BCNM Students Named 2020 Jacobs Innovation Catalyst Grant Recipients
The Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation selected ten projects to join the latest Innovation Catalysts grant cohort. Three members of the BCNM community — Elnaz Tafrihi, Sonia Uppal and Katherine Song — were inducted for Spring 2020. With this funding, they will continue to develop their projects with the resources and mentorship provided by Jacobs Hall and the CITRIS Invention Lab.
Elnaz Tafrihi (DE, Architecture) and Sonia Uppal (Undergraduate, Computer Science)
Tafrihi and Uppal were part of the RattlesNeck team, building a wearable device designed to improve safety for both bikers and street runners. Sonar sensors are used to detect approaching vehicles, sending a vibration to the user and flashing LED lights to drivers to warn both of any potentialdanger.
RattlesNeck's two-way notification system intends to promote awareness and enforce trafic laws.
This team will receive an Ignite Grant, given funding of up to $2000 to refine their prototypes and push their project to the next stage.
Katherine Song (DE, Computer Science)
Song's Designs for Un-Making tackles the shortcomings of modern "eco-friendly" design materials. She created an untapped design space with 3D-printed biodegradable objects for artists to consider sustainability and eventual morality of their tools.
Designs for Un-Making was allotted a Spark Grant, which provides up to $500 and other resources for early-stage or experimental projects.
Visit the official website here to see all the Spring 2020 Innovation Catalysts Grant projects.