2024 CONRAD CHALLENGE INNOVATION SUMMIT
Students from around the world have continued extraordinary collaboration without borders, proving that nothing will slow down this next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. All Finalists, Coaches, Judges, Alumni and other special guests and members of the Space Center Houston and Conrad Communities will come together for a four-day event filled with dynamic workshops, tours, community sessions, speakers, and of course, innovation pitching to a live panel of judges.
Teams are scored and provided on-the-spot feedback from the judging panel, just like on the hit TV show “Shark Tank.” The winning teams receive scholarships, patent assistance and other services to fine-tune their innovations to create companies or license their IP to top-tier corporations. Through these unique events, you will gain direct exposure to industry experts, corporations, investors, universities and like-minded students from around the world!
WHERE: HOUSTON, TEXAS, UNITED STATES
SPACE CENTER HOUSTON & NASA’S JOHNSON SPACE CENTER:
A leading science and space exploration learning center, Space Center Houston is a Smithsonian Affiliate and the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center. Located within a 15-minute drive from the Conrad Host Hotel, Space Center Houston will be the primary location for Summit activities including Finalist Power Pitches. The center features more than 400 space artifacts, permanent and traveling exhibits and experiences, as well as theaters related to the exciting future and remarkable past of America’s human space-flight program. Participant registration covers daily admission to the center.
NASA’s Johnson Space Center has been a leader in human space exploration for more than half a century. As the nucleus of the nation’s astronaut corps and home to International Space Station mission operations, the Orion crew and a host of future space developments, the center plays a pivotal role in human space exploration and enhancing technological and scientific knowledge to benefit all of humankind. Every one of the NASA astronauts and space explorers from international partner countries who has crossed the threshold of the International Space Station or flown on the space shuttle has trained at Johnson.
HOST HOTEL: SOUTH SHORE HARBOUR RESORT & SURROUNDING ATTRACTIONS
A luxury, tropically inspired getaway just 30-minutes south of Houston at beautiful South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center, the largest full-service waterside resort and conference center in Southeast Texas. Perched on glittering Clear Lake (the country’s third largest boating destination), moments away from Kemah Boardwalk, chic shopping, waterfront dining and boating galore. South Shore Harbour will serve as our host hotel and all Summit guests are strongly encouraged to stay at the property.
Summit visitors will enjoy the Texas Gulf Coast with numerous attractions within 30 miles of the Conrad Host Hotel:
Kemah Boardwalk - Home to waterfront restaurants, amusements and shopping. Just 10-minutes from the hotel!
TRANSPORTATION:
*Space Center Houston will provide transportation from both William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to South Shore Harbour Resort on April 23rd and 27th.
For HOU, there will be 3 pick-up times on April 23 at 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. CDT. On April 27, the pick-up times from South Shore Harbour Resort will be 8 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. CDT.
For IAH, there will be 2 pick-up times on April 23 at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. CDT. On April 27, the pick-up times from South Shore Harbour Resort will be 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. CDT.
2024 Innovation Summit Finalists
drumroll please… we are proud TO introduce the student teams who will compete in the INNOVATION SUMMIT of the 2023-24 conrad challenge.
The below teams received the highest scores from the judges within their categories during the Innovation Stage. Five teams in each category have been named Finalists. As a result, they will participate in the 2024 Innovation Summit. In addition, five alternate teams are listed in each category, those teams will be invited to the Innovation Summit in the event a Finalist team is unable to attend.
Congratulations to our Finalists, Alternate Finalists and all Conrad Innovators! You never cease to amaze us!
Aerospace & Aviation
AsterAid
Virginia, USA
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Sanchali Banerjee & Sravya Tathicherla
Sohini Banerjee
AsterAid is a novel bandage that will expedite wound healing for astronauts in spaceflight. Due to low oxygen levels in space, wounds require a longer time to heal and this bandage will allow wounds to heal quickly in those conditions.
AuralVisor
Seoul, Korea
Seoul Foreign School
Henri Kim, Chloe Shin, Ryan Park, Philip Kim
Kurt Amundson
AuralVisor utilizes augmented reality to convert air traffic control (ATC) instructions into flight paths when installed in cockpits. By displaying headings and waypoints in the pilot’s line of sight on a HUD, communication is no longer solely reliant on audio.
