Build54 Postgraduate Prize in Physics 2025
Breakthrough physics research in quantum computing, renewable energy, and computational physics
Build Statement
Africa's technological advancement requires breakthrough physics research that addresses fundamental challenges: developing quantum computing capabilities for complex optimization in logistics and finance, advancing renewable energy physics to harness abundant solar and wind resources, creating new materials for everything from construction to electronics, understanding complex systems through computational physics, and improving communications through photonics.
Students must demonstrate how advanced physics concepts in quantum mechanics, materials science, renewable energy, computational modeling, or photonics can create solutions for energy access, communications infrastructure, industrial development, or scientific computing while considering the practical constraints of implementing advanced physics research in African contexts.
Students must demonstrate how advanced physics concepts in quantum mechanics, materials science, renewable energy, computational modeling, or photonics can create solutions for energy access, communications infrastructure, industrial development, or scientific computing while considering the practical constraints of implementing advanced physics research in African contexts.
Full Description
The Best Undergraduate Final Year Project in Physics celebrates exceptional physics research and applications from Africa's brightest young physicists. This challenge seeks projects that demonstrate deep understanding of physical principles while applying them to solve real-world challenges through theoretical insights, computational modeling, or experimental innovation.
We welcome projects in quantum computing and quantum information, renewable energy physics and energy storage, materials science for new technologies, computational physics for complex systems, photonics and optical communications, and applied physics for medical or industrial applications. Projects should showcase strong theoretical foundation, rigorous mathematical analysis, and practical applications.
Successful projects will demonstrate mastery of advanced physics concepts, innovative experimental or computational approaches, and clear connections to technological advancement. Whether you're developing quantum algorithms for optimization problems, designing new materials for solar cells, creating computational models for climate systems, or building photonic devices for communications, we want to see physics driving innovation.
Projects should consider how fundamental physics research can address African technological needs, from improving telecommunications infrastructure to advancing renewable energy adoption. We particularly value work that bridges the gap between theoretical physics and practical engineering applications.
Submission Requirements
• Submit up to 8 supporting links (documents, demos, repositories)
• Additional text content and explanations are supported
• Ensure all materials are accessible and properly formatted
• Review your submission before final submission
Online Submission
Submit your solution online
Deadline
December 30, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Prize Pool
$2,500 USD + Internship
Cash Prize
$2500
Organizer
Build54
Evaluation Criteria
Physics Understanding
20%
Deep grasp of physical principles, mathematical rigor, and theoretical foundation
Innovation & Originality
18%
Novel approaches, creative problem-solving, and original contributions
Experimental/Computational Quality
16%
Rigorous methodology, accurate measurements, or robust simulations
Practical Applications
14%
Clear technological applications and potential for real-world impact
Data Analysis
12%
Proper error analysis, statistical treatment, and result interpretation
Presentation Quality
10%
Clear communication of complex physics concepts and results
Technological Relevance
10%
Connection to current technological challenges and opportunities