AKILI STEMarts ACADEMY PRESENTS CLIMATE SOLUTIONS CHALLENGE 2025

THEME: ENGINEERING WATER-SECURE FUTURE

Hey Innovators!
Ever wondered how to turn a "what if" into a "what is"?
The Climate solutions challenge; Engineering a Water-Secure Future is your chance to explore, experiment, and discover the power of your ideas!
Join us for a journey of: 

• Creative exploration and out-of-the-box thinking.
  
• Hands-on learning and skill development.
  
• Fun and engaging teamwork.
  
• The chance to present your ideas to a panel of judges.
  
• The possibility of winning exciting prizes.
  

Problem statement 
Access to clean water remains a critical challenge in Western Region and Community members rely on salty well water or contaminated lake water, leading to waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. This unsafe water poses serious health risks, particularly to children and the elderly. The lack of clean water affects health, education, and economic productivity in the community, creating a cycle of hardship that requires targeted intervention specific to communities unique water challenges. How can we develop innovative solutions to ensure safe and reliable water access for households in our communities? 

The Challenge: Engineering a Water-Secure Future
Eg Water conservation, sustainable water management, water filtration and purification projects/measures 
This year's challenge invites teams to develop innovative, sustainable solutions addressing the water crisis in most parts of western Kenya through STEM applications. Students will reasearch and create practical, cost-effective projects e.g on water conservation, sustainable water management, water filtration and purification projects/measures, using Arduino (IOT), AI, or 3D printing technologies. Participants are encouraged to apply scientific principles creatively to design solutions with lasting impact that extend beyond immediate needs. The initiative aims to simultaneously combat water insecurity and promote STEM education, working toward a future where all households have access to safe, sustainable water. Projects requiring unsupported technologies (such as chemical treatments or complex IoT networks beyond Arduino) will not be eligible for the program.

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How you can incorporate technology to you innovations. explore other options

• IOT - (Arduino): For automation, water quality monitoring, and control systems.
• 3D Printing: For prototyping water filtration, distribution systems, and other structural solutions.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): For data analysis, prediction models, and intelligent water management.
• Scratch Program ​

​​Your team’s mission is to:

Research and share creative ideas and sustainable solutions for cost-effective projects focused on Water conservation, sustainable water management, water filtration and purification projects/measures, that integrate either Arduino (IoT), AI, or 3D printing technologies. Teams should consist of 4 to 6 students.
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Why participate !!
Participant students and teachers will contribute to solving a real-world problem and also gain valuable skills in cutting-edge technologies. To support students in this journey,  we will organize a STEM mentorship session for selected teams, where participants will receive guidance and training on how to use these technologies effectively. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to attend our STEM Camp in April, where they will present their projects to a panel of judges and peers. This camp will be a platform for students to showcase their creativity, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and gain inspiration from experts in the field.

Idea Submission Guidelines for Climate Solutions Challenge
March 24, 2025 - 4th April 
Idea submission
4th April
Deadline for Final Submission
2nd April 2025 - 13th April 2025 
Selection of Student teams based on Idea and start of mentorship  

• Teacher training on IOT, scratch, Arduino 3D printing.

April 14th - 19 April
Week 1 boot camp: Mentorship on integrating technology e.g. IOT Scratch, use of Arduino- into the ideas shared  innovation design
April 20th & 21st 2025
Week 2 bootcamp: Presentation and awarding winners

Division/categories
Division 1: 4th-6th grade 
Division 2: 7th-9th grade
Division 3: Form 2-Form 4 ​

​Submission Requirements

1. Team Information
   • Team name
   • School name
   • Division (Division 1: 4th-6th grade, Division 2: 7th-9th grade, or Division 3: Form 2-Form 4)
   • Team members (4-6 students)
   • Teacher/mentor name
2. Project Summary
   • Project title
   • Clear problem statement specific to your community's water challenge
   • Proposed solution 
   • Technology integration (specify which technology - Arduino/IoT, AI, or 3D printing)
   • Expected impact on the community
3. Technical Specifications
   • Materials needed
   • Technology components required
   • Basic design sketch or diagram take a photo and upload.
   • Estimated budget​

click this link to submit your idea

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Evaluation Criteria 
Submissions will be assessed based on the following:

1. Alignment (Understanding the Problem): Did you really understand your community's water problem? Does your solution solve the right problem for that community?"
   
2. Potential for Impact (Making a Real Difference): How much will your solution help you and your community. Will it make a big difference in their lives?"
   
3. Feasibility (Can it Actually Be Built?): Can your idea actually be built and used in your community? Is it possible to make it happen?"
   
4. Innovative Approach (Thinking Outside the Box):
   Does your solution use technology in a new way? Does it combine different ideas to create something unique?
   
5. Human-Centered Design (Thinking About People) Is your solution easy to use for people of all ages and abilities? 
   
6. Scalability (Can it Grow?) Can your idea help more people in the future? Can it be used in other places with similar problems?"
   
7. Technical Feasibility (Does the Technology Work?): does the technology in your solution work well? Did you use the right science and engineering?
   
8. Presentation & Clarity: How effectively is the idea communicated?
   

Awards for each Division is included included

• Post-competition support: further development of winning ideas
  
• Teacher/mentor support resource