First-Ever ASPIRE Innovation Challenge Coming Soon!

Group of USU ASPIRE students pose for a photo from their desks at the annual USU Hackathon event.
ASPIRE students with their teams at HackUSU, an annual Hackathon challenge at Utah State University.

ASPIRE is partnering with Charge Assist EV to host the center’s first-ever Innovation Challenge. This event will take place on November 2-3, with a virtual kick-off on October 31 to start ASPIRE’s 2025 Annual Meeting at Utah State University. Students from all disciplines are invited to participate. 

“This is being designed to both showcase ASPIRE’s students’ intellectual capital and also create broader connectivity with the Innovation Ecosystem,” said ASPIRE’s 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, will compete in a Hackathon-formatted challenge. In these interdisciplinary teams, students will prototype scalable solutions to real-world industry pain points. These prototypes can be software, hardware, or workflow processes. 

Three USU ASPIRE students receiving certificates for winning in their category at HackUSU.
ASPIRE students win in their division at HackUSU.
Four USU ASPIRE students receiving certificates for winning in their category at HackUSU.
Photos courtesy of the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University.

Because of the variety of formats accepted for the prototypes, more students will be able to participate and use their various 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 Ph.D. 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.

ASPIRE’s new industry partner, Charge Assist EV, was founded as a direct result of a hackathon event. Co-founder Emmanuel Ikeakor expanded his 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,” said Ikeakor. “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.” 

ASPIRE students hard at work at the 2025 HackUSU event.

In addition to building these vital skills, students will also have the opportunity to 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,” explained Moras. “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 this exciting event here and review this webpage for additional dates and information. 

About ASPIRE:   

ASPIRE, a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center headquartered at Utah State University, leads groundbreaking research and development to accelerate electrification. With over 400 global collaborators, ASPIRE focuses on creating seamless, affordable electrified transportation systems, accessible for all vehicle classes, along with the public infrastructure needed to support them. By reducing emissions, improving air quality, and fostering economic growth through job creation and workforce training, ASPIRE’s work spans engineering, social science, policy, and business. Partnering with top universities, industry leaders, and community groups, ASPIRE is driving the future of advanced transportation. Learn more at aspire.usu.edu. 

Contact: 

Don Linford 
Director of Innovation 
ASPIRE ERC 

Writer: 

Kayleigh Kearsley 
Marketing & Communications Intern 
ASPIRE ERC