The IEEE SSCS Arduino Contest 2024: innovating for a greener future
Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, demanding bold action driven by innovation and creativity. So it’s perhaps no surprise that this was the focus of the 2024 IEEE Solid-State Circuits Society (SSCS) Arduino Contest.
Ready to explore the highlights and spark your own ideas for a greener tomorrow? Let’s go!
But first… what is the SSCS Arduino Contest?
The SSCS Arduino Contest is a not-for-profit initiative that encourages students worldwide to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The program empowers students from diverse backgrounds to leverage Arduino technology and solve real-world problems.
The 2024 theme, "Solutions to Climate Change," encouraged participants to dream big and tackle one of the most urgent issues facing the planet today.
Highlights from the 2024 Contest
The 2024 SSCS Arduino Contest saw record-breaking participation: 112 teams, 231 students, and 23 countries all working towards a common goal. Among the many remarkable entries, these standout projects caught the eyes of the judges…
Post-Secondary Team Winner
The top prize in this category went to a team from the University of the Philippines. Their automated watering system, Smart Oasis, aims to tackle water scarcity and inefficiencies in traditional agricultural methods.
Using sensors, the Smart Oasis monitors soil moisture levels and delivers just the right amount of water to crops. This reduces waste, saves labor and ensures plants thrive - even in areas severely impacted by climate change.
High School Team Winners
The competition in the High School Team category was so fierce that two projects took the top spot!
Disaster Watch is the brainchild of students from Marco Secondary School in Canada. Designed to be placed on forest floors, the device uses multiple sensors to detect earthquakes, wildfires, and droughts. When the sensors are triggered, the system sends an early warning notification to a mobile phone. This gives communities and emergency responders critical time to act, thereby minimizing the devastating impact of climate change-induced disasters.
Meanwhile, a New York-based student developed a cost-effective soil moisture sensor that uses LED signals to guide drones for precise watering. By targeting only the areas that need water, this solution conserves freshwater, reduces the carbon footprint, and makes agriculture more sustainable. Genius!
Spoilt for choice…
These award-winning projects were just the tip of the iceberg. Other impressive entries included:
- Anti-Flood Protection Device Measures water levels with a distance sensor to prevent flooding
- Smart Solar Tracker - Adjusts its position automatically to maximize sunlight exposure
- Ecosprout An automatic plant watering system designed to minimize water waste.
Check out all the winning entries here!
Inspiring global collaboration
Inclusivity and collaboration were key to the SSCS Arduino Contest’s success. Over half of the participants were new to Arduino, yet they thrived thanks to the tutorials and resources provided. A team of 40+ volunteers, including distinguished professors and industry leaders, also played a critical role by helping to rank the submissions.
And to ensure that financial barriers didn’t limit innovation, 274 Arduino kits were donated to students in need. The result? A global community of changemakers proving that no matter your background, you can contribute to solving the world’s toughest challenges.
Be part of the movement
Are you ready to make a difference? Whether you’re a student, educator, or simply passionate about the environment, there’s room for you in this global movement.
Here’s how you can get involved:
- Share this story to inspire others
- Start brainstorming your ideas for a greener future
- Apply for the next contest and showcase your innovation!
To explore the winning projects and learn more, visit the SSCS website. Together, let’s build a brighter, more sustainable world!