LASAR | Laser Satellite Recovery
Brno, České Libchavy, Plzeň, Vysoké Popovice, Lipůvka, Czech Republic
Gymnazium Brno-Bystrc, Gymnázium Ústí nad Orlicí, Gymnázium Plzeň, Gymnázium Blansko p.o.
Simon Klinga, Viktor Adámek, Anna Krebsová, Boris Brovkin, Richard Nikel
Jan Spratek
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.
LotICE
California, USA
Fairmont Preparatory Academy
Noelle Kim, Ella Cho, Sofia Villacorta, Kim Huynh
Megha Shah
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.
WAvE
California, USA
Valley Christian High School
Rohit Mekkoth, Tiffany Ly, Omkar Tasgaonkar, Anijeet Kanjilal
Nathaniel Grady
WAvE uses artificial intelligence software and a wristband to monitor pilot fatigue and send real-time alerts. WAvE can be easily integrated with existing cockpit systems and has a simple user interface offering analytics and suggestions to counteract fatigue.
AEROSPACE & AVIATION ALTERNATE FINALISTS:
Locus
StratoAvis Biomimetic UAV System
Aeramen Limb
AeroMile Logistics
Altitude Impact Relief
Cyber-Technology & Security
Presented by: Dell Technologies
BIOMET
California, Texas, Georgia, USA & New Delhi, India
Great Hearts Irving Upper School, Bonita Vista High School, Mission San Jose High School, South Forsyth High School, Army Public School, Dhaula Kuan
Zoya Hussain, Arpan Pandey, Brianna Magtoto, Shubham Patil, Sahiti Dasari
Aiden Bai
Their innovation consists of two key parts: the BIOMET software developed to scan, recognize, and hash out a private key for a user’s unique identifier, as well as a physical, lightweight, and affordable tube-shaped scanner tool. This physical scanner can be distributed to individuals and larger institutions, allowing them to scan and document their identity.
PrecisionScout
North Carolina, USA
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics & Marvin Ridge High School
Eric Su, Christopher Holley, Richard Zhao, Eric Li, Christopher Stamatelatos
Tim Anglin
Unlike conventional systems focusing on post-process optimization, PrecisionScout utilizes an in-situ closed-loop system with advanced AI models for reactionary quality control. Capturing high-speed images of melt pools and adjusting machine parameters in real-time, PrecisionScout identifies inconsistencies and mitigates defects, scrap rates and costly downstream quality assurance.
PrepZone: AI-Driven Test Prep Tailored for You | PrepZone.ai
California, USA
The Harker School & Leland High School
Mihir Gupta & Aksh Vijayant
Nisha Talagala
PrepZone uniquely personalizes learning materials based on a student's study content, differentiating itself from other online learning sites. While these platforms are great for conceptual learning, the materials they prepare often don't align with the immediate needs of students. PrepZone fills this gap. The student uploads their study documents from their curriculum or even a subset. PrepZone generates tailored quizzes, summaries, and key terms in minutes using the latest generative artificial intelligence technology. This enhances study efficiency and reduces exam preparation time and stress.
Team MD | LiteraLearn
California, USA
Mission San Jose High School & The Harker School
Meenakshi Nair & Danika Gupta
Nisha Talagala
LiteraLearn enables bilingual literacy with a personalized approach targeting any mix of first and second languages. This innovation leverages research showing that foundational literacy in one language can transfer to success in a second language. The team used advanced AI to enable seamless, personalized learning across any combination of languages.
*Unable to attend Summit
Thunder Corgis | Inertial Positioning System (IPS)
Alabama, USA
Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering
William Mitchell, Eugene Park, Kaydin Woods, Colton Burton, Lincoln Evans
Chris Brown
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.
Warenetic | FinanceVox
California, USA & St. Catharines, Canada
Stevenson School & Ridley College
Tony Yao & Jaya Wang
Jack Wagner
FinanceVox is a software application that helps investors anticipate and mitigate risks associated with sudden market shifts due to media influences with its real-time media analysis, predictive capabilities, immediate 2-tier alert functionalities, and data-driven personalized evaluations and recommendations powered by a customized advisory AI model.
CYBER-TECHNOLOGY & SECURITY ALTERNATE FINALISTS:
SeizAlert
Verity Status
OmniSys
AI-Based Fire Detection
Energy & environment
AntlerArmour
Pennsylvania, USA
South Fayette High School & Plum High School
Mahika Shetty & Ava Miller
Pooja Shetty
AntlerArmour is a deer repellant designed for municipal use along roadways. Chemical repellents are well-known in the agricultural market. AntlerArmor, however, is designed to be applied to roads, be long-acting, and utilize current line painting equipment. Municipalities will apply AntlerArmor along problematic sections of roadways to minimize vehicle strikes and reduce property damage.
