The Energy Innovation Challenge (EIC)

Are you ready to be part of a company that's not just talking about the future, but actively shaping it? Join The AES Corporation, the largest US-based global power company with a team of 8,300 employees across 12 countries.

AES has been ranked #1 by BloombergNEF in renewable energy sales to corporations in the US and Americas for five consecutive years, providing electricity for millions of people worldwide.

We are proud to foster a strong workplace culture, earning prominent positions in Great Place to Work™ rankings across the markets where we operate. AES was also named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the 13th consecutive year in 2026, highlighting our dedication to integrity, transparency, and responsible business practices.

Our spirit of innovation continues to earn industry recognition. AES is the only seven-time winner of the Edison Electric Institute’s Edison Awards in the twenty-first century, a distinction honoring global leadership in advancing the electric power industry.

If you're ready to be part of a company that's not just adapting to change, but driving it, AES is the place for you. We're not just building a more sustainable future, we're powering it. Apply now and energize your career with a true leader in global energy.

The Energy Innovation Challenge (EIC), sponsored by The AES Corporation, is an energy case competition that brings together graduate students to tackle real-world challenges shaping the future of the energy industry. This case competition allows teams of students to engage with industry professionals and simulate a pitch in a corporate environment, building problem-solving, presentation, and teamwork skills.

What we are looking for in applicants:

• Students from areas such as engineering, public policy, finance, sustainability, business, environmental studies, or related disciplines
• A strong interest in the energy sector and the future of innovation
• Passion for solving complex challenges at the intersection of technology, business, policy, and sustainability

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Team Size: Teams must consist of 3 to 5 students
• Education Level: All applicants must be currently enrolled in a graduate degree program or an equivalent program
• Interdisciplinary Requirement: Teams must include students from at least 2 different degree programs
• Academic Institution: All team members must be enrolled at the same university

Why Participate?

• Connect your studies to your current and future career
• Network with energy professionals
• Engage with a unique company that works across the energy value chain
• Create solutions to help solve the energy industry’s biggest current issues

Challenge Prize:

1st place: $10,000 to the team and $1,000 to the charity of the team’s choice.

2nd place: $5,000 to the team and $1,000 to the charity of the team’s choice.

Both first and second place teams win an interview conversation with AES hiring teams.

Applications are now open and close on September 28th.

to apply.