Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question not answered here? Email it to us at info@hydrogencontest.org.

Eligibility and Team Structure

Who can participate in the Contest?

The Contest is open to current college, vocational, and university undergraduate and graduate students worldwide.

How many students can be on a single team?

The recommended team size is 8-10 students. However, teams with fewer or greater members are permitted.

What types of students should participate?

Given the multi-disciplinary nature of the competition, teams are encouraged to include members from any field of study relevant to the team’s design. Common disciplines include: engineering, architecture/planning, industrial design, economics, business, environmental science, policy, chemistry, marketing, and education.

Does each team need a faculty representative?

Yes. All teams must have a faculty member of the participating university on the team.  Adjunct and emeritus faculty are welcome to serve in this capacity.  Faculty advisors may give guidance and suggestions but cannot perform actual design work.  Faculty advisors can advise more than one team, but they must assist in making sure the teams work independently to keep competition fair to other schools with one team.

Registration and Deadlines

How do teams enter the Contest?

Teams will be able to register for the 2011 Contest once the theme is announced. The 2011 theme is under development and will be unveiled in Summer 2010.

Join our mailing list to be notified as soon as the theme is announced.

Is there a fee to participate?

No. Thanks to our sponsors, any university team from around the world can participate at no cost.

Awards

What kinds of awards will be given to winning teams?

Prizes and awards for the 2011 Contest are still under development. We expect the prize package to be similar to the 2010 Contest. For 2010, the winners received:

Grand Prize-winning team:

• An invitation to present its design at the NHA Hydrogen Conference and Expo in Long, Beach CA (May 3-6, 2010) and at the World Hydrogen Energy Conference in Essen, Germany (May 17-18, 2010).
• For the NHA Conference, a stipend of up to $5,000 to cover airfare, meals, and incidental trip expenses (must be documented), as well as complimentary hotel rooms (double occupancy) and NHA conference registration for up to eight team members and their faculty representative.
• For the World Hydrogen Energy Conference, a stipend of up to $7,500 to cover airfare, meals, and incidental trip expenses (must be documented), as well as complimentary hotel rooms (double occupancy) and WHEC conference registration for up to five team members.

The honorable mention teams:

• An invitation to give a poster presentation at the NHA Conference and Hydrogen Expo;
• For the NHA conference, complimentary hotel rooms (double occupancy) and conference registration for up to four team members and their faculty representative.