[Chapter-delegates] Mozilla winners- Emergency Disaster Communication

[Glenn McKnight]

This morning, we announced the 20 teams that were chosen for awards during
Stage 1 of the NSF-WINS Challenges. You can view all of the winning
projects, as well as profiles of our judges, on the NSF-WINS website
<https://wirelesschallenge.mozilla.org/>.

If you’re receiving this email, your team has been selected to move on to
Stage 2 of the Challenges.

The following awards recognize outstanding achievement during the Design
Concept Stage (Stage 1) of the Challenge:

*Project Lantern | First Place ($60,000)*

A Lantern is a keychain-sized device that hosts decentralized web apps with
local maps, supply locations, and more. These apps are pushed to Lanterns
via long-range radio and Wi-Fi, and then saved offline to browsers for
continued use. Lanterns can be distributed by emergency responders and are
accessed by citizens through a special-purpose Wi-Fi network supported by
the Lanterns. Project by Paper & Equator in New York, NY in collaboration
with the Shared Reality Lab at McGill University; learn more
<http://lantern.works/>.

*HERMES | Second Place ($40,000)*

HERMES (High­-frequency Emergency and Rural Multimedia Exchange System) is
autonomous network infrastructure. It enables local calling, SMS, and basic
OTT messaging, all via equipment that can fit inside two suitcases, using
GSM, Software Defined Radio and High-Frequency radio technologies. Project
by Rhizomatica.

*Emergency LTE | Third Place ($30,000)*

Emergency LTE is an open-source, solar- and battery-powered cellular base
station that functions like an autonomous LTE network. The under-50-pound
unit features a local web server with apps that allow emergency broadcasts,
maps, messaging, and more. Project lead: Dr. Spencer Sevilla in Seattle, WA.

*The Next­-Generation, Disaster Relief Mobile Phone Mesh Network |
Honorable Mention ($10,000)*

This project provides a phone­-to-­phone mesh network that’s always on,
even if all other systems are offline. A goTenna Mesh device unlocks
connectivity using ISM radio bands, then pairs with Android and iOS phones
to provide messaging and mapping, as well as back-haul connectivity when
available. Project by goTenna in Brooklyn, NY; see the network map here
<http://imeshyou.com/> & learn more <https://gotenna.com/>.

*G.W.N. | Honorable Mention ($10,000)*

G.W.N. (Gridless Wireless Network) leverages ISM radio bands, Wi-Fi
modules, and antennae to provide connectivity. When users connect to these
durable 10-pound nodes, they can locate nearby shelters or alert emergency
responders. Project lead: Dr. Alan Mickelson in Boulder, CO; learn more
<https://github.com/jilu7883/Off_The_Grid>.

*Wind: Off­-Grid Services for Everyday People | Honorable Mention ($10,000)*

Wind uses Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, and physical infrastructure nodes built
from common routers to create a peer-to-peer network. The project also
features a decentralized software and content distribution system. By
Guardian Project in New York; learn more
<https://guardianproject.info/wind/>.

*Baculus | Honorable Mention ($10,000)*

Baculus features a telescoping antennae/flag, a Wi-Fi access point, small
computer, GPS transceiver, software defined radio, and battery, all housed
inside a rolling backpack. The project provides applications like maps and
message boards over an ad-hoc, self-repairing Wi-Fi network. Project Lead:
Jonathan Dahan in New York; Design Lead: Ariel Cotton; learn more
<http://jedahan.com/baculus/>.

*Portable Cell Initiative | Honorable Mention ($10,000)*

This project deploys a “microcell,” or temporary cell tower, in the
aftermath of a disaster. The project uses software defined radio (SDR) and
a satellite modem to enable voice calls, SMS, and data services. It also
networks with nearby microcells. Project lead: Arpad Kovesdy in Los
Angeles, CA; learn more
<https://github.com/Ironarcher/portable-cell-initiative>.

*Othernet Relief Ecosystem | Honorable Mention ($10,000)*

Othernet Relief Ecosystem (O.R.E.) is an extension of Dhruv’s Othernet
installations in Brooklyn, NY. These installations stem from a long
tradition of mesh networking wherein the OpenWRT firmware alongside the
B.A.T.M.A.N. protocol run on Ubiquiti hardware to form large-­scale local
area networks. Each island of connectivity can be connected to each other
using point-to-point antennas. A toolset of lightweight applications can
live on these networks. Project lead: Dhruv Mehrotra in New York, NY; learn
more <http://othernet.xyz/>.

*RAVE | Honorable Mention ($10,000)*

RAVE (Radio­-Aware Voice Engine) a push-to-talk mobile application
providing high-fidelity audio communication via a peer-to-peer Bluetooth or
Wi-Fi connection. Multiple RAVE devices form a multi-hop network capable of
extending communication over longer distances. RAVE’s range can be extended
via a network of relay nodes. These inexpensive, battery-powered devices
automatically set up a mesh network that extends real-time voice and
internet access throughout a whole community, and text communication over
several miles. Project by Throneless in Washington, D.C.; learn more
<https://commotionwireless.github.io/rave/>.


Glenn McKnight
NARALO Secretariat
mcknight.glenn at gmail.com
skype  gmcknight
twitter gmcknight
289-830 6259
.
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