EXO MAX | SMART ROAD SAFETY BEAST
Chapainawabganj, Natore, Naogaon, Rajshahi, Narsingdi, Bangladesh
Harimohan Government High School, Natore Government Boys' High School, Nazipur Government Model High School, Rajshahi Collegiate School, Loreeto School
Md Twa-Shin Ilahi, Mahdi Bin Ferdaus, Md Nadim Shahriar Apurbo, Md Nur Ahmad, Md Sunjim Hossain
Md Mehedi Hassan
Smart Road Safety Beast is a revolutionary step towards achieving zero road accidents. This innovative system surpasses traditional safety measures, blending real-time hazard detection, proactive accident prevention, and comprehensive monitoring with a seamless emergency response. More than just enhancing safety, the SRSB is a champion of environmental stewardship, significantly reducing fuel and energy waste commonly associated with road accidents.
FIXON
Sofia, Bulgaria
NPMG
Mila Getova, Maria Metodieva, Raya Pamukova
Ivaylo Ushagelov
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.
MycoTech
Bangkok, Thailand
Northfield Mount Hermon & Radley College
Thana Teeraphantuvat & Thann Teeraphantuvat
Yuwadee Teeraphantuvat
MycoTech foam packaging, a green replacement for Styrofoam and other fossil fuel-derived packaging foam, is made from mycelium-based composite, which is 100% biodegradable. Their patent-pending process uses a special multicellular mycelium fungi strain, genus Len-27 tinus sajor-caju TBRC 6266, along with corn husk waste and paper waste, to create a packaging foam with similar protection and shipping properties to Styrofoam.
*Unable to attend Summit
ReefSound
Windsor, Luton, UK & Guangzhou, China
Eton College & The Affiliated High School of South China Normal University
Zimo Shi, Thenuk Rodrigo, Yimei Liu
Pauline Herbommez
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.
uSole
Maryland, USA
Poolesville High School
Jacob Lee, Yash Pandit, Lorraine Niaba, Shreyas Kasam, Flavia Martinez
Priscilla Lee
uSole introduces a revolutionary shift in basketball footwear: replaceable soles crafted from bio-TPU, an eco-friendly and durable material. uSole employs a 95% ESTANE® ECO 12T90E 5% colophony split to enhance durability and improve performance. This innovative system extends the life of existing shoes, effectively diverting footwear from landfills and reducing harmful environmental impacts.
WoodWeave
Nonthaburi & Bangkok, Thailand
International School Bangkok
Tamonyos Phongsphetrarat, Gavin Luengnaruemitchai, Sarisa Sereeyothin
Nattawin Phongsphetrarat
WoodWeave is an eco-friendly, wood-plastic composite construction panel made from recycled ghost fishnets (abandoned plastic nets) and agricultural wood scraps. A lower layer of fishnet pieces, a middle layer of wood chips mixture, and an upper layer of fishnet pieces are placed into a hydraulic press, pressed together at a pressure of 35 kg/cm2, and heated to 170 °C to create panels with desirable properties.
*Unable to attend Summit
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT ALTERNATE FINALISTS:
MycoWonders | MycoClear - Water
PrinTech
Insight Cube
Health & Nutrition
Convenient EMG for ALS Diagnosis | NeuroFlex
Virginia, USA
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Jason Hao, Kalib Stockmaster, Sophia Hou, Avnith Vijayram, Avni Garg
Katherine Yang
Their surface EMG does not require an electrolyte gel to function like a traditional one as it uses dry titanium-film electrodes to increase reliability and promote eco-friendly reusability. The titanium film is on a thermoplastic urethane (TPU) substrate, which is biocompatible and more biodegradable than other plastics. With its high flexibility, TPU is an excellent material for curvature variation, allowing for great skin contact and electrical connection accuracy.
GRNLIMB | BioBionics
Texas, USA
Centennial High School & Flower Mound High School
Pavan Nathani & Gowtham Achanta
Suresh Nathani
At BioBionics, 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.
