The Clean Energy Trust's 5th annual Clean Energy Challenge marked the first time that Iowa State University has been included in the Midwest competition. ARTi, a student-led company from ISU was among the 14 finalists. Participation by Iowans was made possible through an agreement between the Clean Energy Trust and the Iowa Energy Center. The Energy Center also helped fund ARTi in order for the team to attend the finals in Chicago.

Advanced Renewable Technology International (ARTi), was founded in 2013 by Iowa State students of multiple disciplines and nationalities. Their goal is to develop and implement biorenewable technologies.

ARTi manufactures activated biochar and carbon membranes using Midwestern agricultural residues such as corn stocks, soybean remnants and grasses, which provide the building blocks for renewable carbon-based filtration media and outperform existing purification technologies. The company claims that ARTichar reduces costs, improves efficiency, and addresses tough contaminants when used as capacitive deionization carbon-based membranes.

Members of ARTi who participated in the Clean Energy Challenge say it was a great experience. The group gained exposure and generated interest around the company and biochar. Not only has ARTi made contacts during the event, but has also been contacted by interested parties who read newspaper articles about their participation. The group hopes to participate in the event as an early stage company in future years.