The University of Houston’s Division of Energy and Innovation will host the second “Coogs for Energy (CFE) Hackathon” on November 21–22, 2025, led by the Energy Transition Institute (ETI), and sponsored by ExxonMobil, the Honda Foundation, and the Glenn Bailey Foundation.
After the resounding success of the inaugural CFE Hackathon in February 2025, the competition is back with the aim of motivating students to collaborate and design innovative solutions to real-world energy challenges. The focus is squarely on a multidisciplinary approach as the teams are required to have participants from at least two colleges within UH.
Team Neonava in action at the CFE Hackathon in February 2025
By allowing students to tackle some of the most pressing energy issues of our time, the Hackathon provides hands-on experience in systems thinking, energy transition strategies, and interdisciplinary collaboration. As part of the competition, students will come up with solutions to challenge statements from industry and community partners and refine strategies with subject matter expert mentors over a ten-day period. On the days of the final, the teams will first pitch their top three ideas and build digital or physical prototypes, later presenting them to the judges with their final pitch for a shot at winning cash prizes: $6,000 for first place, $3,000 for second, and $1,500 for third. This is a unique opportunity for the teams participating in the event to receive mentorship from energy professionals and innovators.
Graphical representation of future EV station prepared by Team Urja Ignite who worked
on the problem statement
“EV Charging Stations Along the I-10 Corridor"
Prototype of future EV station prepared by Team Urja Ignite who worked on the problem
statement
“EV Charging Stations Along the I-10 Corridor"
“The Hackathon is designed to mirror the realities of today’s energy challenges, which are not only complex but multidisciplinary and fast-moving,” said Debalina Sengupta, chief operating officer of ETI. “This competition promotes team science by bringing together students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate intensively and develop real-world solutions in just a day and a half. It’s a true test of teamwork and innovation, supported by mentorship from industry experts who help participants bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical impact.”
The first CFE Hackathon challenged ten student teams with problems ranging from bioenergy to artificial intelligence, with challenge statements such as “Water for Energy, Energy for Water – Where Is the nexus?”, “EV Charging Station Deployment along the I-10 Corridor”, and “Promoting Heat Pump Systems Adoption in Home HVACs”. Team Ecosix took first place, chosen based on creativity, technical feasibility, and potential real-world impact, with their project “From Waste to Worth (Digestate)” that looked to transform agricultural waste into value-added products.
With the upcoming second iteration, the Coogs for Energy Hackathon continues to strengthen UH’s role as The Energy University®, by empowering students and preparing the next generation workforce.
To register as participants (UH students only), submit challenge statements, and engage
as mentors for the teams, click here.