Junior Academy (NYAS) is a STEM program, with a <10% acceptance where students choose a challenge and collaborate in teams to develop innovate solutions to real world problems. I was the team lead for both challenge, where we came up with product concepts and presented it to the panel of judges.
Problem : The central issue addressed is the inflexibility of the power grid, particularly in regions like Karnataka, India, where there are frequent and prolonged power outages due to coal shortages. While renewable energies are being introduced, the power grid needs to be more adaptable to fluctuating supply and demand. In rural India, the situation is exacerbated by unreliable electricity supply, with a significant portion of the population dependent on biomass for cooking, which has severe environmental impacts.
Hypothesis : Our hypothesis suggests that enabling consumers to generate their own electricity and contribute to the utility grid can create a more flexible and reliable power system. This approach would reduce reliance on the inconsistent utility grid, especially in rural areas, and allow for efficient energy management without significant changes to existing infrastructure.
Solution : The proposed solution involves implementing a microgrid in rural Karnataka that harnesses solar and bioenergy, particularly from farm waste and organic matter. This microgrid will operate on a prosumer model, where rural consumers can generate electricity, sell surplus energy back to the grid, and use sustainable practices. The system also incorporates batteries and smart meters to store excess energy and manage distribution throughout the day, thereby reducing grid overloads and enhancing overall flexibility. This approach empowers rural communities to become energy-independent while contributing to a more resilient and environmentally friendly power grid.
Problem : With the Covid 19 pandemic consuming most resources and attention, patients with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are receiving less care. This has led to a critical shortage of essential medicines for NCD patients in these regions, exacerbating their health issues.
Hypothesis : By leveraging technology, which has proven effective in addressing healthcare challenges in other contexts, can also be beneficial in developing countries like Lebanon. By implementing similar technological solutions, the government and healthcare providers can reduce the mortality rate associated with NCDs, despite the ongoing pandemic.
Solution : A platform (MedConnect) can be created that connects those with surplus medicines, such as hospitals and NGOs, with patients in need, specifically in Lebanon. The solution is embodied in a prototype app with three main sections:
Doctor Consultation: Provides access to volunteer doctors and medical students from NGOs who can offer free consultations. This includes supervised consultations by medical students, helping them gain experience while assisting patients.
Medicine Availability: Allows users to find and request needed medicines. The app connects patients with suppliers, and the medicines are delivered to a common location where patients can collect them. This method reduces costs compared to home delivery.
Information on NCDs: Offers users general information on various NCDs, including symptoms and treatment options, to better educate and empower them in managing their conditions.
The app has been well-received in user surveys, with respondents finding it user-friendly and effective in addressing the shortage of NCD treatments during the pandemic. However, challenges such as access to technology in underrepresented regions and the potential for corruption or inflated prices need to be addressed to improve the app's impact.