AUC ANNOUNCES FINALISTS FOR INAUGURAL SOLAR DECATHLON DESIGN CHALLENGE – AFRICA

The American University in Cairo (AUC) announced the 21 finalist teams for the inaugural Solar Decathlon Design Challenge – Africa 2025 (SDDC-A), marking a major milestone in sustainable design and innovation across the continent. Selected from more than 60 competitive submissions, the finalist teams will compete in the final round at AUC’s New Cairo campus on March 25–26, 2026.

The competition, hosted for the first time in Africa and organized by AUC in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy and the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, challenges students to design high-performance, low-carbon buildings powered by renewable energy and tailored to Africa’s diverse climates, cultures and social contexts.

The Solar Decathlon Design Challenge promotes whole-building design approaches that integrate energy efficiency, renewable energy, resilience, affordability, and social impact. During the semi-final stage, teams addressed real-world challenges related to carbon emissions, energy justice, economic accessibility, and community development, demonstrating technical depth, creativity and environmental responsibility.

As the host institution, AUC provides a fitting platform for this landmark event. Recognized as the most sustainable university in Africa and Egypt in 2021 and 2022 by the UI GreenMetric World University Ranking, AUC is also a signatory to the UN-backed Race to Zero Campaign, reinforcing its commitment to advancing climate action, sustainability education, and innovation.

“The Solar Decathlon Design Challenge is an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their creativity and technical excellence in sustainable design,” said Khaled Tarabieh, associate professor of sustainable design and University architect at AUC. “By bringing together students and professionals from across the continent, this competition fosters collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the celebration of Africa’s unique architectural identity and environmental solutions.”

Finalist teams competed across two main divisions: Residential, which includes single-family and multifamily housing, and Commercial and Service, which covers education, commercial, and community buildings. Projects were evaluated based on mastery of the ten Solar Decathlon contests, which collectively assess energy performance, engineering integration, architectural quality, resilience, innovation, affordability, and social impact. Teams were challenged to design net-zero energy buildings that also respect local traditions, preserve natural resources, and contribute to long-term economic development.

The selection of finalists was conducted by a panel of 27 independent international jurors representing 22 leading institutions and organizations across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Jury members included experts from MIT, Columbia University, University College London, and Hassan Allam Construction, among others, ensuring a robust and diverse evaluation process.

The 21 finalist teams represent the highest level of collegiate talent from across the continent. Participating institutions include AUC, Helwan University, Cairo University, The British University in Egypt, NewGiza University, and Al Shorouk Academy in Egypt; Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique, the National School of Architecture in Rabat, EMSI, Université Mundiapolis, Al Akhawayn University, and Cadi Ayyad University in Morocco; the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Pan-Atlantic University, the University of Lagos, and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture in Nigeria; Makerere University in Uganda, the Catholic University of Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and UEM FAPF in Mozambique; and the University of Khartoum in Sudan.

“We were impressed not only by the number of submissions, but also by the resilience, creativity, and technical sophistication demonstrated by the students,” said Sherif Goubran, assistant professor of sustainable architecture at AUC and co-chair of the organizing committee. “The finalists selected today represent the future leaders who will shape Africa’s built environment in a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient direction,” he added.

The finalist teams will submit their final technical documentation by February 17, 2026. They will then gather at AUC’s New Cairo campus for the final competition event, where they will present their work in person to compete for division awards and the overall grand winner title.