About the Competition
The Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at USC presents its annual Das Family CEE Student Competition: INNOVATEXLA. This competition challenges current USC students to develop innovative solutions to some of Los Angeles' most pressing issues using civil and environmental engineering concepts. Interdisciplinary teams will compete for $20K and a chance to turn their ideas into reality. The competition provides students with the opportunity to launch startups and create compelling pitches to investors and partners with guidance from industry leaders, faculty advisors, and startup founders.
Watch the video to see the journey of last year's teams
Grand Prize
$20K
Teams will be led by CEE students, but students from a variety of disciplines, both undergraduate and graduate, at USC are strongly encouraged to apply. We are looking for big, bold ideas that can be implemented to make Los Angeles a more sustainable, prosperous, equitable, joyful and healthier city for all to live in for generations to come.
Opportunities for Competitors
Industry Mentorship
Access to professionals and experts in the field for project guidance and career advice.
Workshops
Training sessions on technical and soft skills, providing hands-on learning experiences.
Product Development Training
Instruction on transforming concepts into prototypes, using advanced tools and methods.
Access to Facilities
Use of labs and maker spaces equipped with 3D printers and quick prototyping tools.
Networking Opportunities
Interactions with peers, industry leaders, and potential employers at various events.
Recognition and Awards
A major prize, university-wide recognition, and invitations to participate in other competitions.
Team Building and Collaboration
Activities and projects designed to develop teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.
Feedback and Evaluation
Constructive criticism and evaluations from judges and mentors for continuous improvement.
Exposure to Real-World Problems
Challenges based on validated problems, providing practical problem-solving experience.
Showcasing and Pitch Opportunities
Platforms to exhibit projects to a wider audience, including live demos, pitches and virtual showcases.
Upcoming Sessions
Stay tuned for upcoming sessions, workshops and guest speaker series to be announced.
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Location
KAP HALL PATIO
University of Southern California Viterbi School of Engineering
3620 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90089
