The Clean Tech Competition - Should You Participate?

Competitions like the Spellman HV Clean Tech Competition are important for inspiring and cultivating STEM skills in high school students. This competition not only highlights the positive impact students can have on the environment but also encourages them to apply their technical skills to real-world ecological challenges. 

By participating, students gain practical skills in project management, data analysis, engineering design, and research—skills that are in high demand in today’s job market. Beyond technical skills, the competition offers a global platform for networking and mentorship from experienced professionals, helping students develop leadership qualities and innovative thinking, which are highly valued by colleges and future employers.

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the clean tech competition! 

What is the Spellman HV Clean Tech Competition?

The Spellman HV Clean Tech Competition is a global research and design contest focused on creating sustainable solutions to pressing environmental issues. Open to high school students, the competition promotes awareness in areas like sustainable living, water management, and clean energy.

How is the Competition Structured?

The competition has two rounds.

1. Online Paper Submission

In this first round, teams submit a 5-15 page paper detailing a specific environmental issue, discussing its scale, and identifying affected communities and root causes. A detailed rulebook is available on the competition website, outlining the judging criteria.

2. Virtual Presentation

After the initial submission, the top 10 teams move to the finals, where they present their research and prototypes virtually. Each team receives a $200 stipend to support their project and must demonstrate how they utilized it during their presentation.

How to Apply?

The Spellman HV Clean Tech Competition is open to high school students aged 15-18 from around the world. To participate, students must form teams of 1-3 members and be accompanied by a mentor aged 19 or older. Teams are then required to submit project summaries, research reports, and videos showcasing their innovative solutions via the official website. 

The competition offers a prize pool of over $22,000, with the winning team receiving $7,000, second place earning $5,000, third place receiving $3,500, and each finalist awarded $1,000. This international competition is conducted primarily online, making it accessible to students everywhere without the need for travel. Participation in the Clean Tech Competition is completely free, with no registration fee, as it is funded by the Center for Science Teaching & Learning. 

Important dates and deadlines

·  Registration Deadline: Registration typically closes by the end of April.

·  Submission Deadline: Research papers are typically submitted by the first week of May.

·  Finals: The finals are conducted online and typically take place in August.

What are the subjects covered?

The competition focuses on a diverse range of topics aimed at sustainability and environmental innovation, including –

1. Renewable Energy - Solutions that emphasize sustainable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower.

2. Energy Efficiency - Initiatives designed to maximize energy usage while reducing overall consumption.

3. Waste management: New approaches to composting, recycling, and minimizing waste generation.

4. Water Purification - Solutions addressing water scarcity, filtration, and advanced purification techniques.

5. Sustainable Agriculture - Innovative farming practices that promote environmental responsibility and resource efficiency.

Pros and Cons of Participation

Pros

·  Hands-on experience: You will tackle real environmental issues, making a tangible impact on your communities.

·  Global exposure: You will interact with professionals and gain insights on sustainability.

·  Profile building: Participation in a prestigious competition can significantly enhance your college applications.

·  Mentorship: Each team is paired with a mentor who provides guidance and support.

·  Accessible to all: With an entirely virtual format, you can participate without travel costs.

Cons

·  High competition: The global scale means you will face stiff competition from talented students across the world.

·  Prototype funding: While a stipend is provided, it may limit the scope of certain projects.

·  Time commitment: Developing a comprehensive project is time-consuming, especially with other academic commitments.

·  Limited focus: The topics are primarily centered on environmental issues, which may not appeal to all students. 

Why Participate?

For high school students passionate about sustainability and STEM, the Spellman HV Clean Tech Competition is a great opportunity. This competition emphasizes practical application, allowing students to take classroom concepts and apply them to solve real-world issues. It’s free to enter, open globally, and participants benefit from mentorship and global networking. The hands-on experience not only strengthens technical skills but also bolsters resumes—qualities that are especially appealing to colleges and scholarship programs.

With over $22,000 in prizes and the chance to have their work recognized on a global stage, the competition offers both financial incentives and invaluable experience. Participants emerge with a deeper understanding of environmental challenges, strengthened technical skills, and a sense of purpose in addressing today’s most pressing issues. If you’re ready to make an impact, the Spellman HV Clean Tech Competition is a good platform to showcase your abilities and contribute to a more sustainable world.

If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI! 

Veritas AI is founded by Harvard graduate students. Through the programs, you get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. You can apply here!

Image Source - Spellman HV Clean Tech Competition Logo