BattChallenge

From student competition to real-world impact.

Suresh, Project Engineer at National Laboratory, exemplifies how the future of battery innovation is being shaped by people who are ready to learn, lead, and solve meaningful problems. His journey reflects the essence of the Workforce Challenge: providing students with hands-on experience that connects classroom learning to the needs of industry.

We’re proud to celebrate stories like ’s because they show how workforce development creates real momentum for the next generation of talent. When education and industry move forward together, the impact reaches far beyond the competition.

Our sponsors, Research and Inc. helped power the future through their sponsorship of the workforce challenge. Their support helped create hands-on learning opportunities where students could grow, build, and solve real-world challenges.

Sponsorship like this matters because it goes beyond visibility. It helped fuel the next generation of engineers, problem-solvers, and leaders who learned how to turn big ideas into real impact.

We’re grateful for partners who believe in the value of workforce development and invest in what comes next.

📢 Announcing the Ultimate Training Ground for Next Generation Mining & Materials Talent

Argonne National Laboratory announces launching MineralWorks: an American Critical Materials Challenge. This new three-year competition draws upon the success of the Battery Workforce Challenge, supporting interdisciplinary student teams and hands-on, project-based learning focused on critical minerals and materials – a growing national priority for U.S. manufacturing and supply chain resilience.

The Notice of Program Interest (NOPI) is available now and can be downloaded today: bit.ly/NOPI_Announcement_FB

What started with the Methanol Marathon in 1988 has grown into more than 37 years of AVTC's preparing the next generation of mobility innovators. Today, the Battery Workforce Challenge carries that legacy forward as the latest AVTC program, giving students real‑world experience with advanced EV batteries while tackling one of the biggest workforce needs of our time. 🔋🚗📚

From alternative fuels and hybrid powertrains to cutting‑edge battery systems, AVTC's have always evolved with the industry—and Battery Workforce Challenge continues that story of hands‑on learning, collaboration, and workforce development.

Dive into AVTC’s history and see how Battery Workforce Challenge is shaping the future: https://bit.ly/4psvRrM

AVTC's History – Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions Home CONCEPTUALIZING AVTCs The origins of the Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions (AVTCs) trace back to the mid-1980s, when the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) was exploring new ways to spark […]

What does it mean to have a direct conversation with a CEO driving innovation in battery recycling?

Cassandra Olson, a University of Nevada-Las Vegas mechanical engineering student and member of the UNLV & CSN BattChallenge Team, recently had the remarkable opportunity to speak one-on-one with Ryan Melsert CEO/COO of (ABTC), for an insightful dive into the future of advanced battery solutions.

Her key takeaways?
🔋Impacts start local. Hearing how uses Nevada’s clay-stone resources and advanced chemistry to pioneer efficient battery recycling opened Cassandra’s eyes to the real-world impact of innovation in the field.
🔋The clay-stone-to-lithium hydroxide process not only produces high-quality results, but also reduces environmental disturbance and reliance on imported materials — a game-changer for the industry.

“Talking with the CEO of gave me a better understanding of battery recyclability, sustainability and the innovation shaping the industry — but above all, it was a chance to ask those important ‘what would you do’ questions," Cassandra shared. "Melsert’s advice to explore different paths and find what truly excites you before settling into a career really resonated.”

Opportunities like these bridge the gap between classroom learning and the fast-evolving world of battery technology, equipping the next generation with real-world perspective and career confidence.

Exciting to see the next Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions series moving forward with the Notice of Program Interest (NOPI)!

This initiative is an important step for advancing workforce development and real-world technical skills across areas like connected vehicles, battery systems, and AI. Looking forward to seeing which teams will join and contribute to shaping the future of vehicle technology.

📢 Announcing the Ultimate Training Ground for Next Generation Automotive Talent

This is your opportunity to join one of North America’s premier collegiate automotive engineering competitions, widely recognized for its unparalleled educational experience shaping top automotive talent and advancing automotive innovation.

Argonne National Laboratory is pleased to announce a Notice of Program Interest (NOPI), on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy and its headline sponsors, including multiple automotive OEM partners, for the next Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions (AVTC) series!
Explore the NOPI >> https://bit.ly/4m92pG3

Up to 20 colleges and universities will be selected to participate in this four-year series, kicking off in fall 2026 and concluding May 2030. A Request for Proposal (RFP) will be released in fall 2025.

You Can Expect:
We’re refining our program areas like never before to prepare students to lead in both technical innovation and business ex*****on for a rapidly evolving industry. Collegiate teams can also expect to receive extensive funding and in-kind support from competition-level sponsors along with unprecedent training and mentoring to help them succeed throughout the program.

Key Series Focus Areas:
🔹Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
🔹Cybersecurity
🔹Software development
🔹Next-generation powertrain integration and controls
🔹Connected and automated vehicle systems
🔹Battery system design and integration
🔹Innovation and emerging technology, including commercialization and entrepreneurship
🔹Communications and product marketing
🔹Project management

This systems-level engineering challenge will deliver an unparalleled educational experience for its student participants, helping to seed a skilled and innovative workforce that will strengthen American dominance in automotive engineering, strategic project management, AI/ML and other emerging technologies.

Interested in learning more about how your team or organization can get involved? Explore the NOPI to view the full notice and details on joining this next chapter in advanced vehicle technology and workforce development.

Looking back on some of year 2 of the Battery Workforce Challenge, our teams have powered forward, and completed a series of milestones:

- Each team received a key to their Ram Trucks Professional ProMaster EV
- Teams have officially received their Ram ProMaster EV from Stellantis North America
- At competition they have undergone BDU and module inspections
- Teams have built and showcased their Obeya presentations

Through hands-on experience with the Ram Trucks ProMaster EV van, students have been building in-demand technical skills and delivering real-world solutions.

Spotlighting Henry Herman from the BattChallenge UA
From presenting at the Battery Expo to learning directly from Eaton and AVL engineers, The University of Alabama’s Henry Herman made the most of his Year 2 BattChallenge experience.

Hands-on tech, industry insight, and real connections = a strong foundation for his battery career.

Learn more about Henry's experience: https://bit.ly/445t930

Madison Reddy’s Year 2 BattChallenge experience was a “crash course in professional growth.”

From leading communications to networking with Volta Foundation, the Battchallengecsula California State University, Los Angelesgrad says the program gave her the confidence to step boldly into her future in energy, tech, and marketing.

Learn more about Madison's experience: https://bit.ly/4edHkYu