The EPICS in IEEE initiative has achieved a historic milestone by funding an unprecedented number of community-driven technology projects in 2025, as reported by the article “EPICS in IEEE Funds Record-Breaking Number of Projects” published on StartupNews.fyi. According to the report, the program has significantly expanded its global footprint, enabling a large cohort of students and volunteers to apply engineering solutions to urgent societal challenges.
EPICS in IEEE—short for Engineering Projects in Community Service—was founded to harness the technical expertise of university students and professional engineers in addressing real-world problems within their local communities. Managed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the initiative has long served as a vital platform for socially responsible engineering. This year, however, marks a peak in both participation and scale, highlighting the growing importance of service-learning within STEM education and professional development.
The article on StartupNews.fyi attributes the record-breaking numbers in part to broader awareness campaigns and increased financial backing from corporate and institutional partners. In 2025 alone, the initiative supported more than 100 new projects across 40 countries, spanning areas such as clean energy access, disaster response technology, and inclusive education tools. These projects are not only student-led but also developed in collaboration with local nonprofit organizations and community stakeholders, ensuring relevance and long-term sustainability.
Notably, many of this year’s initiatives reflect a conscious effort to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to clean water, affordable energy, quality education, and climate action. One highlighted project involved the creation of a solar-powered filtration system for a remote village lacking potable water, while another developed a low-cost Braille learning device for schoolchildren with visual impairments.
The strategic emphasis on underserved communities also underscores EPICS in IEEE’s ongoing commitment to equity and access. StartupNews.fyi notes that the initiative placed special focus on projects from regions historically underrepresented in engineering R&D, including Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of Latin America.
IEEE leadership has framed the milestone as indicative of both a cultural and educational shift, in which engineers are increasingly expected to apply their skills toward ethical and humanitarian outcomes. “This is not just about teaching students to be better engineers,” said one IEEE spokesperson. “It’s about teaching them to be ethical problem-solvers who understand their role in the broader social fabric.”
While EPICS in IEEE has been operating for over a decade, this latest achievement suggests a new phase of growth for the program. With increased visibility and support, the model could influence other engineering education programs and philanthropic efforts seeking to link technical training with social impact.
As institutions worldwide grapple with crises exacerbated by climate change, inequality, and digital divides, the success of EPICS in IEEE signals a growing recognition that sustainable solutions often arise from grassroots engagement fused with specialized knowledge. By scaling its reach and deepening its impact, the initiative is setting a new standard for how engineering can serve as a force for good.
