About the Innovator

Founded in 2009 by three passionate students in Alberta, and now headquartered in Calgary and Vancouver, Student Energy was created to provide young people with opportunities to engage directly with decision-makers in the energy sector. It is a unique social innovation that is empowering youth around the world to create a healthier environment and more innovative economy. What makes it truly innovative is that it runs on a youth empowerment model—with programs that are tailored to the distinct needs of its youth network, and which create an enabling environment for youth to become and remain motivated about driving the low-carbon transition in their communities. Student Energy works with a network of 50,000 young people from over 120 countries to build the knowledge, skills, and networks they need to take action on energy. This includes over 50 university chapters in more than 30 countries—including Indonesia, Peru, Nigeria, and The Netherlands. In Canada, Student Energy has grown to become Canada’s largest youth-led energy organization, comprising a national network of over 5,000 young people, including 1,500 Indigenous youth, with 7 university chapters across 6 provinces. Collaboration with governments, companies and stakeholders across the clean energy ecosystem remains at the core of how it works.