The annual MECC, now in its seventh year, challenges multidisciplinary collegiate teams to develop marine energy-focused solutions for ocean-based industries, research sectors, or national security missions. Students also gain hands-on experience in the emerging marine energy industry by designing their own marine energy devices. These technologies harness power from waves, tides, and ocean and river currents.
“Our Marine Energy Collegiate Competition empowers emerging American professionals to solve real challenges in the marine energy industry,” said Nichole Fitzgerald, Director of H2O. “It was impressive to see the creative and comprehensive ideas these teams came up with. We will need this type of ingenuity to advance marine energy technologies and we’re eager for these students to bring their skills to the workforce.”
The total available marine energy resource in the United States is equivalent to nearly 60% of U.S. power generation. Even if only a small portion of this technical resource potential is captured, marine energy technologies would make significant contributions to the nation’s energy needs. However, a strong workforce will be needed to ensure the country can leverage marine energy’s potential. MECC introduces students to the different careers—as engineers, environmental scientists, business development experts, project managers, and communications and engagement specialists—needed to support the industry.
The 2026 MECC introduced a slightly modified competition structure with two distinct participation leagues:
Megawatt League, for teams seeking the full MECC experience with all challenges.
Kilowatt League, for teams new to the competition or those opting for a more flexible participation experience.
As part of this year’s competition, teams completed scored challenges, which focused on market analysis, technical design, prototype testing, and community engagement.
The 25 competing teams presented the results of their work at the Pacific Ocean Energy Trust’s Ocean Renewable Energy Conference in Portland, Oregon, which was held from May 18–21, 2026. After reviewing the presentations, reports, and posters, the competition’s expert judges selected the first, second, and third place overall winners. They also selected the following individual category winners, some with help from the conference attendees:
Best Poster Winner: University of Texas at Dallas
Best Pitch Winner: USC
Spirit of the MECC Award: Michigan Technological University
Megawatt League Winners
Business Plan Challenge winner: Oakland University
Technical Design Challenge winner: Oregon State University
Build and Test Challenge winner: Purdue University
Community Connections Challenge winner: Georgia Southern University
Kilowatt League Winners
Technical Design Challenge winner: Hawai'i Pacific University
Build and Test Challenge winner: University of Texas at Tyler
Community Connections Challenge winner: Hawai'i Pacific University
The MECC is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydropower and Hydrokinetic Office and administered by the National Laboratory of the Rockies.
