YOUNG PROGRAMME | MEGAWatt Exhibition & Conference

EDISON | MEGAWATT AWARD 2026

UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE
MEGAWATT Young Programme

Your idea can power the future of energy.

Do you have an innovative thesis proposal on energy, power generation, or the energy transition?

The Edison MEGAWATT Award 2026 – University Challenge, MEGAWATT Young Programme was created to give space to the new generation of engineers, recognizing ideas, skills, and visions that can make a concrete contribution to the future of the energy sector.

Promoted by Edison S.p.A. as MAIN Partner of MEGAWATT Exhibition & Conference, the Award offers students the opportunity to present their project in a professional and international setting, before a qualified Jury and industry operators.

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION

DOWNLOAD THE REGULATION

Milan Bergamo Exhibition Center | 18-19 November 2026

For Master's Degree students in Engineering or other STEM disciplines.

MAIN PARTNER

An award recognized for promoting innovation, applied research, and new skills.

Why Participate
A program designed to highlight young talent and connect universities, businesses, and the energy industry.

Pitch at
MEGAWATT

01 Share your thesis concept with experts and industry leaders, receive valuable insights and take the first step toward developing your research.

NETWORKING opportunities

02 Connect with industry experts, recruiters and innovators. Expand your professional network, gain insights and create relationships that could shape your future career.

The winner will have the opportunity to complete a sponsored thesis at Edison S.p.A.'s Milan headquarters before graduation, with an expense reimbursement.

03 Industry-based
thesis

How it Works

Abstract Submission

1

Complete the online application form by submitting your abstract, a brief motivation statement, your CV, and a recommendation letter from your academic supervisor.

Selection of Finalists

The jury will evaluate all submitted proposals and select the five projects with the highest innovative potential, considering their originality, feasibility, and relevance to the challenge.

2 Final Pitch

The five finalists will present their projects live on 19 November during the MEGAWATT Conference, in front of an international audience of industry leaders, energy experts, academics, and institutional representatives.

3

The five finalists will be awarded a two days trip to Edison’s Marghera power plant and Venice. In addition, the overall winner will have the opportunity o complete a sponsored thesis at Edison S.p.A.'s Milan headquarters before graduation, with an expense reimbursement.

4 EDISON Awards

Topics

Application Deadline

October 5, 2026

Title and abstract must be submitted
in either English or Italian.

This thematic area covers topics related to automation and control systems, industrial communication networks, plant digitalisation, and the application of advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence techniques.

Possible areas of investigation include:

application of advanced language models for the management and consultation of technical documentation;
leveraging industrial communication networks for predictive maintenance;
resilience analysis of OT networks with respect to reliability, availability, cybersecurity, and performance;
digital solutions supporting asset management and operational optimisation;
integration and exploitation of plant control system data.

Submit your Abstract

This thematic area is dedicated to the development of methodologies and tools for continuous monitoring of plant performance and the operating condition of key components.

Possible areas of investigation include:

exergy analysis and performance monitoring of power generation plants;
application of data-driven and physics-informed models for monitoring and diagnostics;
use of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques for anomaly detection;
development of performance indicators to support operational and maintenance activities.

Submit your Abstract

This thematic area focuses on the mechanical and thermomechanical behaviour of plant components, with particular attention to reliability, service life, and maintenance strategies.

Possible areas of investigation include:

mechanical and thermal performance of welds and critical components;
technologies and methodologies aimed at reducing steam turbine start-up times;
assessment of residual life and cumulative damage in components subjected to fatigue.

Submit your Abstract

Abstract Submission

Fill out the form to apply for the 2026 Edison MEGAWATT Award - University Challenge, Young Community.

Name

Surname

University

Mobile

Statement of Motivation for Participation in the Award

Topic Selection

Control Systems, Digitalisation and Industrial Networks

Mechanical Engineering and Component Reliability

Performance Monitoring and Plant Diagnostics

Thesis Proposal Title

Abstract

Thesis Supervisor's Letter of Recommendation

Curriculum vitae

I declare that the materials submitted are my original work or that I hold the necessary rights to submit them. I authorize the Organizers and Edison to review and use these materials for the purposes of evaluating and administering the Challenge and, should I be selected as a finalist, to use photographs, video recordings, and presentation materials for communication and promotional purposes related to the Challenge and the MEGAWATT event.

I declare that I have read and accepted the Privacy Notice and consent to the processing of my personal data for the purposes of managing my application and participation in the Challenge, in accordance with applicable data protection laws and Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR).

For any questions regarding the abstract submission, rules and selection process, please contact:

ABSTRACT@MEGAWATTEXPO.COM

For any questions regarding the Prize, please contact:

viola.asadcheva@edison.it

carla.iacobini@edison.it

Ancora 1 Abstract submission