Fall 2026 – Spring 2030
Managed and executed by Argonne National Laboratory, the EcoCAR Innovation Challenge, is the 15th installment of the Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition (AVTC) series. This collegiate mobility challenge will unite multiple automakers, General Motors and Stellantis, with tech partner MathWorks, and a coalition of government and industry partners to build a next-generation workforce to drive innovation across the mobility and tech sectors.
Twenty North American universities will be selected through the RFP process and will be challenged over the four-year series to develop next-generation energy-efficient and intelligent mobility solutions and innovative products from concept to potential commercialization, utilizing emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence for engineering tools, machine learning and exascale computing. Universities selected to participate in the EcoCAR Innovation Challenge will be announced Spring 2026.
Participating universities gain access to industry mentors, professional training, and state-of-the-art tools to tackle real vehicle and AI-enabled mobility challenges, giving faculty a powerful applied platform for teaching and research, and giving students portfolio-ready experience, leadership skills, and a direct pipeline to top internships and careers.
Whether they are developing advanced driving automation and connectivity features, exploring new ways for AI to accelerate software development and data analysis, or pitching novel product concepts to future industry partners, EcoCAR students will be at the forefront of mobility innovation.
Ready to unlock exclusive access to top engineering talent? Companies are invited to join this national collaboration as EcoCAR sponsors, integrating their technology, engaging with top engineering talent, and helping shape the future of mobility while realizing long-term recruiting, visibility, and business impact.
Join us for an informational webinar featuring Argonne National Laboratory, General Motors, Stellantis, and MathWorks. Hear why they are sponsoring the competition, get highlights for each vehicle track, and learn about the MathWorks tools that will be used. We’ll provide an overview of the RFP, walk through the proposal template and submission process, spotlight the Product Innovation Track, and share the selection timeline and key dates. Pre-submitted questions will be addressed, followed by an open Q&A.
Informational Webinar Date & Time:
Register now to join live or receive a recording to watch later.
Please submit your question(s) during the registration process.
The EcoCAR Innovation Challenge is now accepting proposals—and we’ve assembled everything you need to craft a standout application.
This PowerPoint is designed as a structural guide to ensure you meet all proposal requirements and understand the expected content for each section.
Updated: 11/17/25
A compiled list of questions received to date, with clear answers to help you plan and submit confidently.
If you missed the live session, catch up with the slides at your convenience.
By participating in EcoCAR, universities, administrators, and faculty will have a powerful opportunity to reinforce their role in shaping students’ futures in the automotive industry.
Together, we can forge a path where government, education, and industry collaborate to unlock groundbreaking solutions that address the most pressing challenges in modern mobility.
The competition organizers reserve the right to make changes to these dates
Make sure your university is part of North America’s premier collegiate automotive engineering competition. Apply to the EcoCAR Innovation Challenge to prepare your students for career-defining, real-world projects and leadership opportunities.
Participation in the EcoCAR Innovation Challenge will be determined through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process, and the organizers anticipate selecting up to 20 university participants.
Please enter your first/last name, email, and university affiliation to download the RFP.
Participation in the EcoCAR Innovation Challenge will be determined through a Request for Proposal (RFP), with up to 20 universities expected to be selected.
Initial details are provided below. Comprehensive proposal submission guidelines will be posted soon—please check back for updates.
Universities located in the continental United States that are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology (ABET) are eligible to submit applications.
Universities located in Canada that are accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) are also eligible to apply.
Prior AVTC experience is not required.
Proposals must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on December 18, 2025.
Universities submitting a proposal will be notified whether they were accepted into EcoCAR in March of 2026. The Dean of Engineering and Lead Faculty Advisor(s) of accepted schools will receive an official acceptance letter.
Established in 1988 by the U.S. Department of Energy and Argonne National Laboratory in partnership with North America’s automotive industry, the Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions (AVTCs) are multi-year collegiate engineering programs that serve as DOE’s flagship workforce development program.
The AVTC program is North America’s premier collegiate automotive engineering competition, providing an unparalleled, hands-on educational experience that has transformed the traditional classroom environment into a hub for automotive innovation. AVTCs provide a real-world training ground for the next generation of automotive engineers and industry leaders.
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