Healthy Companions | Tail Tracker
Diyarbakir, Türkiye
Diyarbakir Bahcesehir High School for Science and Technology
Yagmur Delal Cengiz, Beyza Kaya, Dilvin Lacin, Adar Ozalkak, Mir Baran Esen
Diyar Karabulut
Tail Tracker is an innovative product that detects a problem with the health status, blood pressure, and pulse, and measures the values of any animal or pet. Tail Tracker uses two different sensors, the first of which is the pulse oximeter, and the other is the heat sensor with a rectal measurement feature.
Kee!
Tokyo, Japan
Seisen International School
Sieun Lee, Ellen Ka, Yuna Lee, Ami Bodenheimer
Charles Cabiles
Kee! is a sophisticated portable visual field (VF) and response technology that broadens the user’s peripheral vision by assessing the user’s residual vision to display the in-time environment around the user on screen. Since these goggles are automated, it will be invaluable to users to regain spatial learning during navigation and improve transportation, education, and social independence, improving their well-being and quality of life.
SmartSeat
Illinois, USA
Naperville Central High School & Naperville North High School
Eddy Zhang, Andrew Bukowski, Benjamin Zhang
Junqi Xie
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.
HEALTH & NUTRITION ALTERNATE FINALISTS:
Third Eye
VertiGone
Glaucanova Labs
Positive Impact Maker (PIM) | CPR Aid Kit
ErgO
NIGERIA AMBASSADOR CHALLENGE WINNER
Team Lavendairé | Juiceitup
Port Harcourt & Lagos, Nigeria
Greensprings School Lekki
Idara Attah, Imaobong Akpan, Mirabel Njoku
Olalekan Aleilo
Juiceitup uses AI to recommend personalized fruit options, juice-making ratios, and diet plans to aid recovery. Additionally, if the recommended fruits are not available in the patient's location, the app will suggest stores where those fruits can be obtained.
China AMBASSADOR CHALLENGE WINNER
MegaHenry
Beijing, China
Beijing Royal School
Runguo Zheng, Jiayi He, Peiwen Sun, Guanyun Ding, Zhilin Zhang
Yongli He
MegaHenry created a cutting-edge solution to meet the growing need for efficient EV charging infrastructure to promote electric vehicle (EV) adoption and a greener planet. With machine learning to optimize power allocation and charging schedules, their innovation can be installed on existing charging stations. It significantly reduces the grid's peak load, making the power supply more stable and sustainable.
Prosthetic Pioneer
Shanghai, China
Shanghai American School & Shanghai Minhang Vanke Bilingual School
Tak Sum Nicholas Nie & Bisheng Wu
Qian Wang
Their prosthetic arm combines torsional deformation principles with a modular concept. Their invention achieves an outstanding torsional range of ±49.5 degrees, surpassing previous standards by 2.5 times. The modular tensegrity structure allows for cost-effective maintenance through component replacement, while users enjoy a wide range of customization options for enhanced confidence and independence.
Running Bits
Guangdong, China
BASIS International School Guangzhou, Guangzhou No.2 Middle School, Huafu International
Hongxiang Liang, Haochen Zhang, Ruixin Yang, Shunwen Fan, Bingjun Zhong
Meilin Chen
RescueBot is a fully automatic warning triangle and a life protector on the road. With the latest auto-pilot technology, it can reach the designated distance automatically and warn other approaching vehicles when an accident occurs.
Skywalker
Shanghai, China
SMIC Private School & Shanghai Pinghe School
Ziyu He & Tianrun Chai
Jun Wu
Their wall-climbing robot, with the help of its supporting AI system, will automate the cleaning, inspection, and repair processes of spacecraft, replacing risky, costly, and time-consuming spacewalks with precise and efficient robotic solutions.
Wheeled Drone
Jiangsu, China
UWC Changshu China
Yuchen Ye & Zijian Xu
Kelvin Ofosu
Their innovative drone is equipped with cutting-edge VSLAM technology, allowing it to 3D map the environment and navigate in real-time, even in GPS-denied areas. Our drone can venture where others can't, ensuring precise navigation in the most challenging conditions. In addition, our unique uni-wheeled design significantly boosts energy efficiency, greatly extending the search range.
*Unable to attend Summit
Innova-nation winner
AZMA GUARD
Chitré & Las Tablas, Panama
Colegio Agustiniano Nuestra Señora del Buen Consejo
Ameth Alexis Villarreal Luna, Angie Lorena Frías García, Luciana González Soriano
Juan Diego Rodríguez Alonso
Azma Guard stands out for its ability to integrate a digital peak flow meter and a heart rate sensor into a unique portable device. This exceptional fusion facilitates precise data collection, which is uploaded to the cloud. In the cloud, a machine learning system evaluates the data and provides a personalized diagnosis for each patient by learning patterns and symptoms that could lead to an asthma crisis.
