Texas A&M University’s College of Engineering hosted the seventh annual Invent for the Planet, a high-stakes, 48-hour design competition that challenges students to tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues.
True to the event's slogan, "The Sun Never Sets on Innovation," students worked intensively over two full days to form teams, develop prototypes, craft business strategies and pitch their solutions to a panel of industry experts. Held simultaneously at universities around the world, the competition fosters collaboration and a deep understanding of global challenges, leading to innovations that transcend borders.
“Invent for the Planet is a truly unique competition, bringing together students from more than 50 universities across different disciplines to tackle some of our world’s most urgent challenges in just one weekend,” explained Jim Donnell, director of the Meloy Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program.
“It’s an incredible experience for everyone involved - students, faculty, mentors and judges alike. Witnessing the ingenuity and creativity these bright young minds bring to life is nothing short of inspiring," Donnell said.
From concept to prototype in 48 hours
The competition begins as any great engineering challenge should: by researching the problem and understanding the experiences of those most affected.
For first-place team Hydro Shield, that research played a defining role. Grace Williams, a sophomore engineering student and team member, reflected on how their findings shaped their invention.
“It was the numbers that stood out to me the most. I had no idea how many people were affected by overcrowding, poverty and displacement around the world,” said Williams. “It made us shape our design around creating a more home-like option for refugees who spend years living out of a tent.”
To meet the urgent needs of displaced communities - particularly in South Sudan, where over 9 million people are currently displaced - Hydro Shield developed a portable wall shelter system. Traditional refugee shelters, often made from aluminum tent rods and cloth walls, are easily damaged and lack durability.
Hydro Shield’s snap-wall system provides a more sustainable solution. Designed for quick, tool-free assembly, it features built-in flooring, doors, windows and a water collection system, making it more functional and resource-efficient. The streamlined, single-material design also reduces costs, making it 10% more affordable than traditional refugee tents.
“This competition made me realize that I was working on a cause that could impact real lives, and that I don’t have to choose between helping those in need and being an engineer. My work as an engineer can make a meaningful difference.”
As the first-place winners, Hydro Shield will continue refining their prototype and commercialization strategy as they prepare for the Invent for the Planet finals, where top teams from around the world will travel to College Station to compete for the global title at Texas A&M University.
Second and third place innovations
The second-place team, BioDITCH, also impressed judges with their solution to remove nitrates from agricultural runoff, a critical issue in riverine communities. Excessive fertilizer use leads to nitrate contamination, harming biodiversity and causing public health concerns through algae blooms.
BioDITCH’s biodegradable filtration system, made from natural materials like corn husks, rice and wood chips, uses bacteria to break down nitrates, reducing levels by up to 40%. The low-maintenance design provides an affordable and sustainable approach to mitigating water pollution. Their peers voted it Best Prototype of the competition.
Solar Moss, the third-place team and winner of Best Video and Best Presentation, tackled a different environmental issue: the urban heat island effect and high energy consumption in commercial buildings. Cities trap heat, leading to excessive HVAC use and increased carbon emissions.
Their modular, scalable system integrates solar photovoltaic panels with moss layers, reducing energy use while absorbing carbon dioxide. The system provides 27% energy savings and cuts CO2 emissions by 25%, offering an affordable and visually appealing solution for sustainable architecture.
A lasting impact
Jim Donnell reflected on the value of competitions like Invent for the Planet in preparing students to tackle complex challenges in their future careers.
“By working on real challenges, students learn to view problems through the customer’s lens, which fundamentally shifts how they approach solutions. Competitions like this help bridge the gap between the technical training students receive in the classroom and the commercial acumen they’ll need in the workplace.”
Beyond technical skills, Donnell emphasizes the event’s role in fostering a mindset of innovation and social responsibility among future engineers.
“The students never cease to amaze me with their passion for helping others. It’s encouraging to know that the next generation of Aggie leaders won’t just take care of what we’ve left them; they’ll make it better.”
Learn more about the Invent for the Planet competition.