China

Applied Materials hosted an Open Innovation Workshop in Shanghai where company experts joined industry and academic leaders to explore how materials engineering can help transform sectors of the global economy.

The development of power IC manufacturing in China is being facilitated by the large number of 200mm fabs in the country.

Team UOW – from the University of Wollongong in Australia – took first place at the Solar Decathlon China!  Not only did their entry score the highest points in the competition but it received recognition as the oldest house in the event.  The Team avoided the environmental impacts of new construction by retrofitting a typical existing Australian home built in the period of the 1950’s and 60’s.

The wait is over as 20 student teams from 35 universities across 13 countries on six continents have officially arrived in Datong, China for the first-ever Solar Decathlon held in Asia.  The China Solar Decathlon runs from August 2-11 and challenges college teams to complete against one-another to design and build an energy-efficient home that is attractive, affordable and ready for occupancy.

The award-winning entry was inspired by the Namib Desert Beetle, but other teams used solar-powered hot plates, conifer bark filters, and reverse osmosis in their projects engineered to provide “Clean Water for All” as part of the Applied Materials Clean Tech Competition.

It is a thrill to experience the energy, creativity, and enthusiasm of young people from around the world as they apply their curiosity and talents to address significant global challenges.  There are budding scientists and innovators all around us and I have been fortunate to recently visit with some of the best.On an October Saturday in Datong City, China, one hundred students from 35 universities melded into five integrated, multi-lingual teams and immediately found their unique competitive spirit.  The teams eagerly answered trivia questions, celebrated correct answers, and were awarded materials allowing them to build a traditional Chinese structure – an Ancient Chinese Bucket Arch which is created by locking beams and requires no nails or cement to stand for hundreds of years. Amazing!

One is improving the efficiency of first aid delivery in the event of mass casualties. Another is fighting the proliferation of counterfeit drugs and untested medical devices in emerging countries through a mobile RFID-based system. And, a third is dedicated to promoting dental health among children who don’t have knowledge of daily brushing techniques and benefits.They aren’t medical professionals with years of experience but high school students from Shanghai, China who won the Applied Materials Future Science Stars competition this spring.

Imagine a world where some of the biggest problems we have are solved through clean technology. What would happen if we engage young, creative minds in tackling issues of immediate importance to the global community?To inspire the next generation of innovators, Applied Materials is pleased to announce the Clean Tech Competition, a design contest for 13-18 year old youth living in the San Francisco Bay Area, USA and Xi’an, China.The 2011 inaugural challenge posed to students in two of the world’s most historic centers of innovation is “Solar Solutions to the Rescue.” Teams of entrants will design a solar-powered solution to a basic human need identified in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

Watch the full episode. See more NOVA. PBS’ NOVA, the highest rated science series on television and the most watched documentary series on public television, features Applied Materials’ President of Solar, Charlie Gay and the company’s cutting-edge solar technology.