About The Event
The Clarke Prize Environmental Design Challenge is a two-day event, exclusively for undergraduate engineering students (year 2+). Put your creativity and problem-solving skills to the test as you come up with new ideas to tackle real-world environmental challenges. Collaborate with peers, learn from experts and turn your innovative ideas into impactful solutions.
In this intensive learning experience, students will hone their leadership development and communication strategies.
Participants engage in a cumulative design challenge pitch and proposal before a panel of judges with a top prize of $10,000, second-place prize of $7,000 and a third-place prize of $5,000.
Your journey towards engineering a better world starts here.
Timeline
-
Applications Open
- Monday October 28, 9 a.m.
-
Information Session
- Tuesday November 5, 11am – 12pm (online)
-
Applications Close
- Wednesday Dec 4th 11:59 p.m.
-
Design Challenge
- Saturday January 25, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday January 26, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
To be eligible to win the Clarke Prize, all members of the team must be present (in-person) for the full duration of the event. Mandatory in-person attendance for all members of your team is: Saturday Jan. 25th 9am – 5pm and Sunday Jan. 26th 11:30am - 4:30pm.
Info Sessions
If you’re interested in learning more about the Clarke Prize Environmental Design Challenge, we welcome you to attend an online information session. This session is designed to support you in navigating the application process and understanding the Design Challenge, where teams will work together, design innovative solutions and pitch their ideas for a grand prize of $10, 000.
By signing up for an information session, you will discover:
- The approach and blueprints of the Design Challenge event.
- How to craft and submit your application.
- The dynamics of team participation and engagement in the event.
- Insights into the intended learning outcomes, skill development, and networking opportunities that await you through your participation.
The information session will be offered twice on the following dates:
- Tuesday November 5, 11am — 12pm (online)
- Thursday November 21st 2pm – 3pm (online)
A link will be sent to you upon completing the registration form below.
2024 Highlight Video
Submission Requirements
1. Team or Individual Application Submission:
During the application, please specify whether you are joining as an individual participant or as part of a pre-formed team (4-5 student members/ team). We welcome both individual innovators and existing teams to participate.
If you're an individual participant seeking to join a team, don't worry! We will match you with like-minded individuals who share your passion for design, collaboration and problem solving.
2. Video Component:
As an individual or team, in 2 minutes or less, address two of the following questions:
- Why are you interested in and passionate about sustainability and engineering?
- Why do engineers have a responsibility to build a more sustainable world?
- How can engineers use their knowledge and skills to address critical sustainability needs?
Submission Requirements: Your short video clip should not exceed 2 minutes in duration.
3. Application Submission:
Once you have decided if you will be submitting an individual application and/or have formed your team for a group submission, please complete the online application form, which includes essential details for your registration. This application will serve as your entry point into the challenge.
We look forward to receiving your submission and helping you embark on this exciting journey to create innovative solutions for a more sustainable future!
2024-2025 Application Deadline: Dec 4, 2024
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
What’s Next?
Following the application deadline, student teams and individuals will be notified of the successful admission to participate in the event along with next steps for getting prepared to engage in the challenge.
Questions?
If you have questions, please contact Jennifer Galley, Leadership Education Specialist, at jennifer.galley@utoronto.ca.
Design Challenge Highlights
This event offers a dynamic platform for students to apply their engineering skills to tackle real-world environmental challenges.
Participants can look forward to honing their problem-solving abilities, gaining hands-on experience, and collaborating with peers and industry experts, all while contributing to innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.
Your team could be awarded a first-place prize of $10,000, a second-place prize of $7,000, or a third-place prize of $5,000!
Join us in this transformative journey that equips tomorrow's engineers with the expertise and passion to make a meaningful impact on our environment. See below to explore the events core competencies and learning objectives.
What to Expect
Professional Development (PD) Sessions
Throughout the challenge, attendees will have the opportunity to attend a series of engaging PD sessions, carefully curated to enhance their skills and knowledge in design thinking, problem-solving, sociotechnical systems, communication and so much more. These sessions provide a valuable platform for participants to learn from industry experts and reflect on how this may impact their career aspirations and the world at large.
Judges & Special Guests
Our panel of judges and special guests from industry bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the challenge. They will evaluate the innovative solutions and designs pitched by students, provide feedback/mentorship and award winning team the $10 000 grand prize.
Two-Day Event Structure
The challenge is structured over two exciting days, each with a distinct focus. Day One is dedicated to leadership learning, team formation and foundational content knowledge. On Day Two, participants put their learning into action, working collaboratively to develop and pitch their innovative solutions to the Design Challenge judges.
Location & Time
Join us at the Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship (55 St George St.), UofT Campus on Saturday January 25th and Sunday January 26th for this immersive experience.
The 2024/2025 Steering Committee:
- Prof. Lisa Romkey
- Prof. Patricia Sheridan
- Jennifer Galley
- Melissa Siah
- Vivian Trumbly
- Estelle Oliva-Fisher
About Richard M. Clarke
Richard (Dick) Clarke was born and raised in Toronto and graduated in Chemical Engineering from the University of Toronto in 1954. He earned a Masters in chemical engineering from Yale University and went on to have a distinguished career in manufacturing and the chemical industry in the United States and Canada. Richard served in executive positions in a number of public and private companies, becoming CEO of Celanese Canada based in Montreal. He returned to the US and continued to serve in senior executive and board roles. Richard was married to Jacqueline (Eaton) for over 60 years and had two daughters and three grandchildren.
The Clarke Prize is a reflection of Clarke's confidence in the engineering profession’s ability and responsibility to benefit society and protect the environment, as well as his belief that character, leadership and teamwork are critical elements in engineering practice. The Prize is also a demonstration of Richard’s appreciation of his engineering education at the University of Toronto, and his upbringing in Canada.