EngStarter is essentially a laboratory in a box Enabling you to build +10 food, water, and energy applications by making the prototyping process even easier with sensors and color-coded connections within the box. These applications include… hyperlocal climate sensing, water flow management, hydroponics, measuring water crop needs, and more.
Applying engineering to some of the world’s biggest challenges! Through research, engineering, and initiatives to build the engineering education ecosystem, we’re working to use engineering to address societal challenges. Our solution consist of an accessible and educational kit designed to democratize food technologies in refugee camps by giving to training centers and students the best alternative to equip classrooms and teach food applications. Our main features consists of:
Educational tool: A DIY modular platform and prototyping system to support smallholder farmer training and first-time electronics users in refugee camps
Connected kit: Measure what your crop needs by managing and viewing your data on your cellphone on our customizable app
Farming application: Integrated field sensors and connectivity for agriculture application
All-in-One: A complete solution that will get you up and ready to test your ideas in no time. Included are a set of sensors, a computer, solar panel, and tutorials
User-Centered Kit
user in azraq refugee camp testing and evaluating the prototype
EngStarter has been rigorously tested in diverse environments, from refugee camps to first-year engineering programs, proving its adaptability and impact. Born from the need for a tool that accelerates the prototyping phase in engineering education without compromising the learning experience, EngStarter bridges the gap between creativity and practicality. Its innovative design empowers users to bring ideas to life quickly and efficiently, making it an invaluable resource for fostering problem-solving, critical thinking, and real-world application in any setting. Whether in classrooms or challenging environments, EngStarter stands out as a catalyst for engineering innovation.
Connectivity
The EngStarter app is designed to seamlessly connect with the kit's hardware, enabling users to collect, visualize, and analyze data in real-time. With built-in support for Bluetooth, WiFi, and USB-C connectivity, the app ensures effortless integration across devices and platforms. Users can monitor sensor readings, control actuators, and log data for further analysis with just a few taps. Additionally, the app provides intuitive dashboards and export options, allowing users to harness data for in-depth studies or reports. Whether in classrooms, labs, or the field, the app’s connectivity features make it a powerful tool for data-driven learning and innovation.
PRODUCT FEATURES
Each FoodBOX is equipped with sensors, batteries, cables, a computer station, connectors, and contextually aligned tutorials.
EngStarter, a laboratory in a box was created to bring contextually-aligned teaching to refugee camps;
The kit was designed for areas where electricity and weather are unreliable or non-existant;
Shipped in robust 15Kg lockable storage case housing;
Inbuilt computer station with mouser, keyboard, speaker, and webcam
Battery power for computer (2.5 hrs autonomy) and development board (4 hrs autonomy)
All cables necessary to run the existing applications in the tutorial
+12 different sensors and connectors
Free and downloable app for IoT applications
Online and offline instruction material available for self-learning
Awards and Achievements
Best Idea - Innovate for Refugees 2019
Innovate for Refugees Competition (IFR) is a global competition for the best tech-driven solutions addressing the challenges faced by refugees across the globe. Launched on ‘World Refugee Day’ three years ago, IFR had been at the forefront of the efforts alleviating the plight for many refugees in the world. In 2019, the competition’s edition of Innovate For Refugees received applications from over 50 countries from around the world, highlighting the competition’s popularity, and the universality of the issue at hand. The winners will each receive a cash prize of $40,000 among other in-kind benefits like training, long-term mentorship, and networking. The winner of the Startup Track is team Shiffer (Iraq), and the winner of the ‘Ideas Track are both ‘Engineering For Social Good (USA) and KwikPak Shelter (Lebanon).
More information click here
Best Paper - Duncan Fraser Award
In 2019, our team presented a paper related to EngStarter at Research in Engineering Education Symposium (REES) in Cape Town and this paper was selected as the best paper at the conference through Duncan Fraser Award. This award is in recognition of 'emerging scholars' and is presented to the student author(s) of the best paper at REES. The award is presented to honor the memory of Professor Duncan Fraser, who was a leader in engineering education research and an inspiration to many young educators and researchers.
More information click here