About the 2051 Sea Odyssey University Challenge
The 2051 Sea Odyssey University Challenge is part of an Office of Naval Research (ONR) STEM–supported initiative designed to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers in human undersea exploration. The program is developed through a collaboration between the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), Divers Alert Network (DAN), DEEP, and the University of Utah. The University Challenge invites student teams to contribute directly to that future by addressing a real engineering problem faced by professional divers operating in demanding underwater environments.
Teams will design and/or prototype a solution under the theme “Underwater Tools and Logistics Planning.” The challenge calls for creative, technically rigorous concepts that improve the efficiency, safety, and capability of divers performing complex tasks in naval, commercial, scientific, or public safety settings. Projects may involve multifunctional tools, modular systems, anchoring and stabilization mechanisms, data-driven assistive technologies, or operational optimization models. Teams must define quantitative performance metrics and account for human factors, safety constraints, and real-world environmental conditions.
Registration opens March 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET and closes June 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET. The competition will run throughout 2026, with a midpoint review expected in early September and a finalist pitch event in December 2026. Two finalist teams will be invited to DEEP to present their solutions, and the event will be featured in the final episode of the series highlighting the future of human undersea innovation. Additional competition details, milestone guidance, and submission requirements will be provided to registered teams in June as the program progresses.
Team Eligibility
To be eligible to participate in the 2051 Sea Odyssey University Challenge, teams must meet the following criteria:
- All student team members must be currently enrolled at a recognized, degree-granting university authorized to operate under the laws of its country at the time of registration.
- Each team must represent a single university.
- Only one team per university will be accepted. If multiple teams from the same institution register, the organizing committee may request consolidation.
- Teams must include a minimum of three (3) and a recommended maximum of twelve (12) student members.
- Teams may include undergraduate and/or graduate students.
- At least one student team member must be enrolled in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics).
- Each team must designate a Primary Contact who must be a currently enrolled student.
- Each team must designate one Faculty Mentor affiliated with the same university. The Faculty Mentor must hold an appointment in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics).
- All team members, including the Faculty Mentor, must use university-issued email addresses.
Enrollment status:
Students must meet enrollment requirements at the time of registration. Students who graduate after registration remain eligible to continue participating in the competition through the finalist pitch stage.
Guidebook
Available soon.
Registration link
Register at: https://danresearch.secure-platform.com/site/solicitations/103011/home