Energy systems
Devices and processes for producing and storing useful energy.
22 problemsEngineering
Devices and processes with defined performance goals.
Explore Engineering
Quantum computing
Engineering reliable computation with quantum devices.
3 problemsBiomedical engineering
Devices that support or replace biological functions.
12 problemsChemical engineering
Processes for chemical conversion, separation, and resource recovery.
7 problemsEnvironmental engineering
Processes for water treatment, waste destruction, and environmental protection.
5 problemsCommunication systems
Transmitting information through physical links and networks.
8 problemsElectronic devices
Components that turn electrical inputs into useful computation or light.
4 problemsSpace propulsion
Propulsion components that perform reliably under spacecraft operating conditions.
3 problemsCollections
Browse collectionsEnergy and materials
Generating, storing, and converting energy demands both physical understanding and workable devices.
33 problemsNeural interfaces
Long-lived implants, movement with sensory feedback, and speech communication through brain signals.
3 problemsWater and waste
Harvesting freshwater, preserving salt barriers, destroying persistent chemicals, and sorting layered plastics.
4 problemsA few problems to explore
58 totalFusion power
Producing fusion energy is a milestone. Can a complete plant deliver more electricity to the grid than it consumes, repeatedly and with components that survive operation?
Scalable fault-tolerant quantum computing
Error correction can protect small quantum computations. Can those ingredients become a machine that runs large, useful calculations with controlled errors and manageable resources?
Solid-state batteries
Solid electrolytes promise new battery designs. Can a lithium-metal cell combine high energy, repeated cycling, safe operation, and manufacturability without impractical mechanical pressure?
Lithium–sulfur batteries
Sulfur offers attractive battery capacity, but a practical cell must keep that capacity through many cycles without hiding its weaknesses behind excess electrolyte or lithium.
Artificial photosynthesis
Devices can use sunlight to make fuels. Can direct solar-fuel systems remain efficient, selective, safe, and durable as they grow beyond carefully controlled demonstrations?
Carbon dioxide electrolysis
Electricity can turn carbon dioxide into useful chemicals. Can an electrolyzer do so with durable operation, efficient carbon use, and a favorable whole-system energy and emissions balance?