Three Red Raider teams move from campus ideation to statewide finals, delivering smart, well-crafted solutions.
What began as an on-campus ideation challenge quickly evolved into a statewide showcase of collaboration, ingenuity, and applied problem-solving.
The Pantex Innovation Showdown marks the next chapter in a growing partnership between Texas Tech University and the Pantex Plant; one rooted in experiential learning, real-world challenges, and national security impact. Led by the Texas Tech Innovation Hub, this collaboration came to life through the third annual Pantex Innovation Challenge, where more than 30 engineering, computer science, and business students worked alongside Pantex leadership to tackle operational challenges facing one of the nation’s most critical security facilities.
“It is critical that Pantex invest in academic partnerships,” said Brenda Dillard, Partnerships and Technology Transfer program manager at Pantex. “Students bring fresh perspectives, innovative approaches, and access to academic research, while Pantex offers real-world problem exposure, mentorship from experienced professionals, and career pathway development. We treat every student interaction as developing a potential future employee or long-term collaborator.”
Over two days, students formed interdisciplinary teams, developed solutions grounded in real-world constraints, and presented their ideas to a panel of Texas Tech and Pantex judges. Eight teams advanced through the Challenge, with three selected to represent Texas Tech in a newly launched, statewide Pantex Innovation Showdown- competing against Texas A&M University – College Station.
Inside the Pantex Innovation Challenge
The journey to the Pantex Innovation Showdown began on the Texas Tech campus with the two-day Pantex Innovation Challenge. A total of 38 students from STEM and business majors worked across eight interdisciplinary teams, each led by a Pantex employee and focused on a real national security or operational challenge.
Day one emphasized team formation and early concept development, as students collaborated closely with their Pantex leads. Day two culminated in final presentations to a panel of Texas Tech and Pantex leadership, with teams evaluated on innovation, feasibility, and potential impact. At the conclusion of the Challenge, three teams earned the opportunity to advance to the statewide competition.
In the week leading up to the final round, those teams received additional support through the Innovation Hub. They met with Program Director Ryan Bain for focused coaching, refined their presentations, incorporated mentor feedback, and developed custom pitch videos to strengthen both storytelling and technical clarity.
That dedication extended well beyond campus hours. On the early-morning bus ride to Amarillo, teams rehearsed at sunrise—practicing pitches, offering feedback, and supporting one another on the way to the Pantex Plant.
That preparation showed.
Strong Performances at the Pantex Innovation Showdown
At the finals, Texas Tech teams delivered thoughtful, technically grounded solutions to industry judges at the Pantex Plant—demonstrating weeks of research, iteration, and a clear understanding of the challenges presented.
First Place: Rank Shields ($10,000)
Rank Shields introduced a novel approach to blast protection for explosion testing. Their concept showed strong potential to improve safety and reliability in high-risk testing environments, earning praise from judges for both engineering depth and practical application.
Second Place: IntelliAI ($5,000)
IntelliAI presented an adaptable, lab-focused technology designed to enhance efficiency and safety. Their solution emphasized streamlined workflows with the potential to improve daily operations within technical environments.
“It was inspiring to watch these students grow throughout the entire process,” Bain shared. “From early conversations during the Challenge to refining videos, rehearsing pitches, and practicing at dawn on the way to Amarillo, they showed real commitment. Their performances at the Innovation Showdown reflected not just hard work, but genuine curiosity and collaboration. It was a privilege to support them.”
A Partnership Rooted in Purpose
Texas Tech’s collaboration with the Pantex Plant reflects a sustained commitment to building meaningful experiential learning opportunities. Through programs led by the Innovation Hub, Pantex’s operational challenges are intentionally paired with student creativity, academic research, and hands-on mentorship, creating value for both students and industry partners.
A Showcase of Collaboration and Commitment
From early brainstorming sessions on campus to sunrise rehearsals on the road, Texas Tech students demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and a thoughtful approach to solving complex challenges. Their success highlights the power of experiential learning, the importance of mentorship, and the impact of partnerships that empower students to put their knowledge into practice.
The Pantex Innovation Showdown was more than a competition... it was an opportunity for students to grow their skills, connect with professionals, and represent West Texas innovation with pride.