The International Rescue Committee (IRC), the Seeker for this technical Wazoku Crowd Challenge, is looking to explore applications for phosphorescent or glow-in-the-dark materials for use as sustainable lighting in toilets in refugee camps.
Chemical engineers, makers, phosphorescent experts, structural designers, WASH advisors, science enthusiasts, luminescent chemists, innovators, and Solvers representing many more innovative skillsets are encouraged to submit a prototype lighting solution.
In order to increase the feeling of safety of women and girls, improve access to facilities, and reduce incidences of violence, Solvers are asked to create prototypes of phosphorescent or equivalent lighting solutions to install or retrofit onto toilet cubicles, for less than US$5 per cubicle.
Phosphorescent materials like strontium aluminate absorb light and release a glow, often for many hours. A light source that is self-charging, functional without technology, and long-lasting would revolutionize lighting in refugee camps – first in latrines with this IRC trial, but with the potential to be used in dwellings, path lighting, and medical facilities in other emergency settings.
Solvers are required to submit solutions detailing their functional, realized prototype, explicit steps to development, and data/videos from a test or demonstration.
This is a Prize Challenge which requires a written proposal and validated proof of prototype (data, pictures, videos) to be submitted. Awards will be contingent upon the theoretical evaluation of the proposal and prototype data, followed by experimental validation of a few, most promising proposals by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and evaluators.
Awards:- $35,000 + $10,000 Finalist Prize Pool
Deadline:- 22-05-2024
