Student teams from five RAPID Member universities (Carnegie Mellon, Missouri University of Science and Technology, NC State, University of Delaware, and University of Pittsburgh) participated in the pilot competition (2020-2021 season) on November 8 at the 2021 AIChE Annual Meeting to design, build, and demonstrate a one-cubic foot plant. Designed around the 2021 theme of modular on-demand water purification, teams effectively demonstrated:
- Teamwork
- Creativity & Innovation
- Sustainable Development
- Diversity & Inclusion
Teams competed on cube performance via a head-to-head duel and promoted their technology through a three-minute ad, poster, and 20-minute "shark tank" style pitch to a panel of mock investors, with the University of Delaware team (shown right) ultimately winning first place at the inaugural competition.