The Florida High Tech Corridor is a regional convener of the EnergyTech University Prize (EnergyTech UP) competition, which challenges post-secondary student teams of two or more to build a business plan around high-potential energy technologies for the chance to win federal funding. This prize is sponsored by the Department of Energy’s (DOE) OTT, as well as several other program offices. EnergyTech UP, in partnership with American-Made Challenges, is designed to be approachable, equitable, and scalable nationwide. Winners are chosen based on the strength of their business proposals. Participating students are provided with a curated list of National Lab technologies that are ready for commercialization and that can be used for their business plan.
Starting in 2024, EnergyTech UP offers the ability for both students and faculty to compete in their own respective tracks.
Students: Develop and present a business plan that leverages National Laboratory-developed or other emerging energy technologies developed by students, faculty, or industry. Throughout the competition, they receive mentorship and materials to help them succeed, all while competing for part of $400,000+ in cash prizes.
Faculty: Develop and implement educational activities to engage more students in energy technology commercialization and entrepreneurship topics at their institution. While faculty have always been, and remain, welcome and encouraged to mentor a team competing in EnergyTech UP, this new track is designed to incentivize and support faculty directly, with $100,000 in cash prizes available.
About the Prize
This prize is sponsored by DOE’s OTT, as well as several other program offices. EnergyTech UP, in partnership with American-Made Challenges, is designed to be approachable, equitable, and scalable nationwide. Winners are chosen based on the strength of their business proposals. Participating students are provided with a curated list of National Lab technologies that are ready for commercialization and that can be used for their business plan.
How to Compete
Are you a collegiate student or faculty member interested in transitioning energy technologies to market? The EnergyTech University Prize is for you! Here are next steps you can take to get started:
Indicate your interest in competing by filling out this interest form
Sign up to compete on HeroX, the official competition platform.
Read the official prize rules
Join the next 2024 informational webinar on Jan. 23, 2024.
Learn about DOE National Lab-developed energy technologies to use for this competition on the OTT Lab Partnering Service.
Send questions about EnergyTech UP to ott.energytechup@nrel.gov.
2024 Important Dates
Please see the official timeline in HeroX for the most current schedule of events. All dates are subject to change, including contest openings, deadlines, and announcements.
Contact
For more information about the regional EnergyTech UP competition hosted by The Corridor, contact Davena Brothers at davena.brothers@floridahightech.com.
Please direct general questions about EnergyTech UP to ott.energytechup@nrel.gov.