The 10th Annual Matthew R. Simmons 2025 Windstorm Challenge on MAY 9th, 2025 at THE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE is officially OPEN FOR REGISTRATION!
Hosted on the University of Maine campus, this completely free event provides students with hands-on STEM experience and introduces them to UMaine’s research facilities and academic programs. The Windstorm Challenge helps inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists through real-world applications, fostering career pathways in renewable energy—a key focus for Maine’s future workforce development.
The challenge tasks teams of students with designing and constructing a floating platform for a scale-model floating wind turbine to be tested in the ASCC’s Wind-Wave Basin. Teams present their creations to a panel of expert judges, showcasing their engineering prowess and problem-solving skills. The competition is tailored for both middle and high school students, with an emphasis on fostering a diverse range of experiences.
Last year’s Windstorm Challenge featured more than 600 competitors and 1,200 participants. It was a STEM carnival with over 40 hands-on activities, campus and facility tours, community partners, representation from all UMaine colleges, and diverse fields such as engineering, humanities, and aquaculture.
Participating high school students will also have the opportunity to earn UMaine micro-credentials. Participants in the micro-credential program will be provided with a curriculum that introduces sustainability and basic engineering principles, helps with hull designs, and showcases UMaine’s career pathways.
This milestone year promises an even more exciting experience for students. With the ASCC and Maine College of Engineering and Computing at the helm, students can look forward to an immersive learning experience that bridges classroom concepts with Maine’s industry-leading research and development in renewable energy.
Join us for a day that showcases Maine’s commitment to renewable energy and STEM innovation!
Thanks to many generous sponsors, we are able to make this event free. Do you know someone who may be interested in sponsoring the 2025 Windstorm Challenge? Please contact Taylor Ward at taylor.ward@maine.edu.
