Stage 2 - Grand Finale

Selected teams will present their projects before the jury during the finals.

Evaluation will be carried out based on criteria such as novelty, technical implementation, clarity of pitch, and expandability of the idea.

Methodology

The participants will be evaluated in either of the two modes: Pilot entry mode or Direct entry mode.
Direct entry mode is for participants from countries without Pilots and will be evaluated based on their submission of Abstract, PPT, and Video demonstration of their project.
Pilot entry mode will select eligible teams for participation by conducting a preliminary project competition at their venue.
Teams need to submit the problem statement and the detailed solution as a PPT for evaluation by experts/Jury.
Selected teams will be notified and asked to submit an executive summary and video demonstration of their project.
During the finale, teams will present their projects virtually, evaluated by the jury.
Prizes will be awarded based on jury, track chair, and general chair recommendations.

Sample Project Topics

AI-Driven Smart Microgrids for Women-Led Rural Communities
IoT-Based Smart Energy Management and Metering Systems
Clean and Efficient Cooking Technologies for Women-Centric Households
Solar-Powered Community Charging Hubs for Rural Connectivity
Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems for Climate-Resilient Communities
Portable Low-Cost Renewable Energy Devices for Last-Mile Access
Women-Centric Renewable Energy Skill Development and Training Platforms
AI Tools for Predicting Energy Demand in Low-Resource Settings
Affordable Solar Water Heating Solutions for Small Communities
Clean Energy Solutions for Disaster-Prone and Remote Areas

Previous Year Achivers(2025)

Gallery

For any Queries, please contact

Chair
Dr. Harivardhagini Subhadra
Chair | WePOWER Track
Email ID: harivardhagini@ieee.org
+91 99851 47962
Co-Chair
Ms. G. Aparna
Co-Chair | WePOWER Track
+91 9677175916

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is eligible to participate in the WePOWER Track?

Open to students, professionals, and innovators passionate about sustainable energy and technology.

2. What can be the strength of each team?

Each team must consist of 2–4 members, and at least one female participant is mandatory to promote gender diversity.

3. Is it compulsory that all the members in the group should be women?

No — however, as the track promotes Women in Power, at least one participant must be a woman.

4. Should everyone in the team be an IEEE member?

Participants can be IEEE Members or Non-IEEE Members.

5. Would it be fine if the project idea is not related to the theme but is related to Power?

No — the project must be related to the track theme and ideas outlined in the WePOWER website.

6. What should the project focus on?

Projects must align with the theme “Powering Equality, Energizing the Future”, including areas like clean energy tech, affordability & accessibility, inclusivity, policy, digital transformation, and community-centric solutions.

7. What are the submission guidelines?

Teams must submit an abstract and detailed project proposal before the deadline. Proposals should include the problem statement, solution, implementation strategy, and expected impact on clean and inclusive energy access.

8. Can I revise my abstract after I have submitted it?

Once moved to review after submission, abstracts cannot be revised.

9. What is the number of abstracts a team/person can submit?

Participants can submit multiple abstracts with different ideas.

10. How will the projects be evaluated?

Projects will be judged based on: alignment with the theme, innovation and creativity, feasibility and scalability, potential impact on clean energy, and clarity of presentation.

11. What is the fee structure for participation?

There is no fee for abstract submission. Shortlisted teams for the Grand Finale must register and pay a fee as displayed on the website.

12. What is the presentation format for shortlisted teams?

Shortlisted teams will give a 10-minute presentation followed by a 5-minute Q&A session with judges.

13. Is it mandatory that the project idea benefits women in one way or another?

Projects should address Powering Equality, Energizing the Future benefiting humanity; they are not restricted only to benefiting women.

14. Where to submit the abstract?

Abstracts should be submitted via the link on the YESIST12 website under the WePOWER track before the deadline.

15. Why should I participate in the WePOWER Track?

To contribute to solving real-world energy challenges, collaborate with innovators, gain recognition, and promote sustainable energy innovations for a better future.

16. Do we need a prototype to participate?

No. Participants can submit their original ideas in any form.

17. Can a team include members from different institutions or countries?

Yes. Teams may be formed from the same institution or multiple institutions, and cross-country teams are also allowed.

18. Is having a mentor mandatory?

Yes. teams are encouraged to seek faculty or industry mentorship for guidance and better project refinement.

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