About the Program

The competition inspires undergraduate students to examine current construction practices during their internships and develop new ideas that can make construction work more efficient, productive, and safe.

Awards include a $1,000 cash prize, up to two semesters of scholarship totaling $6,000, faculty mentorship, and departmental research support to help students pursue their innovative concepts.

The program is funded by the Construction Industry Advisory Council (CIAC) and is organized by the Department of Construction Science within the College of Architecture at Texas A&M University. 

The COSC Innovation Ideas Competition and Research Program (I2CRP) 2025 event.

Students presenting at the Construction Science Innovation Ideas Competition and Research Program (I2CRP) 2025 event.

How to Apply

Applications for Fall 2025 are now open. Every Spring or Fall semester, the competition will be announced by Mr. Hernan Guerra during the COSC 494 Internship. To apply:

  • Submit a one-page research problem statement to Mr. Guerra at the conclusion of your internship.

  • Competitive proposals will be selected for an oral competition, scheduled for the second week of the subsequent semester.

Participant Expectations

Selected participants will:

  • Dedicate 10 hours per week to paid research activities for up to two semesters.

  • Conduct research that addresses the problem outlined in their proposal under the supervision of COSC faculty members.

  • Be encouraged to present their findings at international conferences, showcasing their innovative contributions to the construction industry.

I2CRP Winners and Projects

2025 Winners

The 2025 I2CRP showcased cutting-edge student research, with four outstanding projects earning awards.

Winner Project Title
Manuel Hernandez Foresight Build: AI-Powered Project Management
Bryan Eubanks A Hybrid Approach to Cutting-in Painting: Human Skills Meet Robotic Precision
Sage Schaefer Social Media Safety Campaign Using AI-Generated Content
Stefan Plotini AI-Powered Coordination Assistant for Modular Fabrication Yards
The COSC Innovation Ideas Competition and Research Program (I2CRP) 2025 event.

Winners from the I2CRP 2025 event.

2024 Winners

The 2024 cohort of winners presented innovative solutions spanning engineering, workforce development, and safety training.

Winner Project Title
Jack Patterson The Pipe Pro: A Novel Engineering Solution for Pipe Handling
Brennan Lantzy The Toolbox Generation: Building the Future Construction Workforce
Victoria Chavez Effective Spanish Safety Training Using AI
Award-ceremony

Students being presented with awards from the 2024 I2CRP event.