The KidWind Challenge is a hands-on renewable energy competition that engages students in STEM. Student teams bring small-scale wind turbines or solar devices that they've designed to the Challenge where they will be tested for power output. Teams also meet with a panel of expert judges to present their design process and demonstrate their contextual knowledge and tackle instant challenge activities. The public is welcome to spectate, cheer on the teams, compete in a "friends and family blade building challenge" and engage in hands-on science activities at a Renewable Energy Expo during the event.
The WI KidWind Challenge is free and open to the public.
What happens at the Wisconsin KidWind Challenge?
At the Challenge, student teams will:
- Test their turbine or solar device's energy output
- Present in front of a panel of expert judges
- Complete instant challenges that test teamwork and hands-on problem solving
- Hear from college students studying renewable energy and competing in the Collegiate Wind Competition
- Engage with a dozen hands-on science stations related to clean energy and climate
- Explore careers in clean energy
Friends, family, and spectators are welcome and encouraged to come support competing teams. The challenge will begin with an opening ceremony at 9:00 am and wrap up with awards at 3:00 pm.
Who can participate in the Challenge?
Any group of students in grades 3-12 is eligible to enter a team. This includes students from public and private schools, home schoolers, after school clubs, Scout troops, etc. As long as you have a coach and a team, you can attend! Teams of 3-5 students seem to work best.
Each team must have a coach. The coach will be responsible for registering the team for the competition and managing the team’s progress. Neither KidWind nor the Wisconsin Energy Institute will provide or be responsible for supervision of students at a Challenge event.
Is there a cost?
No. The Challenge is free to compete in and attend.
Top performers will be invited to the 2026 World KidWind Challenge.
Ready to get started? Registration opens in November.
Click here for a pdf preview of the Registration Form from 2025.
Rulebooks:
For detailed information on preparing for the Challenge, all teams should carefully read the rulebook for their challenge. Coaches of registered teams will receive detailed information on Wisconsin rules, schedules, and what to expect in the months leading up to the event.
Need gear?
Limited Renewable Energy Education Kits - both wind and solar - are available for Wisconsin Teachers who'd like to bring a team of students to the Challenge, but don't have the means to purchase gear. Please contact outreach@energy.wisc.edu for more information.
Want to meet virtually with KidWind Alumni to get some advice or brainstorm? Request a visit from a KidWind Fellow here!
Got questions for WI Challenge Organizers? Come to Coaches' Happy Hours: 2025/26 dates TBD.
Join us for a virtual casual drop-in on Zoom to chat with other coaches, share ideas, and ask questions. KidWind advisors and organizers will be on hand to answer all your questions - from engineering and design tips and tricks, to FAQ about the registration process and what to expect on Challenge Day. No formal agenda; come for the whole hour or just a portion! Having a team is not a prerequisite. All are welcome to come and inquire about Wisconsin KidWind.
Questions or comments? Want to know more? Contact us at outreach@energy.wisc.edu!
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a barrier free campus and is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services, and activities. If you need an accommodation for this event please let us know by emailing outreach@energy.wisc.edu or calling 608-890-0946. Requests made with less than 3 weeks’ notice will be honored when possible.