element14 design challenge to help fight COVID-19

Technology company element14 has announced the Fighting Germs Project14 design challenge, with the aim of engaging designers and engineers to find innovative solutions to fight germs — one of the most efficient ways to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The goal of the challenge is for members of the element14 Community to create an affordable project that utilises resources and components that are readily available so others can easily replicate their designs. Unlike other design challenges, there are no specific requirements to participate. Potential solutions could include:

• Face protection
• Body temperature monitor/access controls
• Contactless disinfection of frequently touched surfaces
• Automated disease testing
   

“Everyone has the opportunity to do their part to help slow the spread of this disease, and that is especially true of our amazing community of engineers, makers and hobbyists,” said Dianne Kibbey, Global Head of Community and Social Media for the element14 Community. “Our members came to us just as the lockdowns started and asked us to launch a challenge for new innovations in this area. We encourage our more than 720,000 members to put their unique design skills to work and create solutions to help prevent the spread of this pandemic.”

The grand prize winner of the Fighting Germs design challenge will win a $200 shopping cart to element14.com, a $200 donation to their preferred COVID-19 charitable cause and a Flir thermal imaging camera. An additional three winners will each receive $100 shopping carts to element14.com to help bring their designs to life along with a UV sanitising lamp. Members can work solo or in teams, as long as they collaborate remotely.

The Fighting Germs Project 14 design challenge is open until 15 June, with winners to be announced by 29 June. For more information and to enter, click here.

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