GreenHacks is hosting our Sustainability Innovation/Venture/Startup Challenge themed FLOWING FORWARD: Sustaining Our Water Use for Tomorrow on Feb 21-22, 2025 at the Pava Center.
Flowing Forward Innovation Challenge
Our innovation challenge is a competitive forum designed to support, motivate, and mentor aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs in their startup ideas. Students work in teams to pitch a solution that targets sustainability challenges head-on. Solutions can come in any form ranging from strategic business proposals, cutting-edge mobile applications, functional prototypes, and so on.
We kick off with the opening ceremony on Friday, Feb. 21, at 4pm. Project pitch presentations and judging is on Saturday, Feb. 22, afternoon after a full day of hacking, workshops, and networking opportunities. More details and the schedule will be posted at: greenhacksjhu.com.
You may come to the competition with a team in mind, but all teams (maximum 5 members) will be officially formed and finalized on Friday. We will have time on Friday for team mingling/formation for individuals.
Registration/Application deadline is Feb. 19, 2025.
Flowing Forward Tracks
There are three design tracks under the Flowing Forward theme you may choose to “hack” in.
Track 1: Pollution Management
For centuries, human activities have degraded Earth’s hydrosphere by releasing pollutants into water ecosystems. Water pollution can cause long-lasting harm to aquatic life and overall ecosystem health, and can pose significant public health risks. This track challenges participants to explore opportunities to enhance current pollution management methods and develop innovative solutions to prevent, mitigate, and remediate waterway pollution.
Track 2: Industrial Water Use
Industry is the heartbeat of contemporary human society. However, critical industries such as agriculture, energy, and manufacturing require more water than our natural resources can sustainably provide. There is an urgent need for increased water-use efficiency in order to orient industry such that it can continue to sustainably advance human society. This track challenges participants to choose a sector, deeply analyze its water needs, and create a solution that balances productivity with sustainability, maximizing water efficiency for a resilient future.
Track 3: Urban Water Management
Modern times have brought an onslaught of unprecedented challenges to urban water systems. Aging infrastructure, outdated stormwater systems, and inequitable clean water access strain urban systems. Additionally, the effects of climate change intensify natural disasters and increase flood risk particularly for coastal cities such as Baltimore. The interplay of these factors demands innovative solutions in urban design to create resilient cities. Through innovative technologies and sustainable practices, participants can reshape urban landscapes to better suit modern challenges.
Your team will have a chance to select your track during the event.
Follow us at @greenhacksjhu and reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions!