HYDROPOWER RENEWABLE CLEAN ENERGY
For our capstone project we joined the 2026 Hydropower Collegiate Competition where 2026 student teams selected will have 8 to 10 months to address a series of hydropower challenges relevant to the industry and then present their concepts at an industry event in the Spring of 2026. This competition has 3 main challenges where points are earned and counted towards the final count, 2 more required challenges that don't count toward the final score, and 1 optional challenge. Teams also submit written reports demonstrating their progress and work alongside mentors and professionals to gain industry education and opportunities.
We are actively seeking industry feedback, community connections, and professional mentorship as we develop our final prototype. We believe that truly innovative solutions are built through collaboration.
CONNECT WITH OUR TEAMA site selection challenge is selected:
• NPD Conversion (1-10MW)
• PSH System Integration (up to 1GW)
• In-Conduit System (100KW-10MW)
Teams will then develop a feasibility assessment for the selected site.
One of the following tracts is selected:
• Facility Conceptual Design for selected hydropower site.
• Component Deep Dive where teams create a final design package for an individual component of the selected site.
Talk to industry communities. Teams will have three goals:
• Connect with professionals to discuss an industry challenge.
• Create unique solutions to address those challenges.
• Commit to one of the solutions and complete it.
(100 points not counted towards final)
Teams will create and bring a poster to the final event to summarize their design and siting challenges.
90 second project pitch (No points).
Teams will partake in a 90 second pitch to communicate their biggest takeaways from this project. Submissions will be voted on by attendees at the final event.
(Optional)
Teams will build a scaled prototype of their concept or powerhouse and perform a series of tests.