ASPIRE’S INNOVATION CHALLENGE
November 2–3, 2025
Utah State University
To kick-off the annual meeting, ASPIRE is launching its inaugural Innovation Challenge — an exciting event designed to foster connections, spur innovative solutions, and engage with industry leaders for a chance to further develop and pitch winning ideas at Innovation & Industry Day!
- Registration Closes: October 23
- Register by October 17th to receive a hoodie!
- Kick-Off Social: November 2
- Build and Present: November 3
Innovation Challenge Prizes
(we expect 6-7 teams to register, so prizes are well within reach!)
Sponsors
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
Quarter Circle A Ranch, Wyoming
Asphalt Systems Inc.
Event Schedule
November 2
Kick-off Social: 4 pm to 6 pm
- 4:00-4:30 pm – Welcome and Introductions
- 4:30-5:00 pm – Q&A about the event, announcement of teams
- 5:00-6:00 pm – Pizza served, and teams will come together, and promps will be revealed
Students will be provided with a selection of challenge prompts to choose from. Each team will select one prompt to work on and spend the session collaborating on potential solutions
November 3
Main Event: 9:30 to 5:00 pm
Location: USTART 650 Building (next door to EVR)
- 9:30-10:00 am – Arrival and welcome with a light breakfast
- 10:00 am-5:00 pm – Team working groups
During the day, teams will have access to mentors from our Industry & Innovation Members and ASPIRE Staff, and Faculty.
Presentations & Connection Reception: 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Location: Perry Pavilion in the Huntsman Hall
- 5:30-6:30 pm – Innovation Challenge final presentations
- 6:30-7:30 pm – Announcement of winners and student and industry networking
Judging Criteria
- Each team will present a visual presentation (PowerPoint, slides, video, etc.) along with a verbal presentation
- Teams will be judged on: creativity, relevance, communication, presentation quality, impact, and market potential
- Be creative in your approach and find ways to incorporate your academic expertise into your solution to help your team succeed
- The output is open-ended, giving you the flexibility to use your unique skills to showcase your solution in the best possible way
What is an Innovation Challenge?
ASPIRE’s very first Innovation Challenge allows students the opportunity to rapidly prototype scalable solutions to real-world industry pain points. These will be focused around ASPIRE’s 4 core research project areas: Charging Stations of the Future, Electrified Roadways, Integrated Systems, and Workforce Development. Prototypes can be in the form of software, hardware, or workflow processes. Teams will have five minutes to present their solutions and answer questions from the judges, then the winners will be announced at the ASPIRE & Partners Social.
How Do I Join?
Registration is now open for students. All students from any of the 10 ASPIRE campuses, along with 3 other aligned universities, are welcome to participate. Teams will consist of 4 to 6 members, and a networking opportunity the week before the Innovation Challenge will aid in team formation.
While coding experience is helpful, it is not required, as a variety of skills, including design, project management, and business strategy, will be necessary for this challenge. Once registered, participants can get ready to bring their laptop and compete in the first-ever ASPIRE Innovation Challenge!
Event Location:
All Innovation Challenge activities will be held at the ASPIRE EVR, UTSTART 650 building, and the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University in Logan, Utah.
Stay tuned for parking information.
Please know we are committed to providing a productive environment that is welcoming and safe for all participants, is free from discrimination and harassment, and where all participants are treated with dignity and respect. Click here for a full description of our code of conduct.
If you have questions or need help with anything leading up to the meeting, please contact Don Linford.