$50,000 funding awarded to innovative Grand Challenge solutions
From eucalyptus oil diffusers, to aromatic plants seeds dispensed through a gumball machine, and a Mozzie Map to quantify human/mosquito interactions, the innovative ideas proposed in the University of Newcastle’s Grand Challenge offer promising solutions to manage the global problem of mosquitoes.
Nine projects each received $5,000 funding for their ideas, with six shortlisted projects going through to the final pitch competition to compete for more funding. The nine projects receiving funding were:
- Eucalyptus
- May Contain Seeds
- Borne
- Sustainable Mosquito Control
- Buzz Kill
- Mozzie Mapp
- Wing Beatz
- Intelligent Mosquito Repellent Network
- Livestock Barrier
Impressing both the judging panel and the crowd, Borne – a project focused on design-conscious clothing that’s insecticide treated – won both the Judge’s Choice Award and the People’s Choice Award.
With the team’s innovative social enterprise funding model, proceeds from the purchase of insecticide-treated apparel will go towards campaigns to tackle mosquito borne diseases across the world.
The team comprising of medical students, Bal Dhital and Timothy Keys, graphic designer, Daniel Robson, and mechatronic engineer, Patrick Prell, were awarded an additional $5,000 in funding, bringing their total prize to $10,000.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.