The winners of the contest, announced by Shtigen Group in collaboration with the Awesome Nature Armenia environmental initiative, have been revealed. The creators of the “Sun Collector” and “Solar Stop” projects were awarded grants of AMD 300,000 each to bring their ideas to life.

The “Sun Collector” project, set to be implemented in Jermuk, involves creating a solar device made from tin cans. This device is designed to heat indoor air, particularly in remote villages or locations with limited heating options. Meanwhile, the “Solar Stop” project will be realized in the Zangakatun community, where solar panels will ensure constant lighting, providing travelers with a well-lit place to rest.

“I didn’t pursue any personal gain while designing the solar stop. My aim was to create a project that benefits community development, promotes the use of renewable energy, and protects nature. This stop will also be attractive to tourists, offering a place to relax, recharge, and shelter from the elements. It will always be bright here, with the possibility of charging mobile phones,” said Gevorg Margaryan, the author of the “Solar Stop” project.

Gor Avagyan, the winner of the “Sun Collector” project, also highlighted the potential for his idea to spread to other regions and settlements. “In Jermuk, we’ve already started collecting tin cans to begin the project. People are excited to learn about our goal. I hope that over time, this idea will grow, and other communities will start implementing similar projects.”

The Awesome Sunrise contest was the result of a collaboration between Shtigen Group’s “Sunrise” project and the Awesome Nature Armenia environmental initiative. The contest aimed to unite creators from across Armenia, regardless of age, to design, create, or invest in alternative, self-made energy sources using available materials, thereby promoting the concept of energy independence.

More than 20 applications were submitted from various regions of Armenia. “The energy and environmental challenges facing our country demand that we pool our efforts. We launched this project with great enthusiasm. While our organization has previously funded environmental projects, this was the first time we focused on energy solutions alongside environmental ones. Shtigen, the company with the most extensive history in the field of renewable energy in Armenia, shares our values and concerns,” said Vahe Salahyan, one of the trustee-coordinators of the Awesome Nature Armenia environmental initiative.

Arpi Harutyunyan, head of Shtigen Group’s public relations department, emphasized that the Awesome Sunrise project sets a new standard for responsibility, implemented as part of the group’s corporate national responsibility. “While we were still in Artsakh, we decided to launch this project to help alleviate the energy crisis for our compatriots. However, the events of September changed our plans. Despite this, we remained committed to the idea,” said Arpi Harutyunyan. “In this ever-changing world, especially in our region, our country is vulnerable to energy crises. The more prepared we are, even at the micro-level, the quicker we can overcome these challenges. Supporting innovative ideas is in line with our company’s values, and this project fully aligned with our goals,” she added.