The 2025 Gateways to Blue Skies Competition is a university-level challenge hosted by NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) under the University Innovation Project. The competition is designed to engage student teams in developing innovative aviation-related solutions that address climate-related challenges in agriculture. This annual competition invites multidisciplinary teams of undergraduate and graduate students from accredited U.S. institutions to conceptualize and propose novel aviation technologies applicable to agriculture by 2035, with the goal of improving production, efficiency, environmental impact, and resilience against extreme weather events.

The competition theme for 2025 is “AgAir | Aviation Solutions for Agriculture” and focuses on how advanced aviation systems can modernize and support agricultural practices. Participants are encouraged to think beyond current mainstream technologies and explore aviation-centric solutions for cropland, rangeland, and livestock management. Areas of interest include pest and disease management, precision agriculture techniques, extreme weather adaptation, and the development of autonomous or remotely piloted aviation missions for agricultural applications. Proposed solutions should emphasize aviation’s role while integrating well with agricultural needs and operations.

The competition process includes a conceptual systems-level study, a 5–7-page proposal, and a two-minute video presentation. Based on the initial evaluation, up to eight finalist teams will be selected to further develop their concepts into an 8-10-page final technical paper, an infographic summarizing their research, and a presentation. Finalists will present their work at the 2025 Gateways to Blue Skies Forum at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in May 2025. Each finalist team will receive an $8,000 award to support their participation, and the winning team members will be eligible for NASA internship opportunities.

Eligibility for the competition is limited to full-time or part-time undergraduate and graduate students at accredited U.S. universities. Teams must include at least one faculty advisor and two U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident students from the lead university. Multidisciplinary teams and those from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) are strongly encouraged to apply. Foreign nationals may participate but are subject to NASA security restrictions, which limit their ability to attend on-site events at NASA Centers and make them ineligible for the internship prize.

The application process begins with a non-binding Notice of Intent (NOI) submission, which is strongly recommended for teams by February 17, 2025. The full proposal and video submission deadline is February 17, 2025, with finalist teams announced by March 14, 2025. The final technical paper and infographic are due May 4, 2025, followed by the presentation submission on May 16, 2025. The Gateways to Blue Skies Forum will take place from May 20-21, 2025 at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center.

Proposals and final deliverables will be judged on technical innovation, feasibility, implementation pathway, and clarity of presentation. Teams will be assessed based on sound scientific and engineering analysis, integration with existing agricultural systems, operational feasibility, economic viability, and the clarity of their final deliverables. Additional recognition may be awarded for categories such as Best Technical Paper, Best Infographic, Best Presentation, and Most Creative/Innovative Concept.

The competition is organized by the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA) in partnership with NASA ARMD. Interested participants can access additional details and submit applications via the official Blue Skies website. For inquiries, teams can contact BlueSkies@nianet.org.