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American-Made Challenges

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Science Synthesis Prize

Generate new and comprehensive knowledge on the current state of science in renewable integration with the $125,000 Science Synthesis Prize
stage:
Informational Webinar (tentative)
prize:
$125,000
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Summary

Summary

As new renewable energy technologies are developed and integrated into the electric grid, there continues to be new areas of opportunity and challenges that must be addressed. The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Electricity (OE) invites graduate students, researchers, industry partners, and key stakeholders to apply for the American-Made Science Synthesis Prize: Identifying Key Barriers to Renewable Integration. 

Through this $125,000 prize, applicants are tasked with thoroughly analyzing the landscape of the renewable energy integration theory and practice and challenged to highlight pivotal opportunities, solutions, and areas of investment for addressing integration complications.

Competitors will form robust teams to develop an in-depth and cohesive research paper that highlights state-of-the-art renewable technologies, addresses the current and projected challenges associated with such technologies, and identifies the renewable integration gaps present throughout the industry that could be addressed with greater investment, research, development and/or awareness. 

Could your research change the course of renewable energy development? Find more information about submission requirements, judging criteria, and other important prize details in the Official Rules document.  

Prizes

Up to 10 teams will each receive $10,000, with up to 5 winners being awarded an additional $5,000 each for exceptional submissions. Winning submissions will help inform DOE’s roadmap to better understand and address potential roadblocks relating to the integration of large-scale renewable energy into the electric grid. 

GRIT Prize Series

The Science Synthesis Prize is just one impactful component of the new Grid Resource Integration Technologies (GRIT) Prize Series. A joint effort from DOE’s Office of Electricity (OE) and the Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO), this prize series catalyzes research and development on grid modernization through large-scale integration of renewable technology, distributed resources, and stationary storage.

OE’s Science Synthesis Prize was launched in conjunction with SETO’s Data-Driven Distribution (3D) Solar Visibility Prize, a competition to incentivize innovators to develop models and algorithms that provide accurate and real-time information about distributed solar generation in electric power distribution networks. 

Applicants are encouraged to apply to one or both prizes. Follow the prizes on HeroX for more information on upcoming GRIT Prize Series initiatives.

Informational Webinar 

Join us June 12 for an informational webinar to learn more about the Science Synthesis Prize. During the webinar, prize administrators will give an overview of the competition including key dates, submission requirements, scoring criteria, and prize pools. Plus, applicants will have an opportunity to ask questions during the live Q&A.  

Can’t make the webinar? We’ve got you covered. A webinar recording will be made available on HeroX in the week following the live event.  


Guidelines & Eligibility

The competition is open only to private entities (for-profits and nonprofits); nonfederal government entities such as states, counties, tribes, and municipalities; academic institutions; and individuals. 

For more information on eligibility, submission requirements, and other important prize information, please read the Official Rules. To receive updates on the prize, please subscribe by using the follow feature on the HeroX platform.

 

Timeline
Updates6

Challenge Updates

Submission Deadline Extended

June 26, 2024, 8:45 a.m. PDT by Carlie Ortiz

The submission deadline for the Science Synthesis Prize has been extended from Aug. 30 to Nov. 5 at 5 p.m. ET. Make sure you’re following the prize on HeroX to stay up to date on additional opportunities to learn about the prize and receive one-on-one application support. 

We look forward to seeing your applications this fall! 


Application Support with UACI

June 25, 2024, 9 a.m. PDT by Carlie Ortiz

Have you finished your Science Synthesis Prize application? The University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI), a prize Power Connector, can help! Whether you’re looking for a refresher on the prize or one-on-one help completing your submission materials, UACI is here to guide you through the process. 

Sign up for an informational webinar on July 16 and upcoming office hours here.  

Resource Reminder

  • Read the Official Rules before submitting any materials. 
  • Review the Timeline Tab to ensure you’re on track to submit your application on time. 
  • Post your questions in the HeroX Forum Tab where a prize administrator will respond ASAP.  

Good luck competitors! 


Informational Webinar Recording Now Available

June 21, 2024, 9:05 a.m. PDT by Carlie Ortiz

Hey competitors! Didn’t get a chance to join the live informational webinar? A recording of the webinar and a copy of the webinar slides can be found in the Resources Tab and viewed below. 

Additional Resources 

  • COMING SOON: Sign up for application support with prize partner UACI! A link to schedule a 30-minute slot will be provided in the next few weeks. (Make sure you’re following this prize on HeroX to receive updates.) 
  • Read the Official Rules to learn more about competitor eligibility and submission requirements.  
  • Post your questions in the HeroX Forum Tab where a prize administrator will respond ASAP. 

We can’t wait to see your submissions! 


Info Webinar TOMORROW

June 11, 2024, 8:45 a.m. PDT by Carlie Ortiz

Don’t forget that tomorrow, Wednesday, June 12, will be your chance to learn more about the Science Synthesis prize during the informational webinar. The webinar starts at 1 p.m. ET and will cover a wide range of prize topics, such as eligibility requirements, submission materials, and key dates and deadlines.  

Plus, ask your questions during the live Q&A at the end of the webinar. Register today to attend! 

Resource Reminder 

  • Curious about a specific prize detail? Read the Official Rules document.  
  • Looking to team up with another individual, university, or business? Post in the Forum tab.  
  • Need a reminder on important prize dates? Check out the Timeline tab.  

See you at the webinar!  


Info Webinar Next Wednesday

June 4, 2024, 12:32 p.m. PDT by Carlie Ortiz

Hey applicants! Don’t forget that next Wednesday, June 12, at 1 p.m. ET is your opportunity to join an informational webinar about the Science Synthesis Prize. Hear more on important prize details, such as: 

  • Key dates and deadlines
  • Eligibility requirements 
  • Submission materials
  • Scoring metrics
  • Prize pools. 

Plus, there will be a live Q&A at the end of the webinar where you can ask your pressing questions. Register to join TODAY!

Can’t make the live event? We’ve got you covered. Shortly after the event, a recording of the webinar (and the corresponding slides) will be posted on HeroX. 

We can’t wait to see you there! 


Forum
Teams96
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Ambient Trends Team Ambient Trends Team
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Jokiki's team Jokiki's team
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