USDA EnergyTech University Prize

The U.S. Department of Energy’s EnergyTech University Prize (EnergyTech UP) has $595,000 in total cash prizes distributed to as many as 27 student teams who present a business plan for emerging energy technologies and to at least 10 faculty who create a plan for increasing energy technology commercialization and entrepreneurship activities at their institution.

The competition is open to students and faculty at all levels and has $25,000 bonus prizes for specific technologies like geothermal, nuclear, solar, water, and hydrogen. There are also $25,000 bonus prizes specifically for undergraduate teams, for teams from minority serving institutions, from Alaska, and for those who find technologies at www.labpartnering.org and present a new business plan for commercializing that technology.

Our Interest Form is open, and our Rules are released, and our next informational webinar is Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. ET. We encourage you to register yourself and to invite others to learn more about our program and how to succeed.

EnergyTech UP is an opportunity for students to gain career-building experience and for faculty to elevate energy-focused activities, all while competing for prizes, gaining mentorship, and networking with peers. Designed to be equitable and accessible, winners are chosen based only on the quality of the plan and presentation, and 225 student teams who register by February 3, 2025 will be invited to present virtually to judges in March 2025 and over 25 finalists will win awards and be invited to the national event.