Clean Break from Texas Tech University won first place. Photo by Michael Schumacher.
AMARILLO, Texas — Student teams from Texas Tech University, Texas A&M University, West Texas A&M University, Amarillo College, and AmTech Career Academy presented innovative solutions to national security challenges during the Pantex Innovation Challenge Finals on Nov. 6 at the Pantex Plant.
Now in its fourth year, the Pantex Innovation Challenge encourages academic collaboration while providing students with opportunities to explore careers in national security and advanced technologies.
“At Pantex, we believe the next great innovation may come from a student sitting in a classroom right here in our community,” said Brenda Dillard, Pantex Innovation Challenge facilitator. “We want to inspire young minds to think boldly, apply emerging technologies, create the solutions of tomorrow and help protect our nation’s future. Participants also have a unique opportunity to interact with Pantex employees, gain valuable insights into the world of national security and discover exciting career opportunities.”
Pantex engineer and Innovation Challenge mentor Matt Reyes said Pantex recognizes the immense talent and creativity of students throughout Texas schools and universities.
“Each school brings forward innovators that Pantex and the Nuclear Security Enterprise need to ensure a successful future,” he said. “Where better to build the next generation of Pantex talent than these outstanding Texas schools?”
During regional competitions earlier this year, student teams were paired with mentors and given a challenge scenario. Teams developed innovative solutions, presented them to a panel of judges, and were selected as finalists to represent their schools in this final competition at Pantex.
Three teams were selected as winners of the final competition, and received cash prizes of $10,000 for first place, $6,000 for second place and $4,000 for third place.
• First Place: Clean Break, Texas Tech University
• Second Place: Diamond Deterrence, Texas Tech University
• Third Place: Sixth Sense, Texas A&M University
The Pantex Innovation Challenge is sponsored by PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC (PXD), the management and operating contractor for the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas.
Diamond Deterrence from Texas Tech University won second place. Photo by Michael Schumacher.
Sixth Sense from Texas A&M University won third place. Photo by Michael Schumacher.
PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC (PXD) is the management and operating contractor for the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Pantex Plant located in Carson County near Amarillo, Texas. Pantex maintains the safety, security, and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile. PXD is a joint venture led by a BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) subsidiary – it also includes Fluor; SOC, A Day & Zimmermann Company; and The Texas A&M University System.
For more information on Pantex, visit www.pantex.energy.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
CONTACT
Ashlee Estlack
Communications
(C) 806-662-4687
ashlee.estlack@pantex.doe.gov