GVSU launches student competition to tackle renewable energy challenges

The contest - a brainchild of Michael DeWilde, director of the KBEI, and John Kinch, executive director of Michigan Energy Options- aims to address some of Michigan's shortcomings in the sustainable energy industry.

Students will have the opportunity to pitch their final plan before a panel of judges at the end of February, with $9,000 in prize money available to the top finishers.

Registration is available to any GVSU student, regardless of major, and is open until October 17.

Kinch said the market for sustainable energy, such as solar panels, electric vehicles and battery storage, is seeing unprecedented growth globally. However, Michigan faces many questions.

"Michigan lags behind other states in distributed solar energy generation. Why?" said Kinch. "How is the rollout of electric vehicle charging working, or not working? Can student teams come up with ideas to move this sector forward? We think they can."

Industry experts will serve as mentors for the students, guiding them as they refine their strategies and business plans, said DeWilde.

"We plan to help students with the basics of writing a business plan," said DeWilde. "The competition invites 'sustainable' energy solutions, which means your plan will be judged not just on economic benefits, but also on how it impacts environmental and social goods. That makes this appropriate for all GVSU students."

Kinch said given the power and devastation from the hurricanes that have swept across the southeastern United States, it's crucial for the next generation to find the solutions to climate change.

"It's concerning to see Hurricane Milton and what it's doing," said Kinch.

"But, what's not acceptable is despair. What is acceptable is to do something about it. We want the young people to not be discouraged by this and instead see themselves as operators of change."

For more information, or to register as an individual or as a team for the competition, visit the Koeze Business Ethics Initiative's website.

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