Welcome to the AspenTech® Academic Innovators Challenge

We are excited to invite you to participate in the AspenTech Academic Innovators Challenge, continuing our commitment to unlocking the ingenuity and innovative thinking of the next generation of engineers. Calling chemical engineering students to submit their innovative proposal to address one of four real-life sustainability themes using AspenTech software solutions.

Ready to join the challenge? Registration is now open from January 31 - February 28, 2025.

Key Dates

Submission deadline: March 1 - April 14, 2025
Judges Review: April 15 -30, 2025
Winners Announced: May 1, 2025
Award Ceremony: TBD 

Eligibility/Who Can Register

  • Submissions from undergraduate and graduate (master’s level) students majoring in chemical engineering at an accredited university in the Middle East and Asia Pacific with active aspenONE Academic licenses will be accepted.
  • Submit a proposal either as an individual or as part of a team (up to 3 members per team).

Choice of Distinct Challenge Themes

Proposals should address one of the four sustainability areas listed below. Select the theme that resonates with you the most and inspires you to develop innovative ideas.

  1. Resource Efficiency: Develop processes that reduce energy, water or feedstock use through targeted optimization.
a.  Novel schemes to improve energy efficiency
b. Reduce emissions of other greenhouse gases (methane, NO2, etc.)
c. Wastewater treatment

2. Energy Transition & Decarbonization: Develop new processes and sources for future energy needs and decarbonize existing applications.

a. Accelerate innovation for Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) and Hydrogen
b. Use electrical or solar energy to reduce fired heat and emissions
c. Advances in hydrogen electrolysis
d. Power storage, such as flow batteries

3. Circular Economy: Develop advanced recycling technologies and incorporate sustainable feedstocks. Drive innovation to minimize waste.

a. Projects describing advanced recycling technologies for polymers, batteries, or other materials

4. Bio-Based Feedstocks- Integrate bioresources into existing processes and redesign current production processes to use alternative, sustainable raw materials.

a. Redesign of existing production processes to accommodate bioresources while maintaining or improving efficiency.
b. Lifecycle analysis comparing traditional raw materials with bio-based alternatives to evaluate sustainability and economic viability.

 
Submission Requirements

Submissions must include the following:

  • Conference poster
  • AspenTech software simulation files
  • 3–5-minute solution demo video highlighting the challenge you are addressing and your approach while showcasing of your working simulation

Evaluation Criteria

Entries will be evaluated based on the following five key criteria, with a maximum possible score of 100 points. 
  • Innovation: The submission should be novel and creative, while specifically addressing the selected sustainability topic. Highlight the solution’s potential to contribute to specific sustainability targets or initiatives.
  • Impact: The solution should provide clear social, environmental or economic benefits. Explain its significance in clear and measurable terms and include metrics on emission reduction, resource savings and market disruption.
  • Feasibility: The proposed solution’s technical feasibility should address scalability, compatibility, and potential roadblocks. Demonstrate economic potential with a clear cost analysis, market assessment and viable revenue models. Providing data-driven validation, such as lab results, pilot tests, or other supporting evidence, will strengthen the solution.
  • Creativity: Clearly explain how AspenTech software is seamlessly integrated into the solution, emphasizing its critical role in enhancing effectiveness and impact. Focus areas should include process simulation, process control, AI/ML, optimization tools, data analytics and other pertinent solutions.
  • Clarity: The challenge, benefits and solution should be clear, concise and engaging for a diverse audience. Information should be presented logically, emphasizing the value proposition and potential impact of the solution.

Prizes

The top-scoring team from each country will have the opportunity to present their innovations to a panel of AspenTech leaders and receive: 

  • A commemorative trophy
  • A digital diploma
  • A digital award badge
  • Recognition in AspenTech social media posts 
The top three overall winners will receive:

  • First place $500
  • Second place $300
  • Third place $200
Submit your proposal and join the challenge. Register Now!