Objectives
The primary objectives of this initiative are:
- Support the transition towards more sustainable forms of transportation that mitigate the impacts of climate change.
- Encourage the development of alternative propulsion technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells, electric motors, biogas systems, and other novel methods.
- Showcase the potential benefits of adopting new propulsion technologies in terms of environmental preservation and economic efficiency.
- Provide a platform for innovators to present and validate their ideas within the marketplace, thus fostering a community of forward-thinking developers and researchers.
In the context of the energy transition, reducing emissions produced by the transport sector is crucial. It is time for our scientific community to step forward with innovative technologies and solutions that can shape the future of transportation, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly system.
Transitioning to sustainable transportation involves prioritizing users by offering them options that are not only more cost-effective and accessible, but also healthier and cleaner.
Application Areas
Participants are invited to propose innovative ideas that address the topics related to propulsion technologies for vehicles. We welcome submissions that address, the following themes:
- Development of advanced electric vehicle systems including battery technology and power management.
- Innovations in hydrogen fuel production, storage, and fuel cell efficiency.
- Biogas utilization techniques for automotive propulsion.
- Implementation of alternative fuels or solar-powered systems in vehicle propulsion.
- Integration of these propulsion systems with smart technology, AI and smart algorithms to enhance vehicle efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Evaluation Criteria
- Originality and innovation of the idea or approach.
- Well-defined development plan for the project.
- Feasibility of the idea based on current technological and market conditions.
- Clarity and completeness of the information provided
Prizes
Prizes for the top three deserving ideas are as follows:
- First prize: $2200 USD and certificate
- Second prize: $1650 USD and certificate
- Third prize: $1100 USD and certificate
Eligibility
The participants should be an individual or a team made of up to 3 IEEE YP members or IEEE Student members, with at least 1 with IEEE VTS membership.
Application and Review Process
All applicants must submit the proposal by 16 December 2024.
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A written proposal (in pdf) limited to 6 pages and in 12-pt Times New Roman font that includes:
- A detailed description of the problem to solve.
- A detailed description of the system proposed.
- A detailed description of the technical solution referring to literature, simulations, or other support materials to understand the feasibility.
- A page with the business model canvas as the template attached.
- Biographies (100 words or less each) and photos of all team members.
- A video pitch of 3 minutes using slides (use record mode in PowerPoint).
- A letter of reference from a professional mentor, such as a professor or engineer in industry that give some insight on your project.
Up to six semi-finalist teams will be selected by 10 January 2025 to present their ideas during a workshop that will held in Milano, Italy in mid-February 2025.
The 6 finalist teams will receive a travel grant of 1500 USD (only one person per team) to travel to and attend the Symposium. The stipend is intended to part of the expenses for one team representative; however, it may be divided among multiple team members.
The finalists will be expected to present their ideas during Symposium, with some keynote person from industry and academy.
The prize winners will be announced at the end of the workshop.
How to Submit Materials
Send all questions and materials in zip file to (Click to show email) with the subject line “2024 VTS Global Challenge initiative.” Messages without this subject line may not be received. All submitted materials must be in pdf and the video has to be submitted as shared link.
Coordination Committee
Prof Giambattista Gruosso - VTS BoG member - Chair of the Initiative
Bedatri Moulik – Amity University – India
Sylvain Pagerit – Argonne National LAB – USA
Marzio Barresi – IEEE VTS Italy section Vice-chair
Example of Business Canvas to be Used in the Material
