CoVent-19 Challenge: Q and A
MPN editor Laura Hughes sat down with Abe Gladstone at GrabCAD to find out more about the CoVent-19 Challenge.
Please explain briefly what the CoVent-19 Challenge is?
Stratasys, in partnership with Boston-based anaesthesiology residents, launched the CoVent-19 Challenge, an eight-week hackathon calling on millions of designers and engineers around the world to help respond to the Covid-19 ventilator crisis by designing a rapidly deployable, minimum viable mechanical ventilator for patients with Covid-19.
Why are Stratasys hosting this challenge?
Stratasys is hosting the challenge to help amplify the call to action and to inspire people to use 3D printing technology to help save lives in this time of crisis. The company also has an extensive network of partners, developers, software engineers and other key parties that it can tap into in order to spur action in support of this challenge to meet the global need for ventilators.
Who can take part?
We welcome all engineers, innovators, designers, and makers who are interested to join a two round challenge that aims to create CAD assemblies by May 1st, 2020 (Round 1: General admission) and functional prototypes demonstrating acceptable performance by June 1st, 2020 (Round 2: Invitation only).
When does the challenge begin?
The challenge launched on the GrabCAD Challenges platform on April 1st, 2020.
How can people get involved in the challenge?
Anyone can submit designs on the GrabCAD Challenges website starting April 1st, 2020 through May 1st, 2020. Optionally, if you want to receive email notifications with updates, please subscribe to our email list. If you are interested in forming or joining teams, you are invited to submit either the Team Building or Member Search form. Each team will need one team leader that will register on GrabCAD Challenges after we launch on April 1st, 2020.
How much will it cost entrants to take part?
Entry is free to the competition.
Is this a global competition, with anyone from anywhere having an equal chance of winning the competition?
Yes.
What are the judges looking for?
Submissions will be judged based on the following criteria.
- Meets system requirements
- Manufacturing complexity
- Functionality
- Likelihood of success
When will the finalists be announced, and how many finalists will be selected?
Teams will be invited to round two by May 4th, 2020.
The general entry round, focused on initial designs, will run for four weeks, with a panel of judges selecting up to 20 finalists. Evaluation by judges of minimum-viable ventilator designs will assess safety, reliability, and manufacturability, while minimising cost and complex software and electronics.
When will the winners be announced?
June 1st, 2020
What is the prize for the winner(s)?
Prize Winnings: $10,000 in prizes
First place: Stratasys to provide $6,500 in Stratasys Direct Manufacturing credit
Second place: Stratasys to provide $2,500 in Stratasys Direct Manufacturing credit
Third place: Stratasys to provide $1,000 in Stratasys Direct Manufacturing credit
What else is Stratasys doing to help with the coronavirus pandemic?
In addition to sponsoring the CoVent-19 Challenge, Stratasys is producing thousands of 3D-printed face shields directly and through their partner network. Stratasys has also assembled a coalition of more than 150 companies and universities leveraging 3D printing technology to combat the crisis including Boeing, Toyota Motor Company, Medtronic and the University of Minnesota. Any 3D printing shop that wishes to help print at least 100 visors can fill out an online form to be invited to join the effort.