the 2023-24 season was a FANTASTIC year for the Conrad Challenge as we celebrated the top Finalist teams in each challenge category with our Innovation Summit! We were blown away to see these teams in action presenting their innovations, building a community with like-minded students and networking with industry experts from around the world.
Teams were scored and provided on-the-spot feedback from the judging panel. The winning teams received scholarships, patent assistance and other services to fine-tune their innovations, create companies and license their IP to top-tier corporations. Through these unique events, students gained direct exposure to industry experts, corporations, investors and universities.
Thank you to all of our Finalist teams, coaches, judges, sponsors, partners, guests and everyone in between! This year’s Innovation Summit was incredible, and it’s all because of YOU!
MEET THE CONRAD FINALISTS
Every year, we are blown away by our student teams… and this year was no exception! The Innovation Summit featured 26 student teams from around the world who competed to be named Pete Conrad Scholars, the Conrad Challenge’s top honor.
2024 Innovation Summit Pete Conrad Scholars and Power Pitch Winners Are…
drum roll please… The Conrad Challenge is proud to introduce the student teams who were recognized at the innovation summit.
AEROSPACE & AVIATION
PETE CONRAD SCHOLAR:
LotICE from California, USA
LotICE is a pioneering innovation designed to revolutionize aviation safety by providing a way to combat aircraft icing. Inspired by the resilient structure of the lotus leaf, LotICE is an aircraft skin that uses roll-to-roll nanoimprint lithography to produce a superhydrophobic surface. With this exterior, aircraft wings will be able to repel water better, thereby preventing ice formation and increasing lifespan.
POWER PITCH:
LASAR FROM Czech Republic
Their innovative approach involves a precision laser system mounted on a robotic arm that directs a controlled beam onto the satellite's solar panel. This deliberate energy overload triggers the deactivation of the solar panel. Over time, the satellite's battery discharges. When the signal is received, it initiates a software repair that reboots the system, reactivates the solar panels, and resumes recharging the battery. This strategic power cycling mimics recharging electronic devices and provides an opportunity to fix software malfunctions while rebooting.
CYBER-TECHNOLOGY & SECURITY
PETE CONRAD SCHOLAR:
Thunder Corgis FROM Alabama, USA
Their innovation introduces a groundbreaking response to the limitations of traditional GPS. Unlike standard GPS, which relies on satellite connectivity, the Inertial Positioning System (IPS) uses an inertial-based approach with accelerometers to calculate traveled distance, providing reliable position tracking without satellite reliance. By removing dependence on satellites and using inertial calculations, IPS increases the effectiveness of location tracking. It makes wilderness travel easier and safer, offering versatile solutions for hiking and exploring off-grid.
PETE CONRAD SCHOLAR:
Running Bits from Guangdong, China
RescueBot is a fully automatic warning triangle and a life protector on the road. The latest auto-pilot technology can reach the designated distance automatically and warn other vehicles approaching when an accident occurs.
POWER PITCH:
BIOMET FROM U.S.A. & India
BIOMET is a biometric scanning device and software that is targeted towards solving the Identification crisis. Over 1 billion individuals around the world do not have access to an ID, hindering their basic human rights. In order to change the status quo, BIOMET captures scans of the most genetically and biologically complex area of the face, the periocular region. The innovation consists of two main parts: the BIOMET software is used to scan, recognize, and hash out a private key for a user’s unique identifier and a physical, lightweight, and affordable scanner tool.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
PETE CONRAD SCHOLAR:
ReefSound from U.K. and China
ReefSound is a disruptive innovation that uses AI to analyze the health of coral reefs based on their sound recordings. Research has shown that the sound produced by coral reefs is an excellent indicator of their health. Healthy reefs are habitats to Alpheidae snapping shrimps, which create distinct popping sounds, giving healthy reefs a “frying” sound. Conversely, degraded coral reefs are much quieter as they inhabit fewer organisms. ReefSound’s core product is an ensemble of two AI models; users input one-minute-long coral recordings, which the AI identifies as healthy or degraded.
POWER PITCH:
FIXON FROM Bulgaria
FIXON is a drone that collects data that can indicate the risk of potential wildfires. It researches areas around the country known for their high risk of wildfires. When a possible ignition point is detected, FIXON will send signals to the firefighters and release an ultrasound to warn the local wildlife.
HEALTH & NUTRITION
PETE CONRAD SCHOLAR:
SmartSeat FROM Illinois, USA
SmartSeat is an algorithm-based active variable stiffness seat cushion designed to combat bad posture and prolonged pressure exposure while seated and improve physical activity. For those at risk of seating-related health complications such as lower back pain (LBP), pressure ulcers, or even blood clots, SmartSeat provides a cheap, nondisruptive, and effective solution by actively shifting pressure points to relieve areas exposed to prolonged pressure. SmartSeat uses three integral components to achieve this: a dynamic pressure mapping system, comprehensive algorithms and innovative cushion materials.
POWER PITCH:
BioBionics from Texas, USA
Their vision is to pioneer today’s mobility and tomorrow’s planet through the accessibility of eco-friendly prosthetics. Using an innovative filament containing polylactic acid and natural fillers, they utilize 3D-printing technology to create affordable prostheses for over 100 million global amputees. The prosthetics biodegrade at the end of their lifecycle, dramatically reducing plastic waste compared to traditional devices.
special awards
Each year, the Conrad Challenge highlights the Finalist Teams with additional awards and incentives. This year is no different! Below are the special awards presented this year.
Innovative Teacher Award:
Joel Schildwachter, nonPareil Institute, Texas, usa
Best Marketing and Digital Promotions:
LASAR, Gymnazium Brno-Bystrc, Gymnázium Ústí nad Orlicí, Gymnázium Plzeň, Gymnázium Blansko p.o., Czech Republic
Glinsky Award - Best Tabletop at EXPO:
Prosthetic Pioneer, Shanghai American School, Vanke Bilingual School, Shanghai, China
uSole, Poolesville High SchooL, Maryland, USA
Glinsky Award - Most Persuasive Team at EXPO:
AntlerArmour, South Fayette High School, Plum High School, Pennsylvania, USA
EXPO Entrepreneurial Innovator Award:
AsterAid, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Virginia, USA
Donald James Citizenship Award
Healthy Companions, Diyarbakir Bahcesehir Science and Technology High School, Türkiye
AZMA GUARD, Colegio Agustiniano Nuestra Señora del Buen Consejo, Panama
Alumni Leadership Council (ALC) Awards:
Vyomika Gandhi, Co-Leader of the ALC, Washington, D.C.
Mia Yang, Co-Leader of the ALC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
ALC Summit Engagement Awards:
AZMA GUARD, Colegio Agustiniano Nuestra Señora del Buen Consejo, Panama
2024 Award Prizes
THANK YOU TO OUR
INNOVATION SUMMIT SPONSORS
