We are thrilled to announce that Neha Shakelly, a member of our group, was an integral part of Team Carbonbusters, representing Purdue University, which has achieved an impressive victory by securing the title of Great Lakes Regional Winner in the EnergyTech University Prize competition. Their exceptional business plan for their project, titled "Removing the Barrier to Entry to Net-Zero Biofuels," has earned them a well-deserved cash prize of $3,000.

The EnergyTech University Prize, generously sponsored by the Office of Technology Transitions (OTT) at the U.S. Department of Energy and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), is a prestigious collegiate competition designed to challenge multidisciplinary student teams. These teams were tasked with the mission of conceiving, developing, and presenting a comprehensive business plan. This plan must not only identify a promising energy technology but also rigorously assess its potential in the market. Furthermore, the plan should propose a strategically sound path for commercializing this innovative technology.

This year's competition attracted substantial participation, with a total of 184 teams hailing from 124 different schools. Purdue University's team, emerging victorious as the Midwest regional champions, earned the privilege of representing their region at the national championship held in Austin, Texas. Remarkably, they stood among an elite group, as only 16 teams nationwide, constituting the top 8.7% of participants, reached this prestigious stage of the competition.

In addition to their 2023 Great Lakes Regional Winner title, the Purdue team has showcased their excellence and innovation in energy technology and entrepreneurial strategy by being named a Technology Bonus Prize Semi-finalist not once but twice, in both 2022 and 2023.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Team Carbonbusters on their remarkable victory and eagerly anticipate witnessing their continued success.

Youtube link: ETS23 10th Anniversary Day 1 - YouTube
 

EEE news: Less carbon, more profit: Purdue team wins Great Lakes Regional EnergyTech Prize for net-zero biofuels project - Environmental and Ecological Engineering - Purdue University