By Chamika Sudsinghe, Vice Chair, IEEE Students & Young Professionals
At IEEE Young Professionals (YP), we are committed to developing engaging programs and initiatives for our members and communities worldwide. Through IEEE YP, we provide opportunities for YPs to explore their career interests, enhance their professional presence, and build relationships with others who share their passion for technology. In alignment with IEEE’s mission of “Advancing Technology for Humanity,” some of our most notable initiatives focus on Technical Activities in the areas of climate and sustainability, innovation hubs, and mentoring.
Climate Change
Building upon the success of the last two years, the Climate and Sustainability Subcommittee (CSSC) led several initiatives this year. Among the main targets of the year is to engage effectively with the United Nations Framework Convention of Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). This is aimed at creating a long-term partnership with the central climate knowledge and convening bodies of the world and ensuring the young professionals’ contributions. Furthermore, the activities this year are oriented towards engaging with the Technology for a Sustainable Climate Matrix Organization (TSCMO) in IEEE, in streamlining the YP-led climate and sustainability work with broader IEEE efforts, with the intention of spreading the messaging meaningfully.
Our Climate and Sustainability Subcommittee (CSSC) recently co-organized an event during the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Bonn, Germany, during the June Climate Meetings (SB62). We collaborated with Connected Advocacy and the Sikh Human Rights Group under the theme, “Connecting Local Designs with Sustainable Climate Actions.” Leading voices from science, engineering, civil society, and youth movements, including the Vice Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), European Young Engineers, Instituto de Estudos Socioeconômicos (INESC), and grassroots climate activists, joined the discussion. The dialogue emphasized the need for scientists, engineers, and policymakers to collaborate with local communities when designing sustainable climate actions. Doing so would not only ensure that vulnerable communities are actively involved in the decision-making process but also that these initiatives are community-led.
In April, we were present at the Energy Security Summit convened by the International Energy Agency and highlighted the key role young professionals are playing in the space of energy transition and energy security, and the leadership potential they hold. In June, we co-organized the 3rd Marine Energy Technologies (MET) Online Conference in conjunction with the Industrial Electronics Society-India Chapter, featuring high-profile individuals from academia and industry. Speakers discussed emerging solutions in areas such as ocean power, floating solar panels, and marine hydrogen systems. During an informational webinar, Grayson Randall, Chair of the IEEE Humanitarian Technologies Board (HTB), introduced our members to humanitarian technology opportunities within IEEE, highlighting those available through HTB programs, the Special Interest Group on Humanitarian Technology (SIGHT) initiatives, and pathways for engagement. Lastly, a series titled “Future Landscapes of Resilience, Impact, and Climate” was launched in partnership with TSCMO, which is designed to facilitate in-depth conversations on the key dimensions of resilience, adaptation, and future pathways to community integration of related optimal solutions.
Digital Transformation and Innovations
Our Digital Transformation and Innovations Hubs Subcommittee (IHSC) focuses on initiatives that advance innovation, sustainability, and engagement on a global scale. We joined forces with IEEE Entrepreneurship and Student Activities for the CleanTech Grand Challenge as part of the IEEE Global Startup Competition. There were over 175 applications from more than 40 countries, demonstrating its global reach and impact. As the challenge moves into the mentorship phase, the semi-finalists are preparing to pitch their startups at the IEEE Technology Summit, which will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, in October. We are also a partner of the IEEE Metaverse Grand Challenge, which spotlights simulation-based learning for societal impact. In partnership with IEEE Metaverse, attendees participated in an informational webinar series, culminating in activities focused on proposal support. It has drawn 131 expressions of interest from 24 countries, an indicator of global enthusiasm. Meanwhile, the AI–Energy Nexus Certification Program, a collaboration with IRENA, has been spotlighted at IRENA Innovation Week and the ITU WSIS+20 Summit, with curriculum development underway. Lastly, the IEEE Innovation Cafe aims to spark grassroots innovation through local meetups and hybrid networking events, with pilots planned for Q3 2025.
Together, these initiatives exemplify IHSC’s mission to foster future-oriented leadership and interdisciplinary collaboration. By strategically engaging students and YPs through global partnerships, practical skill-building, and inclusive innovation ecosystems, these programs can provide scalable blueprints for community-led transformation. Now entering high-impact implementation phases, each initiative advances IEEE YP IHSC’s vision for a more connected, empowered, and sustainable professional and innovation ecosystem. Later in the year, we are geared up to hold impactful events at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York and the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM16) in Busan to strengthen the communication of the work of YPs to the outer world.
Mentoring
During the upcoming IEEE TEMSCON Global 2025 conference, we will host a Mentoring Meet session on Wednesday, August 6th. This session provides a unique opportunity for attendees to connect with industry leaders from companies such as Honeywell, Philips, Siemens, and Volvo, who have transitioned from individual contributors to leadership roles. It’s an opportunity for those interested in leadership positions to gain valuable insights and advice for advancing their careers.
As part of our commitment to enhancing the experiences of our members, we fund events that align with our objectives for the development of Young Professionals, with maximum awards ranging from $500 to $1,500, depending on the event type. This year, we have received 27 applications for Society and Council events, and after various scrutiny, the team approved 10 of them. Of the 10 events, 3 were “Local Activities”, five were “Meet-Up” events to support IEEE members in specific geographical locations as they networked and sought new professional relationships. Lastly, we funded two Student Transition and Elevation Partnerships (STEPs) to bring together IEEE students with IEEE YP as they transition from academia to industry.
For more information about IEEE Young Professionals, including our calendar and engagement opportunities, please visit https://yp.ieee.org. If you would like to collaborate on an upcoming event, please get in touch with .
