The EnergyTech University Prize (EnergyTech UP) continues to shine as a premier platform for student entrepreneurs committed to advancing clean energy innovation.
Office of Technology Transitions
June 6, 2024
minute read time
The EnergyTech University Prize (EnergyTech UP) continues to shine as a premier platform for student entrepreneurs committed to advancing clean energy innovation. Hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Technology Transitions (OTT), the EnergyTech UP 2024 National Pitch Event showcased the brightest minds of aspiring collegiate students from business and science backgrounds. Held on April 15 at the Energy Thought Summit in Austin, Texas, this year’s event featured 28 finalist teams, all vying for their share of more than $360,000 in awards.
A Celebration of Innovation and Creativity
The theme of this year’s summit, “Imagine,” highlighted the power of envisioning a future transformed by clean energy. Students from 225 teams representing 117 schools nationwide initially entered the competition, with teams first pitching their business plans at regional events. The top teams earned their place at the culminating national competition in Austin, bringing a diverse array of clean energy solutions.
Passionate Participants and Diverse Solutions
The 28 finalist teams presented their projects to a panel of industry experts. Despite the high stakes, with a top prize of $50,000, the atmosphere was one of mutual support and camaraderie. Participants expressed admiration for the breadth of innovative solutions on display. Joe Simon, the EnergyTech UP program lead and National Pitch Event host, kept spirits high with his energy-themed humor, ensuring that the event was as enjoyable as it was educational.
A member from Team Biosmass to Jet Fuel of the University of Arkansas shared, “Participation in this event transforms our potential into action. It’s a meaningful step towards commercializing a technology that can truly make a sustainable impact.
Awards and Recognition
The review panel, along with the final judge, OTT’s Principal Deputy Director Marcos Gonzales Harsha, were impressed by the creativity and potential of the presented technologies. “Every year, we are amazed by the innovation and thought that teams put into their business plans,” said Harsha.
The top prizes were awarded to the following teams:
- First Place ($50,000): Team Rise Reforming from The University of Chicago, for their entry on reforming biofuel production.
- Second Place ($20,000): Team ProPika from the University of Arkansas, focused on converting biomass to jet fuel.
- Third Place ($10,000): Team Ion Clean PV from Hawai’i Pacific University, for a waterless electrostatic cleaning technology for solar panels.
Additionally, 13 teams won $22,000 each in various bonus categories, recognizing innovations across a range of technologies. Bonus prizes were provided by the following DOE Program Offices:
- Building Technologies Office
- Geothermal Technologies Office
- Hydrogen Fuel Technologies Office
- Office of Electricity (supported three bonus prizes)
- Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management
- Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains
- Office of Nuclear Energy
- Office of Technology Transitions (supported two bonus prizes)
- Solar Energy Technologies Office
- Water Power Technologies Office
Student Perspectives
The EnergyTech UP competition not only provides financial support but also invaluable experience in pitching, product exposure, and networking. A member of team EcoGrains from the University of Notre Dame added, “The amount of exposure to actually starting a business, gaining real traction, and all the difficulties and processes that go into making this a reality.”
Faculty Track Winners
This year also marked the inaugural Faculty Track within EnergyTech UP, aimed at encouraging collegiate faculty to foster energy entrepreneurship at their institutions. The Faculty Track awarded $100,000 in cash prizes to faculty members who showed promising ideas and efforts in advancing energy entrepreneurship from the classroom.
The winners of the Faculty Track were:
- First Place ($25,000): Dr. Maryam Younessi Sinaki, Cleveland State University
- Second Place ($15,000): Dr. Brien Walton, Husson University
- Third Place ($10,000): Dr. Kassandra McQuillen, Texas Tech University
Looking Ahead
As EnergyTech UP prepares for its 2025 iteration, it continues to foster a community of innovators dedicated to sustainable energy solutions. For those interested in joining this exciting journey, the EnergyTech UP page on HeroX, the official competition platform, provides updates and information on how to get involved.
The future of clean energy is bright, and these student entrepreneurs are lighting the way. With their passion and innovative ideas, the path to a sustainable future looks promising indeed.