MADMEC VI: "Materials Solutions for Alternative Energy"

MADMEC is a joint venture between MIT’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Saint Gobain, BP, and the Dow Chemical Company. MADMEC challenges teams of students to design and build prototypes that address a variety of energy, environmental, or habitat issues through the use of materials science. It is our hope that MADMEC will empower MIT students to shape the future of energy, while giving them an opportunity to practice and develop their creative design and engineering skills.

PRIZES

The three winning teams of MADMEC VI will receive the following prizes:

1st Prize: $10,000
2nd Prize: $6,000
3rd Prize: $4,000

Winning teams of each of the MADMEC "Design Events" will receive $500.

MADMEC VI DETAILS:

MADMEC VI will center around the theme of "Materials Solutions for Alternative Energy." Full details will be announced at the April 17 Kickoff, noon in room 6-104 (The Chipman Room).

Each team will design their own challenge and prototype. All teams will still be competing against each other regardless of the the challenge selected. Teams accepted into MADMEC V will receive $1000 funding to build their prototypes.

The most sucessful contest entries will be those that leverage advanced or novel applications of materials research, or incorporate materials science solutions in a creative manner. However, the primary intent of this contest is to engage students in prototyping, design and device fabrication, while elucidating the materials engineer's role in alternative energy development. Therefore prototypes are not necessarily required to be materials-centric. Good ideas, designs, and prototypes are the main emphasis of the contest.

All intellectual property (IP) generated during the contest will be wholly owned by the inventors. MIT, Dow, BP, or Saint Gobain will not claim a stake in your IP due to participation in MADMEC.

CONTEST OVERVIEW:

TEAMS

MADMEC is a team-based competition. Teams must include 2 to 5 members, comprised of MIT students only. At least two members of each team must be a full-time graduate or undergraduate student in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Graduates with 2012 degree dates are still eligible to participate. Additional information can be found on the rules page.

TEAM REGISTRATION

Teams must submit their registration information and proposals by May 30. Registration requirements are available here.

KEY DATES:

April 17: MADMEC VI Kickoff and Information Session
May 30: Project proposals due
2nd week in June: Checkpoint 1: Project Reviews at Saint Gobain, Northboro, MA
June 27: Design Challenge 1: 3D Printing
July 18: Checkpoint 2: Feasibility Study
July 31: Design Challenge 2: Laser Cutter
August 9: Checkpoint 3: Alpha Prototype
August 16: Design Challenge 3: Water Jet
August 23: MADMEC VI Semi-Finals (evening)
Mid September: Checkpoint 4: Fine Tuning
October 9: Finals (mid-day)

Full schedule can be viewed here.