What does this funding get me?

HeroX is a platform that lists challenges to be solved through innovation. Challenges are listed in a variety of categories. Explore challenges. Teams compete for prizes by proposing solutions to the challenges. Winners receive prizes funded by government programs, including the Inflation Reduction Act. The categories most likely to be funded by the IRA include “Non-Profit & Social Impact” and “Energy, Environment & Resources,” but IRA-related challenges could be in other categories as well.

Many of the IRA-related challenges are American-Made Challenges administered by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, such as the Good Jobs in Clean Energy Prize (deadline Jan. 31, 2025) and the Community Power Accelerator Prize to expand access to affordable solar (deadline Dec. 17, 2024).

Funding levels vary by challenge. 

Am I eligible?

That depends on the requirements for each particular challenge.

How can I access the money?

Explore available challenges, gather needed resources and alliances, and apply to solve the challenge. 

What is the timeline?

HeroX has multiple challenges/funding opportunities running simultaneously, some are new and some are recurring and the timelines vary by challenge.  

What other incentives could I use to help me accomplish my goals?

For challenges related to solar energy, you can take advantage of the clean energy investment tax credit for homeowners, nonprofits and businesses

Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for additional incentives that may be offered by your state, local government, or utility, as well as important federal, state, and local policies. For questions regarding DSIRE, contact Justin Lindemann (NC Clean Energy Technology Center) at jplindem@ncsu.edu.

Where can I get more information?