What will we eat in 2169?
This category focuses on the design of innovative eco-friendly agricultural equipment, agricultural practices, or food processing. These topics include feed processing and handling equipment for animal agriculture, construction and mining, forestry, lawn and ground care, and robotic applications in food and fiber production and processing. Students studying in fields related to agricultural sciences or food processing may be interested in submitting to this category.

Where will we live in 2169?
This category covers a diverse range of topics related to sustainable living. These topics include climate change and the changing planet, sustainable management of waste, the development of green infrastructure and buildings, or the design of sustainable materials. Innovative design of materials and unit operations are of particular interest. Students studying in fields related to climate change studies, building design, urban planning, or material design may be interested in submitting to this category.

What will we drink in 2169?
This category covers a diverse range of topics related to our management of water, air, soil and other resources. A wide research interest encompasses water quality or water resource studies, livestock waste management, water management in agriculture, air or odor studies, ecology or environmental resource studies. Students studying in fields related to environmental or natural resources may be interested in submitting to this category.

How will we travel in 2169?
This category covers a diverse range of topics related to the development of renewable energy sources and the development of environmentally sustainable transportation methods. The focus of such research can include feedstock development and logistics, processing and conversion technology, microbiological engineering, process economics, environmental impact analysis, or transportation systems design. A few prominent examples of renewable energy are ethanol, biodiesel, bio-gas, wind, solar, and photosynthetic fuel cells. Students studying in fields related to renewable energy or transportation systems may be interested in submitting to this category.