Robotics Club x Mukuba UniPod Tech Expo
Following the success of the 2023 inaugural Tech Expo that brought together over 50 innovators from across different Zambian higher institutions of learning, the Robotics Club x Mukuba UniPod will be hosting the second edition of the expo. Themed “Home grown engineering solutions for a sustainable Zambia”, the expo aims to encourage collaborative efforts, active participation and collective action to create a more inclusive and sustainable society. The Expo is an initiative of the Robotics Club under the Mukuba UniPod.
The event will provide a platform for students, innovators and technology enthusiasts to showcase and appreciate the unprecedented technological advancements in the country. This transformative event is poised to showcase a variety of innovations that address challenges within and promote sustainable technology, future mobility, aeronautical robotics automation challenge and digital solutions for global impact. The expo also aims to highlight the strides that the Zambian youths are making and showcase the impact young females are making in developing innovative solutions to address the sustainable development goals.
Beyond the showcase, the expo aims to identify the innovations that have the highest potential of being developed into minimum viable products (MVPs) through the Mukuba University Innovation Pod(UniPod) where the top candidates for each category will receive an opportunity to receive guidance and mentorship from Pod innovation experts. Additionally, the expo will identify those young innovators whose ideas and ambition are relevant to industry needs to be attached for internships in collaborating organizations.
Showcase Categories
1. Sustainable Technology
The sustainable technology showcase features innovative solutions that leverage renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and hydro power, and advancements in energy storage and grid optimization. It highlights technologies aimed at enhancing energy efficiency to support Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) and combat Climate Change (SDG 13). The showcase includes innovations focused on reducing environmental impact and carbon emissions in the mining sector, improving worker safety, and increasing resource efficiency while minimizing waste. It also presents solutions that align with Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) and Life on Land (SDG 15), including methods for reducing emissions, utilizing alternative fuels and raw materials, and promoting sustainability in cement manufacturing processes.
Category Prizes
- 1st prize: K7,000 + Opportunity to develop your prototype at the UniPod
- 2nd prize: K5000 + Internship at Dangote Cement
- 3rd price: K3000
2. Future Mobility
The Future Mobility Innovation Challenge Showcase highlights cutting-edge advancements in both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) technologies. It features innovations aimed at enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions in traditional ICE vehicles through improved engine design, combustion efficiency, and emission control systems. The showcase also presents groundbreaking solutions for advancing EV technology, including advancements in battery efficiency, range extension, and charging infrastructure. Key focus areas include addressing challenges related to battery life, charging time, and infrastructure development to support widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
Category Prizes
- 1st prize: K7,000 + Opportunity to develop your prototype at the UniPod
- 2nd prize: K5000 + Internship at the Mukuba UniPod
- 3rd price: K3000
3. Aeronautical, Robotics and Automation
The Aeronautical, Robotics, and Automation Challenge Showcase features innovations in advanced drone and RC plane design, focusing on enhanced flight stability, extended endurance, and increased payload capacity. It includes the development of modular platforms for customizable applications, such as agriculture, photography, and disaster response. The showcase also highlights the integration of robotics into manufacturing processes to boost precision, efficiency, and quality control, along with the creation of robotics systems capable of adaptive learning, real-time decision-making, and collaborative functionality. Additionally, it presents automated systems designed for diverse fields including aircraft maintenance, healthcare environments, precision agriculture, and construction.
Category Prizes
- 1st prize: K7,000 + Opportunity to develop your prototype at the UniPod
- 2nd prize: K5000
- 3rd price: K3000
4. Digital Solutions for Global Impact
The Digital Solutions for Global Impact Showcase will feature innovative digital technologies designed to enhance access to quality education and promote digital literacy in underserved communities through educational software and online platforms. It includes advancements in telemedicine to improve healthcare delivery in remote areas, with solutions such as healthcare management platforms, patient monitoring systems, and telehealth applications supporting SDG 3. The showcase also highlights digital platforms aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices, improving crop management, and optimizing food distribution systems, while addressing challenges like climate change resilience and supply chain optimization. Additionally, it presents fintech solutions designed to foster financial inclusion, with digital banking platforms, microfinance applications, and mobile payment systems that empower marginalized communities economically.
Category Prizes
- 1st prize: K7,000 + Opportunity to develop your prototype at the UniPod
- 2nd prize: K5000
- 3rd price: K3000
Eligibility Requirements
In order to apply to be a part of the Tech Expo, applicantions must meet the following requirements:
- 1. Both team members should be fully registered in a Zambian institution of higher learning.
- 2. Participants must be a part of at most a two (2) member team.
- 3. Each team should include female representation, except in cases where the team consists of only one member, in which case gender does not matter.
- 4. All members of the team should be below the age of 35.
- 5. Team applications should clearly state which category their innovation falls under and should mention its relevance to addressing the SDGs.
* Female students encouraged to apply.
Evaluation Criteria
The following criteria will be used to assess the participants across all categories:- * Relevance to the Tech Expo theme.
- * Innovation and creativity.
- * Technical feasibility and execution
- * Team collaboration.
- * Societal impact and scalability of prototpye.
- * Presentation and communication of project.
- * Ethical considerations
Timeline
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As part of the fulfilment of their obligations during the UIP, the interns will be expected to:
- * 23rd August, 2024 - Applications Open
- * 18th September, 2024 - Applications Close
- * 23rd Sepetmber, 2024 - Selected applicants will be notfied
- * 17th October, 2024 - Robotics Club x Mukuba UniPod Tech Expo
- * Please read the more about the programme HERE.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to apply?
1. Who is allowed to participate in the challenges?
The Tech Expo is open to students registered in Zambian universities, colleges, and technical education, vocational and entrepreneurship training (TEVET) institutions.
2. Do the members of one team have from the same institution?
Yes! All members of one team are required to be from the same institution.
3. Will I receive a certificate of participation?
Yes, each team member will receive a certificate after the event.
4. Is there any cost to participating in the challenges and exhibition?
No. The participation in the expo is free. However, costs associated with logistics are to be borne by the education institutions that the team is from.
5. How many members are allowed in one team?
Each team will comprise of maximum two (2) members and will be required to have female representation.
6. Who will be the judges?
Industry and academia experts will provide their wealth of expertise and knowledge in the judging process.
7. How do we register our project for a showcase?
Click the link below to make your application for the 2024 Tech Expo!