First-Ever ASPIRE Innovation Challenge Coming This Fall

ASPIRE is partnering with Charge Assist EV to host the center’s first-ever Innovation Challenge.

This event will take place Nov. 2-3 at Utah State University with a virtual kickoff on Oct. 31. Students from all disciplines are invited to participate.

“This is being designed to both showcase students’ intellectual capital and also create broader connectivity with ASPIRE's Innovation Ecosystem,” said center Director of Innovation Don Linford. “It is also our intention to invite participation from students who attend at least three universities that aren't directly affiliated with ASPIRE but are aligned in topics.”

These students, in teams of four to six members (including at least one ASPIRE student), will compete in a Hackathon-formatted challenge. A networking event the week before the Innovation Challenge will aid in team formation. In these interdisciplinary teams, students will prototype scalable solutions to real-world industry pain points. These prototypes can be software, hardware or workflow processes.

Because of the variety of formats accepted for the prototypes, more students will be able to participate and use their various areas of expertise, encouraging a cross-disciplinary approach.

“I think this Innovation Challenge adds things that aren’t normally seen in a conventional hackathon,” said Bruno Moras, an ASPIRE doctoral candidate at Purdue University. “I always felt a bit restricted because when I think about a hackathon, I always imagined coding, but the Innovation Challenge won’t be about that. It can have code, but there are other ways to deliver the outcomes. It gives you more possibilities, and this is what makes me very excited, being able to participate in a challenge that incorporates a variety of outcomes and skills.”

Each challenge will be based on one of ASPIRE’s core research project areas: charging stations of the future, electrified roadways, integrated systems and workforce development.

The event is being facilitated by Charge Assist EV, ASPIRE’s new industry partner which was founded as a direct result of a hackathon event. Its co-founder Emmanuel Ikeakor expanded an initial hackathon idea to create this successful business and is excited for participating students to have similar opportunities.

“Students will gain hands-on experience in design thinking, cross-sector collaboration, innovation strategy and presenting to industry leaders,” Ikeakor said. “Beyond technical and communication skills, they’ll build confidence, expand their networks and gain exposure to real-world innovation ecosystems.”

Michael Martinez, a USU undergraduate student at ASPIRE and a Hackathon veteran, further emphasized the importance of collaboration during the event.

“While the technical skills gained will vary depending on your chosen project, there are key takeaways that apply no matter what; teamwork and communication are essential,” Martinez said. “In my experience, the top teams at hackathons are always those who collaborate the most effectively and enjoy working with each other, not just those with the most technical expertise.”

In addition to building these vital skills, students will also showcase them to industry stakeholders, an aspect that Moras is particularly thrilled by.

“Sometimes I see colleagues who are finishing school or graduating, and they are looking for opportunities to talk with people in the industry. It’s very difficult to have these opportunities — you really have to fight and search for them,” Moras said. “What is special about the Innovation Challenge is that ASPIRE is bringing this opportunity to me. Basically, I don’t need to fight for the opportunity to show my work, I just have to work.”

Martinez agreed and added it’s “a two-way street.”

“For students, it’s a powerful opportunity to engage with companies, showcase personal and professional growth, and apply our interests in a meaningful way,” he said. “For sponsors, they see value in engaging with passionate and innovative students who put themselves out there as prospective employers. It’s a win-win for all parties involved.”

While the Innovation Challenge is a fun opportunity for students to compete to win prizes, it is more than a simple contest, according to Ikeakor.

“It’s a meaningful learning experience that connects students with real industry needs and empowers them to shape the future of transportation,” he said. “Events like this show how academia and industry can come together to drive progress, all while preparing the next generation of changemakers.”

Register for the event here and review this webpage for additional dates and information, or contact Director of Innovation Don Linford for further information.