InnovateX Competition: One-Day STEAM Challenge
Description
By 2050, rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and climate change will significantly impact environmental quality, particularly air and water systems. Sustainable cities of the future must integrate smart technologies and eco-friendly systems to monitor, manage, and reduce pollution effectively.
The InnovateX: One-Day STEAM Challenge is designed to empower students to become future environmental innovators by addressing two critical components of a Sustainable Clean Environment System for 2050:
- Smart Air Pollution Monitoring and Reduction System
- Smart Water Pollution Detection and Purification System
Through hands-on learning and prototype development, students apply Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) principles to design innovative environmental solutions. The challenge integrates the RDICE framework: Research, Development, Innovation, Commercialization, and Entrepreneurship.
Participants are required to design and construct an innovative prototype that addresses environmental pollution challenges in future sustainable cities.
Challenge Topics
Participants must prepare for both subtopics in advance. On the competition day, one subtopic will be randomly assigned to each group.
1. Smart Air Pollution Monitoring and Reduction System
Participants are encouraged to explore the causes and effects of air pollution, including smoke, harmful gases, dust particles, and industrial emissions, as well as their impact on human health and the environment.
Using the provided materials, students may develop prototype models such as:
- Air filtration systems
- Mini ventilation devices
- Smoke reduction models
- Eco-friendly air purification concepts
The prototype should demonstrate how polluted air can be filtered, absorbed, redirected, or reduced through creative engineering and sustainable design approaches.
2. Smart Water Pollution Detection and Purification System
Participants are encouraged to investigate the causes and effects of water pollution, including chemical waste, plastic pollution, and contaminated water sources that threaten ecosystems and public health.
Using the provided materials, students may construct prototype models such as:
- Layered water filtration systems
- Portable water purification devices
- River-cleaning concepts
- Sustainable water treatment models
The prototype should demonstrate how polluted water can be filtered, cleaned, and managed effectively through innovative purification techniques.
Assigned Subtopics and Provided Materials
| Assigned Subtopic | Provided Construction Materials |
|---|---|
| Smart Air Pollution Monitoring and Reduction | Mini USB or DC fan, activated charcoal, kemenyan, sponge or cotton, mesh fabric, plastic bottle, glue gun, tape, plasticine, cutters, cardboard, and labeling markers |
| Smart Water Pollution Detection and Purification | Plastic bottle, blue food coloring, gravel, sand, activated charcoal, filter paper, cotton, water pipe, small plastic fragments, glue gun, tape, and mahjong paper |
Event Details
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | 13 November 2026 (Friday) |
| Time | 8:30am - 5:30pm |
| Target participants | Primary school students |
| Registration deadline | 30 September 2026 |
Competition Details
- Each team must consist of 5 participants: 1 teacher and 4 students.
- Participants are required to prepare for both topics:
- Smart Air Pollution Monitoring and Reduction System
- Smart Water Pollution Detection and Purification System
- On the event day, one topic will be randomly assigned to each group.
- All materials will be provided.
- Only the first 20 groups will be accepted, based on a first come, first served basis.