Ignite the Future: SparkTank 2026
Do you have the spark to improve IEEE? As the pinnacle event of the Region 5 Catalyst program, we are launching the all-new ONE IEEE SYNERGY. We invite all Region 5 Section, Student, Chapter, and Affinity Group volunteers to pitch new ideas that drive focused, inter-generational leadership across our great region.
The Opportunity
- Pitch Live: The Top 5 entries will be invited to present LIVE at the Region 5 Congress in Boulder on March 28th, 2026.
- Global Panel: Present your idea to a panel of global engineering leaders, including including IEEE Presidents and other top Industry executives.
- Total Grant Pool: Winners will be awarded program grants from a $3,000 total pool, with specific amounts decided by the judging panel.
- Scale Your Vision: Entrants are highly encouraged to pursue their ideas further through the IEEE Innovation Portal.
Rules & Deadlines
- Deadline: Entries must be submitted via the Google Form by Friday, March 20th, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST.
- Eligibility: Open to all IEEE volunteer members in Region 5. (Region 5 Executive Committee voting members are ineligible).
- Attendance: Finalists must present in-person in Boulder. Participants are responsible for their own travel costs if not otherwise covered by IEEE.
- Judging & Compliance: Initial screening and grant reimbursements are coordinated by the Region 5 Professional Activities Chair (PACE).
Resources:
- An example pitch to view is available here.
- An example template for entries is here (you are not required to use the template).
