Problem Statement

Dirt can reduce the output of solar panels by as much as 10%, greatly reducing the economic viability of the technology. Create an economically efficient solution to this problem so that home solar systems remain dust-free.

Objectives

• Determine an economic solution that reduces the issues of dust.
• Increase the efficiency of the solar panels by at least 5%.
• Show a positive rate of return by implementing this solution.

Constraints

• Cost should not exceed $0.20/watt.
• Any technical solution must fit the 3 feet by 4 feet design of the panels.
• Must be durable, weatherproof, and easy to manufacture/install.
• Must meet standard OSHA safety protocol.

Outcomes

• Create a prototype or conceptual drawing of your solution using the expertise of WAGIC and Cisco.
• Consider technological and non-technological approaches to arrive at the most cost-effective solution.

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Problem Statement

Design a fun and user-friendly iPhone app or game that measures an individual’s energy use and carbon footprint in everyday activities, and uses that data to encourage a more energy-efficient lifestyle.

Objectives

• Create an app that logs daily activities and calculates related energy use and carbon impact.
• The app should provide clear alternatives, along with associated costs or cost savings, to motivate people toward making more energy-efficient choices.
• The app should chart progress in achieving efficiency goals.
• Design a marketing plan to get the word out to 100,000 potential users in 2 weeks.

Constraints

• Design an app prototype without the code (e.g., by using iRise.com).
• Must cost less than $1,000 to develop.
• Must launch within 4 weeks.

Outcomes

• Use WAGIC to create screenshots demonstrating how the iPhone app would work.

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Problem Statement

Pre-teens and teens are drinking large quantities of unhealthy energy drinks that contain high levels of caffeine, sugar and other short stimulants, which both cause a short term spike and crash and are contributing to health problems like obesity and diabetes.

Objectives

• Build awareness, consideration and trial by pre-teens and teens that FRS Healthy Energy is a healthier source of sustained energy compared to current energy drinks like “Rockstar”, “Monster” and “Red Bull”.
• Differentiate FRS from regular energy drinks by communicating that FRS is a different kind of sustained energy that uses quercetin, a powerful antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables, rather than just caffeine and sugar and is backed by real science and authentic athlete usage.

Constraints

• Budget: Leverage free social media plus $50,000 plus 100,000 cans or bags of 4ct chews.
• Campaign to go live in 3 months or less and run through end of school year.
• Focus on the ready to drink can and 4 bag chew versions of FRS.
• Description of product and benefits must be accurate and scientifically sound.

Outcomes

• Develop a creative concept that communicates the benefits of FRS to pre-teens and teens in an engaging and meaningful way – create mockups of the creative for display purposes.
• Develop a national marketing plan that reaches at least 1 million pre-teens and teens and drives trial of FRS by at least 100,000 new users. Plan should include a budget and show how many impressions and/or how much product each program delivers.

View more FRS Healthy Energy student renderings

Problem Statement

Today’s classrooms are inefficient and outdated. Design a best-practice model of an innovative high school modular classroom that provides a comfortable, engaging, and inspiring environment for learning, and minimizes daily operational energy costs.

Objectives

• Design and create the smart classroom of the future to enhance learning.
• Conserve resources and energy.
• Use materials to control sound and temperature.
• Because lighting is the single biggest energy cost, use a mix of natural and artificial light to reduce costs.
• Reduce energy costs by 30% compared to traditional classrooms.
• Design a simple method to continuously monitor cost savings engaging students and staff.
• Design a strategy to educate and inform the public about the benefits.

Constraints

• Cost must not exceed $150.00/square foot.
• Space must not exceed 960 square feet.
• Fully comply with Santa Clara County building codes.
• Time to build is 3 months.
• Achieve LEED and CHPS certification.

Outcomes

• Create a classroom prototype that utilizes Serious Materials products, and elements from other complementary companies like Cisco.
• Utilize expert support from WAGIC’s team and Ken Hawthorn.