L Prize

The original competition, launched in 2008, focused on an LED replacement for the common 60-watt light bulb and this L-Prize was awarded in 2011.

[1] The L-Prize competition to develop LED replacements for PAR38 halogen lamps was launched but received no entries and was suspended in 2014.

Challenging technical requirements put in place by DOE are intended to stimulate creative approaches that would raise the bar for efficacy, quality of light, connectivity, and life cycle environmental impact.

The Concept Phase completed in February 2022, with four winners announced by Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm:[4] The L-Prize Prototype Phase invited physical, working prototype systems that emphasized technological innovation and challenged competitors to think outside the standard forms, materials, and price points of commercially available products.

Up to four competitors earning the most points based on innovation, U.S. content, production, and installation will share an award of $10 million.

L Prize winning bulb on the right and its technological precursor on the left
A set of six tiles which show L-Prize achievement areas: efficacy; quality of light; connectivity; product life cycle; technical innovation; and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
L-Prize winners must demonstrate exceptional achievement across all areas.