Google and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Power Electronics Society are offering $1 million for researchers who are able to shrink an inverter - essential for converting direct current from devices such as solar panels and batteries into alternating current for use in homes, businesses, and cars - down to the size of a laptop (a reduction of > 10× in volume).  Interested applicants must register their team no later than Sept. 30, 2014 to compete. For details and application guidelines, click here. Google and IEE will also be offering several grants to academics on high-power density inverters​relating to the Little Box Challenge. For details on how to apply, click here.