Xylem Global Student Innovation Challenge
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-26d3a2a6-7fff-486b-db89-ccd23228bfa6"><span style="font-size: 18pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(48, 160, 192); font-weight: 700; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Innovation Challenge</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-26d3a2a6-7fff-486b-db89-ccd23228bfa6"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We cannot live without water. It’s part of everything we do – from the time we wake up until the time we go to bed. Threats such as ocean plastic waste, pollution and greenhouse gas emissions impact our water supplies and security.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-26d3a2a6-7fff-486b-db89-ccd23228bfa6"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Join us in solving water challenges to expand water access and resilience for all.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-26d3a2a6-7fff-486b-db89-ccd23228bfa6"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1. Over 8 weeks, solve one of the following Challenge Statements in teams of up to 5 students</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-26d3a2a6-7fff-486b-db89-ccd23228bfa6"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">2. Prizes awarded for projects in 2 tracks – high school (secondary) & university tracks</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-26d3a2a6-7fff-486b-db89-ccd23228bfa6"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">3. Be mentored by & participate in webinars with water industry experts </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-26d3a2a6-7fff-486b-db89-ccd23228bfa6"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">4. Join the Water MasterClass, a series of engaging video classes, to learn a range of important water topics from water sustainability to design thinking.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-26d3a2a6-7fff-486b-db89-ccd23228bfa6"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Students between 13 and 25 years of age are encouraged to join the innovation challenge and create a team of up to 5 participants. Read further below for more information on the challenges and prize offerings for the 2024 Global Student Innovation Challenge!</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-26d3a2a6-7fff-486b-db89-ccd23228bfa6"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><strong>NOTE</strong>: If you are under 18 years of age, the </span></span><u><a href="https://bma-events.typeform.com/to/dhTATInT" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a></u><span id="docs-internal-guid-26d3a2a6-7fff-486b-db89-ccd23228bfa6"><u><a href="https://bma-events.typeform.com/to/dhTATInT" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a></u><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><u><a href="https://bma-events.typeform.com/to/dhTATInT" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Parent/Guardian Consent Release Form</a></u></span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-26d3a2a6-7fff-486b-db89-ccd23228bfa6"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <strong>MUST</strong> be submitted. Failure to do so will result in your disqualification from the Xylem Global Student Innovation Challenge 2024. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-26d3a2a6-7fff-486b-db89-ccd23228bfa6"><span style="font-size: 18pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(48, 160, 192); font-weight: 700; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Challenges:</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-26d3a2a6-7fff-486b-db89-ccd23228bfa6"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 700; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1. Reducing ocean plastic waste and minimizing impact on the environment.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> </p><p id="isPasted">One pathway for microplastics that are used in our households to enter the environment is through wastewater. Microplastics can be released from cosmetics, such as facial scrubs and toothpaste, from detergents used in laundering and dishwashing, from plastics flushed down the toilet (e.g., disposable contact lenses, feminine hygiene products, wet wipes) and even from our clothes during washing. Municipal wastewater treatment plants can capture up to 99% of outgoing microplastics through skimming and settling mechanisms. However, the fraction that is not captured equates to billions of microplastics being discharged daily, directly into aquatic ecosystems. </p><p>Design a technology or method to improve capture of microplastics in outgoing wastewater. Consider solutions that could work in households and/or at industrial or municipal wastewater treatment plants. When designing, consider cost, materials, feasibility and ease of use. </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-26d3a2a6-7fff-486b-db89-ccd23228bfa6"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 700; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">2. Lowering Indirect GHG emissions through Remote monitoring, Servitization Processes, and Efficient designs.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> </p><p id="isPasted">Given the benefits to remote monitoring of equipment, we find new and innovative ways to bring more technology and insight into Water Purification. From establishing effective service routines that minimize gas consumption to schedules that promote full use of product lifespans, offering remote technology promotes efficiencies of equipment, minimizes unnecessary waste, and lowers the overall carbon footprint that industries place on the environment. Water purification not only allows enhanced water recycling methods, but truly creates an array of healthier environmental options for water usage. </p><p>Consider the number of times a facility may request service on a water system or digital network: You are asked to find new methods of remote technology, process improvements, or unique water purification product designs that could allow industries to reduce wastes created in these events. Your project should include a quantitative assessment of how the implementation of the proposed countermeasures will lead to GHGs reduction, by improving energy efficiency and water use. </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-26d3a2a6-7fff-486b-db89-ccd23228bfa6"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 700; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">3. Raising awareness of sustainability in the water industry and minimizing water waste.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> </p><p id="isPasted">Currently, 3 out of 10 people do not have access to clean drinking water, and many communities are threatened by water scarcity, which continue to worsen due to increasing population growth and climate change. Only 1% of the Earth’s water is freshwater, therefore it needs to be managed properly and conserved. Xylem works to address these global water issues in multiple ways, including through high-impact education activities and awareness campaigns, delivered in partnership with schools, universities, and youth-focused nonprofit organizations. </p><p>For this challenge, develop an interactive and engaging activity, presentation, or module that will increase awareness of an important water topic that you select. Your proposed educational module should be informative and include calls to action that can engage young people and communities in the ongoing work to address the water issues.</p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-26d3a2a6-7fff-486b-db89-ccd23228bfa6"><span style="font-size: 18pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(48, 160, 192); font-weight: 700; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Judging Criteria:</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-26d3a2a6-7fff-486b-db89-ccd23228bfa6"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Each category will be judged on a scale from 1 - 5 with a total of 15 possible points.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"> </p><ul style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-inline-start:48px;"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-26d3a2a6-7fff-486b-db89-ccd23228bfa6"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; text-wrap: wrap;">Impact: Will this solution have a far reach and market potential? How does it affect your community or what social impact does it have?</span></span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-26d3a2a6-7fff-486b-db89-ccd23228bfa6"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; text-wrap: wrap;">Challenge Fit & Feasability: How relevant is the proposed solution to the stated challenge? How well does it solve the problem in a real-world setting?</span></span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-26d3a2a6-7fff-486b-db89-ccd23228bfa6"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; text-wrap: wrap;">Innovation: Is the project new and disruptive? Does the project deliver a fresh and compelling user experience?</span></span></p></li></ul><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-26d3a2a6-7fff-486b-db89-ccd23228bfa6"><span style="font-size: 18pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(48, 160, 192); font-weight: 700; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Submission Requirements:</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-26d3a2a6-7fff-486b-db89-ccd23228bfa6"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Create a project page on the hackathon platform that details your solution and lists your teammates and project materials. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-df30cf39-7fff-a4ce-bc5c-c6479f614e76"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Deliver a slide format presentation </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 700; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">and</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> record a 3-5 minute video that details the use case you have built along with your implementation plan and takes the judges through your project.</span></span></p><div> </div>