Innovation: Nexans partners with the Edison Innovation Foundation
The Edison Innovation Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports the Thomas Edison legacy by encouraging students to pursue careers in science, technology and mathematics (STEM). The Foundation is also committed to training the next generation of pioneers to solve tomorrow’s energy challenges.
By partnering with the Foundation since 2022, Nexans is proud to be a part of the Edison legacy and actively participates in the transition to sustainable energy in North America and around the world.
As a Gold Partner, Nexans co-sponsors the Thomas Edison Pitch Contest with the Edison Innovation Foundation. This annual competition is open to US middle and high school students and encourages invention, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Nexans-Edison Award
In its role as Gold sponsor, Nexans is on the panel of judges for the Nexans-Edison Award, which recognizes the team of students that innovatively integrates alternative energy into its project. The award spotlights the creative use of sustainable energy sources, such as wind and solar power. By encouraging the early adoption of renewable energy in school projects, Nexans and the Edison Innovation Foundation are raising students’ awareness to the environment and the shift towards a more sustainable future.
The 2023 Nexans-Edison Special Award highlighted the use of alternative renewable energy in the projects submitted and gave the honor to the most innovative use of this energy. The winning team invented a solar-powered robot that cleans solar panels, boosting their efficiency and saving consumers money on maintenance while maximizing energy production.
Supporting girls in STEM
The Edison Innovation Foundation encourages girls and minorities to take up careers in STEM (science, technology and mathematics). Created in 2010, the Thomas Edison Pitch Contest not only provides students with the chance to learn more about STEM but also brings more opportunities to the most underrepresented communities, including women. At present, almost 60% of participants are girls, and 80% of them reach the final round.