The Brookfield Renewables Innovation Challenge is an immersive, fast-paced, multidisciplinary experience that brings together University of Waterloo students to tackle urgent campus sustainability and climate resilience challenges. Over an intensive weekend, participants will collaborate in interdisciplinary teams to develop actionable solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening the university’s ability to adapt to climate impacts such as extreme heat, flooding, storms, and power disruptions.
Developed in partnership with Brookfield Renewables, a global leader in renewable power and decarbonization solutions, the challenge is grounded in real-world climate and energy contexts. Students will learn from Brookfield Renewable experts and University of Waterloo stakeholders, gaining insight into how large-scale renewable energy systems, infrastructure planning, and long-term sustainability intersect.
Teams will explore authentic campus problem areas—such as energy systems, buildings, or transportation—analyze data, investigate campus sites, and rapidly ideate and refine solutions that could be deployed within the next 3–5 years, with lasting impact through 2050.
The challenge culminates in team presentations to a panel of judges, who will offer constructive feedback and recognize standout, high-impact ideas. Drawing on diverse academic perspectives—such as engineering design, systems thinking, environmental sustainability, and policy—students will develop practical concepts that envision a more resilient, decarbonized campus.
This event is open to all undergraduate students at the University of Waterloo (space permitting). Designed to be engaging, hands-on, and future-focused, the Brookfield Renewables Innovation Challenge offers a unique opportunity to build in-demand skills, and expand interdisciplinary networks.
Registration
The next Brookfield Renewables Innovation Challenge will take place in July 2026. Registration open soon!