Nanotech Design Contest

A colleague recently asked "What can you build out of DNP cubes that you can't build out of spheres?" We've always had a difficult time answering this question succinctly. Rather than answer in words, we're going to actually show you...by running a nanotech design contest!

You: Hey! What do you mean by "nanotech design contest"?
DNP: We want you to design a solution to a real-world problem using nanotech. We'll see who can come up with the best solution to a given problem.
You: How will the contest work?
DNP: It will run like a hackathon, except instead of programming, you'll be designing nanotech devices. We'll start at 9a EST on a Monday, November 11, 2019 and run through 11:59p EST the following Sunday, November 17, 2019. Prior to 9a on Monday, we'll email you a packet of materials including a description of a real-world problem that should be solvable with nanotech. Then you get to (1) design a nanotech solution on paper, (2) describe your solution in three pages or less, and (3) enter your three-page write-up for a chance to win.  
You: Have you done anything like this before?
DNP: Not formally. However, while presenting our work at the University of Michigan, we did have the audience design "some cool nanotech device" using DNP cubes. In only 5 minutes, they were able to come up with a wide variety of protein detectors, drug delivery schemes, and other cool nano devices:

Fig. Sample nanotech designs created by audience members.

You: Who can enter?
DNP: Any team of 2-5 people. We're recruiting teachers and students, but anyone is welcome to enter.
You: Why should I enter?
DNP: Because it’ll be fun, and you want to solve big problems that will change the world!
You: Great! Where do I sign up?
DNP: There's an entry form below. To enter, gather 2-5 friends and form a team. Designate someone as the primary contact. (The primary contact is responsible for sending/receiving info for the contest.) Enter the primary contact's name, the email address where you'd like us to send contest info, and the names of all additional team members.
You: Anything else I should know?
DNP: To help you prepare, I'll make a few posts on this blog explaining the physics behind different nanotechnologies. This should help you prepare for the contest.

Interested in designing nanotech devices? Sign up today!

Best,
Santos