Davidson Inventors Challenge

The Davidson Inventors Challenge (DIC) is a collaborative school outreach initiative between the University of Cambridge Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CEB) and the Association of Science Technology and Innovation (ASTI) in Malaysia. It is also heavily supported by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).

This competition is aimed at Year 11 and 12 students (UK schools only). Through a team project, students are required to use their STEM skills to research sustainable development goals, select a problem, and come up with a sustainable, innovative solution that would make a positive global impact.

For more information, visit the competition website or read about the 2024 finalists and winners. 

The student teams are required to first select sustainable development goals to work towards, find a challenge/problem in that area they would like to work on, and then come up with a potential sustainable and innovative solution.

As an added bonus, teams or individuals who are participating in the Davidson Inventors Challenge (DIC) will have the opportunity to enter their project or an extension of their project into IChemE’s Young Engineers Awards for Innovation and Sustainability (YEAIS). This prestigious award has introduced a category for younger students for the first time.

More information about how to enter can be found at YEAIS 16 to 18 year-olds but please note that DIC participants will need to submit their YEAIS entry by 27 March 2025.

Mentors

If you are a chemical or process engineer wanting to support students, you can register as a mentor directly with the competition organisers, go to Mentors for The Davidson Inventors Challenge.