What is the GreenTech Challenge?

Welcome to the W3B GreenTech Challenge, a virtual conference that encourages participants to leverage technologies like AI to create solutions in the green tech space. Immerse yourself in a unique pitch competition, guided by insights from distinguished speakers, including Berkeley and Stanford professors and industry experts. Compete for a prize pool of $2000 to advance the development of your groundbreaking innovations that contribute to a greener tomorrow!

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GreenTech Challenge 2024 has concluded. Stay tuned for future W3B events!

Timeline

Pacific Standard Time (GMT-8)

Registration opens

June 21

Registration closes

July 24 @ 11:59 PM

Opening ceremony + prompt released

July 26 @ 9:00 AM

Workshops begin + pitch preparation

July 27 all-day

Pitch presentations + awards

July 28 @ 9:00 AM

Cash prizes will be split amongst team members and can be replaced by an equal-value donation to a charity of their choice.

$600

$1000

$400

About the Speakers

Daniel Kammen

Professor of Energy at the University of California, Berkeley

Daniel Kammen is a prominent expert in sustainability and climate science, holding the James and Katherine Lau Distinguished Professorship at the University of California, Berkeley. He is involved in multiple academic departments including the Energy and Resources Group, the Goldman School of Public Policy, and the Department of Nuclear Engineering. His research emphasizes the decarbonization of energy systems, energy access, and climate justice. Kammen has served in significant roles such as the Senior Advisor for Energy and Innovation at USAID and was appointed by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as the first ECPA Fellow in 2010. He has also contributed to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. Kammen’s extensive body of work includes over 450 publications, and he actively engages in research through his Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory. Additionally, he has founded or is on the board of over ten companies and has provided expert guidance to both state and federal governments. His educational background includes physics degrees from Cornell and Harvard, with postdoctoral research at Caltech and Harvard. Kammen is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and various other advisory boards focused on renewable energy and environmental justice.

Jeffrey Brown

Managing Director, Stanford Sustainability Accelerator

Jeff Brown has extensive experience bringing new technologies to market and is a pioneer in the field of renewable chemicals. Prior to founding and becoming CEO of Novvi, he was a Vice President at Amyris developing new products from synthetic biology. He founded Yutomi, a company commercializing environmentally friendly lubricants and has many years of experience leading petroleum research programs. Jeff has worked in the solar industry as Director of Engineering at XeroCoat. Prior to XeroCoat, Jeff was Manager of Business Development and Program Manager at Symyx Technologies executing high throughput materials discovery programs and building new business opportunities. Jeff served as Director of Engineering at Angstron Systems, a developer of atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology for the semiconductor industry. He has worked at Applied Materials and Motorola as an engineer developing new products. Jeff has many patents and publications to his name. Jeff holds an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan.

Rod Sinks

Board Member, FUHSD Board of Trustees

Rod Sinks, a trustee of the Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD), brings a distinguished track record of public service and leadership. With degrees in engineering from Stanford and physics from Grinnell College, he has successfully led two high-tech startups from infancy to established businesses in engineering management roles. His public service includes a decade on the Cupertino City Council, a term as Mayor in 2015, and leadership roles such as founding Silicon Valley Clean Energy and chairing the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the Santa Clara County Cities Association. Sinks also actively serves on various regional boards, including the Cities Association of Santa Clara County Executive Board, VTA 85 Corridor Policy Advisory Board, and Santa Clara County Recycling and Waste Reduction Commission. As a trustee, he focuses on preparing students for the challenges of artificial intelligence, addressing equity disparities, and supporting teachers amidst high living costs. Beyond his public service, Sinks has been a Scoutmaster, YMCA Adventure Guides Leader, past president of the Cupertino Rotary Club, and chair of its Climate Action Committee. He champions good governance, strong public schools, environmental stewardship, more housing for all income levels, and better public transit.

Kunvar Chokshi

Staff Embedded Software Engineer, Tesla

Kunvar Chokshi is a distinguished Embedded Software Engineer with over 10 years of experience at industry-leading companies such as NVIDIA, Apple, and Tesla. Currently, he holds the position of Staff Software Engineer at Tesla in the USA. He earned his Master's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the esteemed University of Maryland, College Park. His rigorous academic background, coupled with a decade of industrial expertise, has equipped him with a comprehensive skill set in software, IoT, robotics, embedded systems, and operating systems. Kunvar's profound understanding of complex systems and his proven track record of developing groundbreaking technology have enabled him to contribute to innovative projects that continually push the boundaries of possibility.

Sridutt Bhalachandra

Senior Architect at NVIDIA

Sridutt Bhalachandra is an expert in energy-efficient high-performance computing. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where his research focused on runtime methods to improve energy efficiency in supercomputing applications. He then worked at Berkeley Lab, contributing significantly to power management and energy efficiency as part of the Advanced Technologies Group at NERSC, a supercomputer that consumes millions of dollars in power annually. Currently, Sridutt serves as a Senior Architect at Nvidia, ensuring that the next generation of GPUs are as energy-efficient as possible.

Is there a registration fee for participating in the event?

No, participation in this event is completely free! Specific details on the event link and schedule will be provided to registered participants.
Can I compete both individually and as part of a team?

Yes, you can compete individually or in a team of up to four members. Each team member must register individually through the form above.
Are there any specific themes or industries for the pitches?

The pitches is open to a wide range of ideas and industries. There are no specific themes, allowing participants to showcase innovative ideas across various sectors. The open-ended prompt will be released at the opening ceremony.
Can international participants join the event, or is it limited to the US?

Yes, anyone and everyone around the world is encouraged to compete!
Are there any requirements for going to the same school or being in the same grade?

Nope, your team may consist of whatever mix you see fit!
Can I make changes to my registration information after submission, such as adding team members?

Yes, the registration form allows response editing so that you can add members to your team up until the day registration closes.
How will the pitches be judged?

Pitch presentations will be limited to a maximum duration of 5-7 minutes. The pitches will be judged based on innovation, feasibility, presentation quality, and overall impact. The W3B team and our guest speakers will form the judging panel, collectively making a comprehensive decision.
Will there be opportunities for networking during the event?

Yes, there will be networking opportunities during the event. Participants will have the chance to connect with fellow innovators, mentors, and potential collaborators.
How can I prepare for my pitch?

Participants are encouraged to thoroughly prepare their pitches, focusing on key aspects like problem identification, solution, market potential, and execution strategy. Consideration of the judging criteria is essential for a successful pitch. Practicing as a team together is key!
Are there any technical requirements for participating in the virtual GreenTech Challenge?

Participants will need a stable internet connection and access to Zoom for the virtual pitch sessions. Ensure that your devices meet the technical requirements for a smooth experience.