2024 Award Prizes
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Who will be invited to the 2024 Innovation Summit?
The Finalist Teams in each category were emailed on Friday, February 23 regarding this recognition and next steps. If you were named a Finalist and did not receive an email, please check your SPAM folder first and then reach out to us at info@conradchallenge.org.
What is the deadline for teams to accept their Finalist invitation?
All Finalist Teams must confirm their participation to attend the Innovation no later than Friday, March 1 by 11:59 p.m. EDT. Once teams accept their invitations, they will receive a Finalist Student Guide with all instructions needed for Summit.
Will there be a financial requirement for the Conrad Challenge Innovation Summit?
Each participant (student, coach, chaperones and family members) who attends the in-person Innovation Summit are required to pay a $499 registration fee. We are sensitive to the current global economic landscape and worked with our sponsors and partners to provide the most cost-effective solution to our participants.
The registration fee covers the following during Summit: all meals during official programming, NASA Johnson Space Center Tour, daily Space Center Houston admission, transportation to/from the airports (William P. Hobby (HOU) Airport and George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) Airport) at scheduled times to host hotel (South Shore Harbour Resort), to/from Space Center Houston each day, and return to the airport.
Attendees are responsible for their own airfare and hotel accommodations. We recommend staying at the host hotel (South Shore Harbour Resort), where the Conrad Challenge has negotiated a discounted room rate including breakfast each day. The host hotel will also be the pickup/drop-off location for all Innovation Summit transportation.
Will there be financial aid available for Finalist teams to attend the Innovation Summit?
As with other fees associated with the Conrad Challenge, discounted Summit registration rates may apply for qualified title one schools or special circumstances. If you believe you are eligible for a discount, please contact us at info@conradchallenge.org. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer financial aid for travel or hotel expenses. Our team continues to work on securing corporate sponsors to supplement travel support in the future.
Does our entire team need to attend in person?
Student teams will not be penalized in any way if the entire team is unable to attend in-person. However, in order to qualify for judging, at least two members of the team must attend in-person. ALL members of the team must contribute to the development of and be showcased in Finalist pitch materials.
In addition, all teams must be accompanied by an adult chaperone over the age of 21. Chaperones are responsible for their students at all times during the Innovation Summit. Should a student have an accident, fall ill or need care, the chaperone will be responsible for taking the appropriate action to ensure the student's health and well-being.
What are the COVID-19 safety precautions?
Space Center Houston is committed to creating a safe event for our attendees. Currently, masks are not required at Space Center Houston or South Shore Harbour Resort. We will continue to work closely with our venues and are confident that they are doing everything they can to keep their guests safe, as recommended by their local health agencies and required by their management.
Will the Innovation Summit be streamed live allowing others to view the event?
The Conrad team is still working to determine what portions of the programming may be streamed live and will share this information closer to the event along with instructions on how to share with others.
Will we have time to network/collaborate with others while at the Innovation Summit?
Absolutely! The Innovation Summit is a 4-day event filled with many opportunities to network, collaborate and have fun! We have created several scheduled opportunities for informal and formal networking. In addition, the Alumni Leadership Council (ALC) will host multiple sessions to promote teamwork and community building with the Finalist teams.
If a Finalist team can’t attend Summit, will the team be invited to a Virtual event?
No. The Conrad Challenge is not hosting a virtual event in 2024. Any team that cannot attend the Innovation Summit will forgo their participation in the Power Pitching portion of the Conrad Challenge. Teams will remain on the website as Finalists and retain their title as a 2024 Conrad Challenge Finalist for college scholarships and other references.
What will the structure of Finalist presentations look like?
Each team will present an 8-minute ‘pitch’ to live judges followed by a round of 20-minute Q&A with the judging panel. This section is scored on a judging rubric which will be provided to Finalist teams in advance. In addition, each Finalist team is required to promote their innovation during the EXPO where teams will receive a score based on active engagement with visitors and the marketing methods presented at their booth.
*** If your question was not answered above, please contact the Conrad team at info@conradchallenge.org.
THANK YOU TO OUR
INNOVATION SUMMIT SPONSORS
