The Radiance Technologies Innovation Bowl is an academic competition between schools and conferences affiliated with the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl and is sponsored by both Radiance Technologies and the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Foundation. Affiliated schools compete for a single $25,000 Grand Prize by developing innovative approaches to a current research and development topic selected by Radiance Technologies (see “2023-24 Topic” tab for this year’s topic). Evaluation of submissions is a two-step process. Teams submit their initial ideas and approaches during Phase 1 to Radiance Technologies prior to the end of the fall term. From these submissions, scientists and researchers within Radiance Technologies pick three final teams, announced at half-time during the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl. These teams then further develop their ideas in the spring semester, Phase 2, through prototypes, models and simulation or experimentation and present their findings in person to a panel of experts. From these live presentations, a winning team is selected and awarded the $25,000 grand prize.

Contest Format

Universities form teams consisting of faculty and students to compete in the Radiance Technologies Innovation Bowl. The number of team members and composition is up to the discretion of the team, but we expect only one faculty member per team. Multiple teams from the same university are permitted. Teams will sign up early in the fall semester, Phase 1, and will be given additional information concerning the competition, see the ‘’Schedule” tab. There will be opportunities for teams to discuss their ideas with Radiance Technologies Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) during this phase. The goal of this initial phase is for the teams to provide a proof of principal or proof of concept for their innovative idea and show that it will work and the benefit of the approach. Teams will conduct initial research and assessments of their approach and present Phase 1 results in a written report along with a plan of action, if selected, for the next phase. This information will be evaluated by Radiance SMEs who will select three teams to move to the next phase. Phase II will take place in the spring semester. The three teams will mature their approach and produce a prototype, a model and simulation or other means to demonstrate the operation of their innovation. Teams will send two members to Radiance Technologies for in-person, final presentations (expenses paid by Radiance Technologies. Note: Virtual presentations are also acceptable). From these presentations, a winner will be selected and the $25,000 Grand Prize awarded.

All efforts will be taken to schedule events so they do not conflict with school schedules concerning finals and graduation. See “Schedule.”

If you have questions, please feel free to contact us using at the email listed under the Contact tab.

Who Can Enter?

Participation is open to all schools affiliated with the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl. Team leads can be either faculty or student. It is up to the individual teams to decide on the number of team members, provided each team has no more than one faculty representative. Teams can sign up at any time after publication of the topic for the current school year, but they need to register online no later than September 27, 2023 to be able to participate in virtual meetings with Radiance SMEs. During these meetings, SMEs will be able to answer questions, interact with students, and provide information concerning report format, rules, and expectations. A roster of competitive teams will be published after the initial meeting.

How to Enter

Click the “APPLY” tab to apply. Applicants will receive competition-related information electronically and be invited to meetings and discussion sessions.