Residents and Businesses considering solar panel installation face challenges in accurately estimating the financial benefits, factoring in the complexities of varying electricity rates, sunlight availability, subsidies, and property value enhancements. They need a precise method to forecast the return on investment (ROI) to make informed decisions. Challenge Description: Develop a sophisticated calculator that allows residents and businesses to estimate the ROI from installing solar panels. This software must account for critical variables such as local electricity rates, solar insolation levels, available government subsidies, and the potential increase in property values. The calculator should enable users to customize inputs, allowing them to explore various financial scenarios and understand their potential savings and the time required to reach the break-even point. Key Feature: Enhanced Chatbot Interactions: The chatbot should be capable of suggesting optimal times for re-evaluation of the ROI based on predicted changes in the market or regulatory environment, thus keeping the businesses informed about the best times to reassess their investments. Objective: This challenge aims to provide a tool that simplifies the financial evaluation of solar panel installations, making the decision-making process more data-driven and less intimidating. By integrating interactive elements like a chatbot, the solution seeks to engage users actively, ensuring they have all the necessary information at hand to optimize their investments in renewable energy.

In microgrid environments, there is a need for a reliable and efficient system to facilitate the exchange of solar energy between consumers. Current solutions lack the real-time capability and security needed to ensure transparent and fair transactions among users. Challenge Description: Develop a dynamic platform that enables real-time trading of solar energy among consumers within a microgrid. This platform should leverage blockchain technology to ensure that all transactions are recorded securely and transparently. Additionally, the system should incorporate smart contracts that are automatically executed when specific conditions are met, such as when one user has excess energy and another requires additional power. This solution will optimize energy distribution within the microgrid, enhance grid resilience, and promote the efficient use of renewable resources. Key Features: Blockchain Integration. Smart Contract Implementation. Real-Time Trading Capabilities. User-Friendly Interface. Objective: This challenge aims to create a sophisticated yet user-friendly platform that enhances the sustainability and self-sufficiency of microgrids through effective and secure real-time trading of solar energy, empowering consumers and promoting the broader adoption of renewable energy sources.

Electric Vehicles (EVs) face challenges such as range anxiety and efficient battery management, especially over long distances. Despite improvements in battery technology, optimizing these resources for extended travel remains a critical issue. Challenge Description: Develop a software solution that optimizes long-distance travel for EVs by integrating advanced route planning with sophisticated battery management. This tool should leverage batteries known for their non-flammable properties, low cost, high energy density (695 wh/kg), and capability for Direct Air Capture in specific configurations. The software will provide real-time data and predictive analytics to manage battery life and suggest optimal charging points and routes based on traffic, weather, and the vehicle’s charge level. Key Features: Advanced Route Planning. Battery Management System Integration. Charging Station Locator. Environmental Impact Considerations. User-Friendly Interface. Objective: The goal is to improve the feasibility of long-distance EV travel by enhancing route planning and battery usage. This will thereby support the broader adoption of electric vehicles and promote a sustainable, clean energy ecosystem.

The concept of micro-factories has become increasingly popular for small-scale, efficient production. However, designing an optimal layout for such setups, particularly in limited spaces like garages, presents a significant challenge. Leveraging augmented reality (AR) can greatly enhance the design process by allowing for real-time visualization and interaction with the manufacturing environment. Create an AR-based platform focused on designing and optimizing the layout of a micro-factory within a garage or small workshop. This system should help users visualize floor plans, arrange machinery, and optimize space utilization to enhance manufacturing efficiency and workflow. People can build goods to sell in their communities. Key Features: AR Floor Plan Designer: Develop a tool that allows users to create and visualize floor plans in real-time, enabling them to place and rearrange machinery within the virtual space. Space Optimization Engine: Implement algorithms that suggest optimal layouts based on available space and specific manufacturing needs, providing recommendations to improve workflow and reduce waste. Machinery Library: Include a comprehensive library of commonly used manufacturing machinery and equipment, allowing users to drag and drop these elements into their AR floor plan. Efficiency Analyzer: Develop tools to analyze the efficiency of proposed layouts, offering insights and suggestions for improving productivity and reducing downtime. Collaboration Features: Enable multiple users to collaborate on the same floor plan in real-time, providing tools for sharing and reviewing designs with team members or stakeholders. This challenge focuses on the design aspects of setting up a micro-factory, encouraging college students to leverage AR technology to create efficient and effective manufacturing spaces in small environments.

Since the pandemic, the disruption of logistics and raw material supplies from China has highlighted the need for reliable local supplier networks in El Paso and Juarez. However, comprehensive and accessible information on local suppliers is lacking. Challenge Description: Develop an app that aggregates and provides detailed, up-to-date information on local suppliers in the El Paso and Juarez regions. This tool should serve as a central portal where manufacturers can access a database of suppliers, including capabilities, certifications, availability, and contact information. The app should also include features for supplier reviews and the ability to request quotes directly through the platform. Key Features: Comprehensive Supplier Database: Build a robust database with detailed profiles of local suppliers. Real-Time Updates and Notifications: Ensure the platform provides the latest information on supplier availability and new entries in the market. Interactive Quoting System: Enable users to submit and receive quotes directly within the app, facilitating quicker decision-making and partnerships.