2009 Business Cases

valenceLogo

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.

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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.

View more Valence Energy student renderings

haraLogo

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.

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Outcomes

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

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frsLogo

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.

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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

seriousLogo

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.