The AES Corp. is launching an open innovation contest targeted at improving the safety and increasing the availability of power plants through unmanned inspections in extreme heat.
AES, a Fortune 200 global power company, provides energy to 17 countries through a portfolio of distribution businesses, as well as thermal and renewable generation facilities.
“Engaging and collaborating with great thinkers outside our company and industry allows us to extend our internal innovation capabilities to create the best solutions for the future,” said Andrés Gluski, president and CEO of AES.
To further its efforts to create a safer, smarter workplace, AES says it is launching the contest in partnership with NineSigma, a company that connects organizations with external resources to accelerate innovation in private, public and social sectors.
AES is looking for innovative unmanned technologies to conduct inspection work in extreme heat, keep workers safe and improve energy availability by getting plants back online more quickly.
AES is requesting responses and potential solutions from other companies, consultants, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs or inventors. Three winners will be recognized and rewarded at AES’ Innovation Congress, held at the company’s corporate headquarters in the Washington, D.C., metro area in July 2017.
The company is accepting proposals through Feb. 28, 2017.
