March 26, 2026
Arevon AIRE Competition Returns for Second Year, Spotlighting Local Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Arevon and California State University Dominguez Hills hosted the second annual Arevon Applied Innovation Renewable Energy Competition.
CARSON, Calif. (March 26, 2026) — Arevon, a leading American renewable energy developer, owner, and operator, in conjunction with California State University Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), hosted its second annual Arevon Applied Innovation Renewable Energy (AIRE) Competition on March 12, bringing together students, faculty, Carson city leaders, and industry experts to showcase innovative ideas and solutions in renewable energy.
The competition, which is open to students at both CSUDH and local community colleges, invites participants to identify and pursue innovative renewable energy concepts and technologies that can provide financial and social benefits to their communities. This year, 16 teams pitched their ideas to two panels of judges, presenting their projects in both a showcase and formal pitch format.
Arevon awarded a total of $30,000 in prizes to support students’ higher education and help advance their project concepts toward real-world implementation. Awards included first-, second-, and third-place prizes, as well as recognition in special categories such as Best Prototype, Most Creative, Best Display, Audience Choice, and Biggest Community Impact.
Justin Johnson, Chief Executive Officer at Arevon, praised the ingenuity of this year’s projects and offered words of advice for the contestants moving forward, “Seeing these students’ passion for renewable energy, combined with the knowledge they’ve gained through their education, come to life in these concepts was truly inspiring. Arevon was proud to support this competition again this year and looks forward to continuing to empower the next generation of energy innovators.”
City of Carson Councilmember Arleen Rojas and Mayor pro Tem Cedric L. Hicks Sr., alongside Johnson, CSUDH’s Director of Sustainability Ellie Perry, and DoubleTree’s Kristina Kovacic, participated in a Q&A with final contestants, asking essential questions related to city safety, community impact, and project implementation.
The winners of the 2026 AIRE Competition were:
- 1st Place: CSUDH, Soltanda ($10,000)
- 2nd Place: CSUDH, Solar Safestop ($7,500)
- 3rd Place: CSUDH, Anexa ($2,500)
- Best Prototype: CSUDH, Charge Gym ($2,000)
- Most Creative: CSUDH, The Legacy Forest Project ($2,000)
- Best Display: CSUDH, BioCharge ($2,000)
- Audience Choice: CSUDH, The Thermal Anchor ($2,000)
- Biggest Community Impact: Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, Big Chiquito Recycle ($2,000)
About California State University, Dominguez Hills
California State University, Dominguez Hills cultivates an academic community committed to justice, equity, and inclusion—one that fosters a sense of belonging and advances social mobility for our graduates. For more than five decades, we have provided knowledge, talent, and leadership to Southern California and beyond. Strategically located to bring educational pathways to underserved communities in the aftermath of the 1965 Watts Rebellion, we proudly educate many first-generation college students. Ranked first in the nation for expanding college access and increasing economic opportunities, CSUDH delivers a transformative education that is grounded in culturally sustaining practices, innovative research, creativity, and community engagement. We are dedicated to fostering students’ critical inquiry, career readiness, and passion for lifelong learning—ensuring that upon graduation, students are equipped to lead and thrive in the industries shaping the future. For more information, visit csudh.edu.
About Arevon Energy, Inc.
Arevon is a U.S. energy leader committed to powering America with affordable, reliable, and secure homegrown energy. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, and with a regional office in New York City, the company’s experienced and dedicated team develops, finances, builds, owns, and operates renewable energy projects nationwide. With a strong track record in utility-scale solar and energy storage, Arevon is a trusted partner to utilities and businesses seeking cost-effective, sustainable energy solutions. By prioritizing American manufacturing and domestic energy production, the company invests in U.S. jobs, strengthens local economies, and advances the country’s energy independence.
Arevon owns and operates more than 6 gigawatts (GW) of solar and energy storage projects across 18 states, representing more than $11 billion in capital investment, and is currently constructing more than 670 megawatts (MW) of new capacity. The company also partnered with local utilities to develop and build 480 MW of solar energy, ensuring each project was successfully integrated into their communities. In the last two years, Arevon has completed $5.1 billion in project financings and closed on a $600 million corporate revolver to fund continued company growth. With a 7 GW development portfolio and continued investment in new projects, Arevon is solidifying its role as a leader in powering an American energy future. For more information, visit arevonenergy.com.
Media Contact
Blair Matocha, Vice President of Communications
Arevon Energy, Inc.
bmatocha@arevonenergy.com
(713) 898-1325