Community Development

The Jonathan Merage Foundation Partners with the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

The Jonathan Merage Foundation proudly sponsored the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon. The event took place in Denver from October 5th-15th and featured the housing designs of 11 collegiate teams. The sponsorship supported the collegiate teams who participated in the housing competition, challenging each DOE Solar Decathlon team to design and build a full-sized, solar-powered house that showcases cutting-edge materials and strategies, smart home systems, and energy- and water-efficient products that reduce energy and water use without sacrificing the comfort of modern conveniences.

The foundation was interested in sponsoring projects related to alternative, non-centralized energy production. We wanted to provide additional opportunities for students participating in the decathlon.

Jonathan Merage

The sponsorship from the Jonathan Merage Foundation was allocated to the team funds, specifically the housing competition winners.

On Sunday, the competition came to an end and acknowledged the innovative designs of the top teams. The Swiss Team won the competition, with the Maryland team taking second and the combined team from UC Berkeley and the University of Denver placing third. Many of the teams then began to pack their housesto have them transported to their final destinations. Some houses though will be staying in Denver thanks to the City of Denver. Missouri S & T sold their house to the city and the Daytona Beach team is also considering selling their home.