In response to the global challenge of climate change, achieving "Net Zero Emissions by 2050" has become an international consensus. Taiwan also unveiled its "2050 Net Zero Emissions Pathway" in 2022, demonstrating a strong commitment to addressing climate change. Education plays a crucial role in achieving the goal of carbon neutrality, particularly through the active participation of younger generations. The “Net Zero Tech International Contest” aims to cultivate talents with innovative thinking and practical abilities in net-zero technologies.

Origins and Objectives of the Contest

Since 2006, the TECO Technology Foundation has organized the "Technology Innovation Contest", focusing on "Green Tech" since 2008 to encourage research on energy-saving and carbon reduction. To expand its international influence, the contest introduced an "International Contest " in 2010, inviting top universities and students worldwide to participate. The contest not only serves as a stage for students to display their abilities but also fosters the foundational concepts of net zero emissions through contest and exchange, contributing to sustainable development in Taiwan and globally.

A Grand Event in 2024

The 2024 contest is the largest to date, divided into two categories: the “Main Contest”, for students from Taiwanese universities, and the “International Contest”, open to student teams from around the world. Each section will select 20 teams for the finals. This year’s contest received 240 submissions from 13 countries, with 998 participants comprising students and faculty, making it Taiwan's most representative event for net-zero technology.

The finals took place on August 21 at the National Taiwan University Sports Center, co-organized by the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), underscoring the contest 's international influence and academic standing. The judging panel, led by National Taiwan University President Wen-Chang Chen, included 15 leading Taiwanese technology experts. Professors Fong-Chin Su of National Cheng Kung University and Yi-Bing Lin of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University oversaw the international and main sections, respectively.

To encourage students to engage in net zero technology, the contest offered substantial prizes. The winners of the first, second, and third places received NT$1 million, NT$600,000, and NT$400,000, respectively, with a total prize pool of NT$6.5 million. The event was hosted by TECO and supported by Fubon Financial Holdings, Chen-Yung Foundation, CPC Corporation, and National Taiwan University.

Contest Process and Evaluation Criteria

The competition process was rigorous. Teams in the “International Contest” gave a 6-minute presentation followed by a 6-minute demonstration and Q&A in the exhibition area, conducted entirely in English. Teams in the “Main Contest” gave 8-minute presentations and live demonstrations in the exhibition area, followed by 5 minutes of Q&A. Evaluation criteria emphasized both the quality of the projects and the presenters’ communication skills, requiring teams to clearly articulate their ideas, methods, innovations, and breakthroughs within a limited time.

Efforts and Achievements of the Teams

To convey complex concepts succinctly, teams dedicated substantial time to presentation rehearsals. The champion team of the “International Contest”, led by Bryan Gutierrez from Virginia Tech, practiced extensively in the U.S. to ensure a clear explanation of their converter mechanism. Similarly, Shao-Chi (Sharkey)Lo, leader of the champion team in the “Main Contest” from National Tsing Hua University, emphasized their team’s iterative revisions and rehearsals to present sophisticated technological concepts in simple terms.

Teams meticulously prepared throughout the contest, demonstrating exceptional capabilities in hardware design, software algorithms, manufacturing, and troubleshooting. Virginia Tech’s team transported their entire setup from the U.S. to Taiwan, exemplifying their commitment and excellence.

Significance and Impact of the Contest

The contest’s value lies not only in its immediate outcomes but also in fostering students' experiences and awareness, encouraging them to continue contributing to net zero technologies in the future. Through this platform, students recognize that achieving net-zero emissions requires collaboration across disciplines. The contest allows students to challenge themselves, articulate their ideas, and learn from peers, reinforcing the understanding that net-zero emissions is a long-term global mission.

Many submissions have practical potential for industry application. The contest serves not only as a stage for highlighting student talent but also as a vital platform for advancing net zero technologies and cultivating future talent.

Inspiration and Vision for the Future

The “Net-Zero Tech International Contest” is more than an academic event; it is an inspiration for new perspectives and a call to action. Through the contest, the enthusiasm, creativity, and potential of the younger generation in addressing net-zero issues are evident. This event not only breathes new life into Taiwan's net-zero technology development but also brings hope to global sustainability. Its success highlights the need for cross-disciplinary and cross-border collaboration and the critical role of younger generations in tackling the net-zero challenge.

In the future, the “Net Zero Tech International Contest” will continue to uphold its mission, striving to nurture more talents in net-zero technologies. We look forward to welcoming more enthusiastic young individuals to join this endeavor and contribute to the sustainable future of our planet.