Alchemy

Alchemy 2026 | ACS DTU Case Competition

Theme: Chemistry Under Construction

Case Challenge: REBUILD – Chemistry for Low-Carbon Construction Organised by: American Chemical Society (ACS) Student Chapter, Delhi Technological University (DTU)

Overview:

ALCHEMY 2026 is a case competition organised by ACS DTU as part of National Chemistry Week 2026. The competition invites students to apply chemistry, materials science and problem-solving to develop practical and sustainable solutions for the construction industry.

Participants must select one of the three problem statements and develop a scientifically sound, technically feasible and economically viable solution.

Problem Statements:

PS 1: REBUILD – Chemistry for Low-Carbon Construction

Develop a chemistry-driven solution to reduce the environmental impact of a conventional construction material or its manufacturing process. Solutions may involve sustainable material alternatives, industrial by-products, improvements in thermal processing or other scientifically justified approaches. Proposals must address the underlying chemistry, material performance, safety, environmental impact, cost and scalability.

PS 2: Waste to Wealth: Building a Circular Future for Construction Materials

Develop a commercially viable solution for converting construction and demolition waste or suitable industrial by-products into value-added construction materials, such as recycled aggregates, alternative cementitious binders or geopolymer-based materials. Proposals must address waste selection, processing technologies, product performance, economic feasibility, environmental benefits and scale-up.

PS 3: Decarbonising India's Cement Industry: Balancing Sustainability, Cost, and Competitiveness

Develop a five-year decarbonisation roadmap for an Indian cement manufacturer. Identify major sources of emissions and evaluate interventions such as supplementary cementitious materials, alternative fuels, energy-efficient processes, waste heat recovery and carbon capture. Proposals must address emissions reduction, product quality, financial feasibility, raw-material availability and industrial scalability.

Teams must choose one problem statement only and develop their submission around the selected challenge. All proposals must be supported by credible scientific literature, relevant data and clearly stated assumptions.

Eligibility:

• Open to undergraduate students from recognised colleges and universities.
• Students from chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, environmental science and related disciplines are encouraged to participate.
• Inter-college teams are allowed.
• Inter-specialisation teams are allowed.
• Each team must consist of 2–3 members.

Rules and Guidelines:

• Each team must select and address only one problem statement.
• All submissions must be original and prepared specifically for the competition.
• Scientific claims, data and external sources must be appropriately cited.
• Plagiarism, fabricated data or misrepresentation of research will result in disqualification.
• Teams must follow the prescribed submission format and deadline.
• Proposed solutions must be scientifically justified, technically feasible and environmentally responsible.
• Teams must acknowledge the limitations, assumptions and potential trade-offs of their proposed solutions.
• The decisions of the judges and organising committee will be final.

Process and Format:

Round 1: Case Solution Submission

Submission deadline: 18 October 2026

Registered teams must submit a PDF presentation outlining their proposed solution to their selected problem statement.

The presentation must cover:

• The existing material, manufacturing process or industry challenge and its limitations.
• The proposed solution or process improvement.
• The scientific and chemical rationale behind the proposal.
• Technical feasibility, material performance and safety.
• Environmental impact and potential energy or emissions savings, as applicable.
• Cost, economic viability and scalability.
• Implementation strategy, supported by credible scientific literature, relevant data and reasoned assumptions.

Shortlisting: 20 October 2026

Shortlisted teams will be announced on 20 October 2026 and informed about the next round.

Round 2: Final Presentation

Date: 23 October 2026

Shortlisted teams will present their solutions before a panel of judges and answer questions about their scientific reasoning, technical feasibility, sustainability and potential for real-world implementation.

The presentation duration and detailed instructions will be communicated to shortlisted teams by the organising committee.

Duration and Important Dates:

• Round 1 submission deadline: 18 October 2026
• Shortlisting announcement: 20 October 2026
• Final presentation: 23 October 2026

Evaluation Criteria:

Submissions will be evaluated on the following parameters:

• Scientific and Chemical Reasoning: Accuracy and depth of the underlying chemistry.
• Innovation: Originality and effectiveness of the proposed solution.
• Technical Feasibility: Material performance, safety and practical applicability.
• Environmental Sustainability: Potential reduction in emissions, energy use, waste or resource consumption.
• Economic Viability and Scalability: Cost-effectiveness and potential for industrial adoption.
• Presentation and Defence: Clarity, supporting evidence and ability to justify recommendations.

Objective:

The competition aims to encourage chemistry-driven solutions that make construction materials and their manufacturing processes more sustainable without compromising performance, safety or affordability.

Build smarter. Think chemically. Rebuild sustainably.