#COVID19Detect Protect Challenge: Announcing Round 1 Winners

May 23, 2020

We're excited to announce the Impact Winners from the first round of judging in the COVID-19 Detect and Protect Challenge!

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Hackster.io, an Avnet company and the largest online open-source technology hardware community launched #COVID19DetectProtect this April to create open-source technology that developing countries can leverage in the fight against this global pandemic.

The new design challenge is a call to action for all hardware and software developers, product designers, scientists, hackers, makers, innovators and inventors to come up with innovative ideas to cost-efficiently support COVID-19 response efforts in developing countries.

 

 

Open-Source Pulse Oximeter

An easily constructed USB-powered pulse oximeter device to help people get more accurate information about their current condition. The whole thing costs around $25 to make, features an OLED display and is meant for situations and locations where access to mass-market oximeters are not available to the general public. Full tutorial HERE

 

 

 

Touchless Faucet

Turn any container of water into a touchless faucet. This micro-controller has been programmed to switch on a submersible water pump when the ultrasonic sensor detects a hand within 10cm. This is a relevant invention particularly in locations without reliable sources of running water. Full tutorial HERE

 

 

Face Masks Disinfection Device

This low budget and portable device uses dry heat and UVGI to disinfect disposable face masks. Hospitals, healthcare centres, and research facilities have implemented different mechanisms of disinfection for their masks and PPE - however, these methods are not available to many vulnerable parts of the population. This device aims to make disposable masks much safer to reuse. Full tutorial HERE

The UNDP Global Centre Singapore will work with Country Offices and partner tech companies to meet the needs of countries and regions with lack of resources where COVID-19 could have the greatest impact. UNDP will work with governments to help ensure regulations, procurement procedures, and policies to catalyse and make use of innovations.

We will be announcing rounds of winners every week until the end of the challenge. There will be 20 winners in total.