The Brief
Looking for a unique way to engage the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators, while highlighting the importance of STEM education in the US, Bayer turned to GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ to help launch its annual record-breaking competition amongst college students across the U.S.
The Solution
In 2017, Bayer announced its first Alka-Rocket Challenge where college students compete to design and launch an Alka-Rocket in pursuit of a record feat for the highest launch of an effervescent tablet rocket. Each year, Bayer invites students nationwide to enter the challenge with a press release and social posts featuring the hashtag: #AlkaRocketChallenge. Four finalists are selected by a panel of globally recognized judges and a fifth is chosen via a Facebook public vote. The five finalists then compete in an official attempt before a GWR™ judge. Though none of the 2019 finalists surpassed Brigham Young’s 2018 record, perseverance was shown by all and the University of Minnesota was declared the winner, taking home a cash prize of $25K.
Working with Guinness World Records allowed us to make this idea become a reality. It’s a fun and creative way for Bayer to engage the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators, while underscoring the importance of literacy and STEM education. We were able to break two world records and gain awareness about the importance of STEM careers in the United States.
