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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 #2
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
Updates9

Challenge Updates

Last Info Webinar Next Monday

Sept. 25, 2024, 8 a.m. PDT by NREL Prize Moderator

Don't forget that next Monday, Sept. 30, at 1 p.m. ET is your last opportunity to learn more about the Science Synthesis Prize from the Prize Administrators! During this informational webinar, interested applicants will get a quick synopsis of the prize, including key deadlines and required submission materials. 

 

Plus, participants will hear more about application best practices and how to create a competitive submission from prize Power Connector, UACI. Register for the event today


September Informational Webinar Opportunity

Sept. 3, 2024, 9:30 a.m. PDT by NREL Prize Moderator

Looking for more information on the Science Synthesis Prize? Join us for a 1-hour webinar on Monday, Sept. 30 to learn more about the competition, including submission materials, key dates, and prize amounts. Plus, stay until the end of the webinar for the live Q&A to have your lingering questions answered by the prize administrators. 

Register TODAY to join us on Sept. 30 at 1 p.m. ET. 


REMINDER! Upcoming Power Connector Webinar 8/29 at 12 p.m. EST

Aug. 26, 2024, 9 a.m. PDT by NREL Prize Moderator

Don't forget that prize Power Connector UACI is hosting a webinar this Thursday, Aug. 29, at 12 p.m. EST. The webinar will cover an overview of the Science Synthesis Prize and how to leverage the American-Made Network in your submission. This webinar is open to all competitors! 

 

A link to UACI's webinar can be found here.


Submission Deadline Extended

June 26, 2024, 8:45 a.m. PDT by NREL Prize Moderator

The submission deadline for the Science Synthesis Prize has been extended from Aug. 30 to Nov. 12 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 NREL Prize Moderator

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! 


Forum3
Teams232
Entries
Resources
FAQ