WPI’s Public Interest Technology Innovation Challenge

Applications close on October 9

Challenge runs Sunday, October 18, to Wednesday, October 21

What exactly is Public Interest Technology? PIT is an approach to shaping technology to serve public needs with a focus on social impact—it’s a way to strengthen sustainable communities.

WPI’s PIT Innovation Challenge focuses on developing technological and engineering solutions around future of work, environmental issues and social justice.

If the idea of developing cutting-edge engineering, technology and policy solutions for local and global good appeals to you, please join WPI’s Public Interest Technology Innovation Challenge.

This challenge is sponsored by WPI’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center, in collaboration with Institute of Science and Technology for Development.

NOTE:  If you’d like to build or add to your team, attend the Speed Networking event on Friday, September 25, at 4 pm or Thursday, October 1, at 4 pm to find others who have similar interests and can form a team of 2 to 4 members. 

There will be two tracks to the PIT Innovation Challenge—choose the one that best matches your interests:

1. Future of Work: Some of the topics related to this track include human robot teams; meaning of work; digital workplaces; homelessness; small business sustainability; education technology; algorithmic accountability; internet of things (IOT); and skills training.

2. Environmental Sustainability: Topics related to this track include deforestation; water technology; climate change; air pollution; circular economy; food insecurity; biodiversity; and wildfires.

APPLY HERE

Prizes

First Place:         $1,000 in Goat Bucks 

Second Place:    $750 in Goat Bucks 

Third Place:        $500 in Goat Bucks

PIT Innovation Challenge Timeline

Team Matching Speed Networking Activity (Friday 4 pm, September 25 or Thursday, October 1, 4pm)

• No team? Not a problem! If you don’t have a team (2 to 4 students), you can participate in the speed networking activity to be matched with students that have common interests and compatibilities. (Optional)

Day 1 (Sunday, October 18):  

• Introduction to the challenge, judging criteria, and Q&A

• 2 to 3 workshops will be offered to support the teams in this innovation challenge. These workshops will be recorded and made available to those who are not able to attend. Topics TBD.
• Additional video resources on selected topics will be made available at this time.

Day 2 (Monday, October 19)

• 2 workshops will be offered to support the teams in this innovation challenge. These workshops will be recorded and made available to those who are not able to attend. Topics TBD.
• You will have access to resources to assist with developing your presentation and bringing it to life.

Day 3 (Tuesday, October 20)

• Team working day on your solution.

Day 4 (Wednesday, October 21)

• Submission of your team’s 5-minute presentation video is due by 11:59 pm.
• Judging will take place October 26 to November 4.
• Top 3 winning teams will be announced no later than November 6.