The EnergyTech University Prize (EnergyTech UP) continues to shine as the premier platform for student entrepreneurs committed to driving clean energy innovation. Organized by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Technology Transition (OTT), the EnergyTech UP 2024 national pitch event showcased the brightest minds of aspiring university students with backgrounds in business and science. This year’s event, held on April 15 at the Energy Thought Summit in Austin, Texas, featured 28 finalist teams competing for more than $360,000 in prize money.
A celebration of innovation and creativity
This year’s summit theme, “Imagine,” highlighted the power of envisioning a clean energy transformed future. 225 student teams representing 117 schools across the country initially participated in the competition, with teams first presenting their business plans at regional events. Top teams advanced to the national finals in Austin, proposing a variety of clean energy solutions.
Enthusiastic participants and diverse solutions
The 28 finalist teams presented their projects to a panel of industry experts. Despite the steep $50,000 first place prize, the atmosphere was one of mutual support and camaraderie. Attendees were amazed at the breadth of innovative solutions on display. Joe Simon, EnergyTech UP program lead and host of the National Pitch Event, kept the room lively with his energy-themed humor, ensuring the event was both fun and educational.
“Participating in this event puts our potential into action. This is a meaningful step toward commercializing a technology that can have a true sustainable impact,” said members of the University of Arkansas’ Biomass Jet Fuel team.
Awards and Recognition
The judging panel and finalist, Marcos Gonzalez Harsha, Principal Deputy Director of OTT, were impressed with the creativity and potential of the technologies presented. “Every year we are amazed by the innovation and thought the teams put into their business plans,” said Harsha.
The grand prize was awarded to the following teams:
1st place ($50,000): Team Rise Reforming from the University of Chicago, for their entry on reforming biofuel production. 2nd place ($20,000): Team ProPika from the University of Arkansas, focused on converting biomass into jet fuel. 3rd place ($10,000): Team Ion Clean PV from Hawaii Pacific University, for their waterless electrostatic cleaning technology for solar panels.
Additionally, 13 teams were recognized for their innovations in a variety of technologies, winning $22,000 each in various bonus categories. Bonus prizes were provided by the following DOE program offices:
Building Technology OfficeGeothermal Technology OfficeHydrogen Fuel Technology OfficeElectricity Office (supports 3 bonus awards)Fossil Energy and Carbon Management OfficeManufacturing and Energy Supply Chain OfficeNuclear Energy OfficeTechnology Transition Office (supports 2 bonus awards)Solar Energy Technology OfficeHydroelectric Technology Office
