The Challenge | University of Arizona College of Engineering
University of Arizona

The Challenge 2021: Access to Clean Water

The Challenge is an annual virtual engineering design competition hosted by the AZ TriU Engineering Partnership, which includes the University of Arizona, Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University.

The Challenge 2020 topic was Engineering solutions for back to school during a Pandemic and The 2021 Challenge topic was Access to Clean Water. A new topic for The Challenge 2022 will be announced in May 2022.

Virtual Engineering Design Competition

Students work in teams and participate in online seminars, discussions with faculty and other experts, and work alongside undergraduate engineering student mentors. Teams collaborate virtually, conducting guided research and then build prototypes and finally submit a recorded, evidence-based solution for evaluation by expert judges. Students who participate in The Challenge gain valuable experience in research, teamwork, and leadership.

The Challenge

Student Testimonials

“It was a good experience and I feel like I have a better grasp on what engineering would be like.”

“It taught me a lot about what was happening in the world as well as, allowing myself and my team to work together and explore this challenge.”

“One of the best camps I have been in! It goes into so much detail. I am very thankful as it helped me learn about what it is like to be an engineer.”

“I enjoyed working in our solution. It is the most well thought out, thorough design that i have ever come up with and it was fun to do.”

2021 Winning Projects

Best Overall Solution: Team 8 “Grey Matters!
Team members: Ella Addink, Vedika Dhingra, JoJo Steinbeck, Cole Schantel

Most Innovative Solution: Team 4 “BioScience Water Warriors”
Team members: Lucas Cole Gonzalez, Jonathan Rodriguez, Jamie Morales, Harrison Thomma

Best Engineering Notebook: Team 7 “H2O GO Distilfilteration!”
Team members: Katie Vu, Lauren Toppenberg, Adam Johnson, Sean Rose

In the News

The Challenge 2021 made the KOLD NEWS!!!

Presented by the AZ TriU Engineering Partnership

University of Arizona
ASU
Northern Arizona University