We are Solaride, a non-profit organization dedicated to pushing the boundaries of solar technology and fostering the next generation of innovators. Our flagship project involves the development of a solar-powered car, but our broader mission is to empower people through sustainable technology. We believe in creating solutions that not only address global challenges but also nurture creativity and technical skills.
Our challenge is to create a solar-powered water purification system that is compact, energy-efficient, and capable of delivering clean drinking water to remote areas. In many parts of the world, access to potable water is still a pressing issue, particularly in locations where infrastructure is limited. By harnessing the power of the sun, this system could provide a sustainable and eco-friendly way to purify water, benefiting communities with little to no access to clean water sources. The potential impact is vast, from disaster relief scenarios to providing for isolated communities in developing nations.
Access to clean water is one of the most urgent issues of our time. As climate change accelerates, water scarcity is becoming an increasing problem, particularly in arid regions and during natural disasters. Renewable energy sources like solar power offer a promising solution for sustainable water purification. This challenge is timely as the world seeks innovative ways to address these pressing environmental and humanitarian issues, and solar energy has the potential to play a significant role in ensuring water security for vulnerable populations.
Success would be the creation of a functional proof-of-concept (POC) prototype of a solar-powered water purification system that is portable, efficient, and capable of delivering clean water with minimal energy input. The system should demonstrate the feasibility of purifying water using solar energy alone, with potential for scalability and real-world deployment in remote areas. A successful solution would be one that balances technological innovation with practical usability, bringing clean drinking water to those who need it most while minimizing environmental impact.
Possible directions include leveraging existing solar technology to power filtration systems such as reverse osmosis or UV purification. There are already solar-powered desalination and purification systems in development, but many are not compact enough for easy transport to remote areas. Collaboration with engineers experienced in solar energy, fluid dynamics, and sustainable development could help adapt these technologies into a more portable and efficient form.
After the hackathon, successful teams can be paired with mentors who will be able to guide them further in their development and help them take the next steps forward.