We are thrilled to announce the winners of Phase 1 in the Rust Busters Challenge!
Phase 1 of the Rust Busters Challenge tasked innovators from around the world to propose paper solutions to extend the life of water infrastructure in the United States. We received 35 submissions from 13 different countries. The judging panel was faced with the difficult decision of selecting five submissions to proceed to Phase 2.
And the winners are…
Barret Schlegelmilch: CRUST - Ceramic Rust Universal Sealant Technology
John Newport: High Barrier Controlled Release Rustbuster Coating
Martin Voorma: E-paint, a new method for kathodic protection
Mathew Clancy: Novel Sol Gel for Advanced Corrosion Protection
Micheal Ahimbisibwe and Jeremy Martinez: COAL TAR ENAMEL SPRAY
Phase 2 participants will each receive $35,000 and test coupons at the start of the Phase 2 development period. After successfully completing a mid-point check-in, Phase 2 participants will then each receive an additional $15,000 to help complete their development work. After the 6-month development period, Phase 2 participants will return their test coupons and prototypes to Reclamation where they will undergo laboratory and field testing. The final prize purse of up to $100,000 in award money will be shared among the winner(s).
Thank you to everyone who submitted and followed the challenge, we could not have done it without you. We would also like to send a special thank you to our expert reviewers whose feedback was invaluable in selecting the winners of the challenge.
