The HPU team at the online presentation preliminaries for the EnergyTech University Prize 2024 (left to right): Madison Hara, Clarissa Burhan, Brandon Senesan, Matthew Poe.
HPU achieved a significant milestone as a team of four undergraduate engineering students advanced as western regional finalists in the American Made EnergyTech University Prize 2024 (EnergyTech UP).
The team, consisting of Matthew Poe, Madison Hara, Brandon Senesan, and Clarissa Burhan, was recently awarded a $3,000 prize for their innovative business plan titled, “Touchless Electrostatic System for PV Cleaning.” The competition, designed to encourage the identification of promising energy technologies, offers mentorship and resources to support students in their academic pursuits.
“Seeing our student team excel in the EnergyTech University Prize 2024, from regional presentations to securing a spot in the finals at the prestigious Energy Thought Summit in Austin reflects the essence of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit we encourage at the HPU engineering program,” said team faculty advisor, HPU Assistant Professor Arif Rahman, Ph.D. “Their work on the 'Touchless Electrostatic System for PV Cleaning' showcases their technical talent and ability to think critically about market needs and present a compelling business case. As their faculty advisor, I am beyond proud of their dedication and the distinctive opportunity this competition has afforded them to refine and pitch their ideas among the best.”
The EnergyTech UP competition will move into the 'pitch phase' next where HPU, alongside 14 other university teams, will compete for three national prizes and 11 bonus prizes.
Scheduled for April 15 at the Energy Thought Summit in Austin, Texas, the HPU team aims to secure the coveted $50,000 first-place national prize, with second and third places offering rewards of $20,000 and $10,000, respectively. Additionally, the team is in contention for an extra bonus prize of $22,000.
HPU will compete alongside the University of Colorado, Boulder, the University of California, Los Angeles, and Stanford University as western regional finalists.
The EnergyTech UP competition challenges student teams to adeptly identify promising energy technologies, evaluate market potential, and develop comprehensive business plans for successful commercialization, leveraging National Laboratory-developed or emerging energy technologies.
For more information about the EnergyTech UP competition, click here.
