Every year, the Switch Competition—run by Switch Energy Alliance—brings together thousands of university students from around the world to solve real-world challenges in global energy access and equity. These students are tasked with creating innovative, practical, and scalable solutions to issues like energy poverty and grid expansion, and they need guidance from professionals like you.

We invite energy professionals across sectors—engineering, policy, business, economics, environmental science, and more—to participate as mentors or judges in this year’s competition.

Mentor Role

• Time Commitment: 1–2 hours per week for 3 weeks

• Format: Virtual (Zoom/Teams/etc.)

• What You’ll Do:

  • Meet with your assigned student team(s)

  • Offer professional insight, guidance, and encouragement as they develop their solutions

  • Help them think critically about their ideas, but do not solve the problem for them

Mentors can choose to work with one or multiple teams, and all mentoring is done remotely.

Judge Role

• Time Commitment: 2–4 hours total

• Rounds: Preliminary, Semifinal, or Final (you choose)

• What You’ll Do:

  • Watch 10-minute student presentation videos

  • Use a standardized rubric to assess each team’s solution

  • (Final Round only): Attend a live virtual event and Q&A with the finalist teams

Judges also work remotely, and no experience with judging or case competitions is required. SEA provides detailed instructions and scoring guides.

Why Volunteer

• Help shape the careers of students passionate about solving global energy challenges

• Give back to the sector by supporting informed, thoughtful energy dialogue

• Connect with a global community of professionals, students, and educators

• Discover fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to energy problems

Who Should Volunteer

• Professionals in all energy sectors—fossil fuels, renewables, nuclear, utilities, finance, engineering, public policy, development, ESG, and beyond

• Academics, researchers, and graduate students with energy experience

• Retired energy professionals looking to mentor the next generation

Get Involved Today

Whether you have a few hours to mentor a team or a morning to judge submissions, your experience matters.
Sign up to become a mentor or judge for the 2025 Switch Competition!

Let’s empower the next generation of energy leaders—together.