Pete Conrad Scholars

LotICE

LotICE is a pioneering innovation designed to revolutionize aviation safety by providing a way to combat aircraft icing. Inspired by the resilient structure of the lotus leaf, LotICE is an aircraft skin that uses roll-to-roll nanoimprint lithography to produce a superhydrophobic surface. With this exterior, aircraft wings will be able to repel water better, thereby preventing ice formation and increasing lifespan.

Power Pitch Award

LASAR

Their innovative approach involves a precision laser system mounted on a robotic arm that directs a controlled beam onto the satellite’s solar panel. This deliberate energy overload triggers the deactivation of the solar panel. Over time, the satellite’s battery discharges. When the signal is received, it initiates a software repair that reboots the system, reactivates the solar panels, and resumes recharging the battery. This strategic power cycling mimics recharging electronic devices and provides an opportunity to fix software malfunctions while rebooting.

Pete Conrad Scholars

Thunder Corgis

Their innovation introduces a groundbreaking response to the limitations of traditional GPS. Unlike standard GPS, which relies on satellite connectivity, the Inertial Positioning System (IPS) uses an inertial-based approach with accelerometers to calculate traveled distance, providing reliable position tracking without satellite reliance. By removing dependence on satellites and using inertial calculations, IPS increases the effectiveness of location tracking. It makes wilderness travel easier and safer, offering versatile solutions for hiking and exploring off-grid.

Pete Conrad Scholars

Running Bits

RescueBot is a fully automatic warning triangle and a life protector on the road. The latest auto-pilot technology can reach the designated distance automatically and warn other vehicles approaching when an accident occurs.

Power Pitch Award

BIOMET

BIOMET is a biometric scanning device and software that is targeted towards solving the Identification crisis. Over 1 billion individuals around the world do not have access to an ID, hindering their basic human rights. In order to change the status quo, BIOMET captures scans of the most genetically and biologically complex area of the face, the periocular region. The innovation consists of two main parts: the BIOMET software is used to scan, recognize, and hash out a private key for a user’s unique identifier and a physical, lightweight, and affordable scanner tool.

Pete Conrad Scholars

ReefSound

ReefSound is a disruptive innovation that uses AI to analyze the health of coral reefs based on their sound recordings. Research has shown that the sound produced by coral reefs is an excellent indicator of their health. Healthy reefs are habitats to Alpheidae snapping shrimps, which create distinct popping sounds, giving healthy reefs a “frying” sound. Conversely, degraded coral reefs are much quieter as they inhabit fewer organisms. ReefSound’s core product is an ensemble of two AI models; users input one-minute-long coral recordings, which the AI identifies as healthy or degraded.

Power Pitch Award

FIXON

FIXON is a drone that collects data that can indicate the risk of potential wildfires. It researches areas around the country known for their high risk of wildfires. When a possible ignition point is detected, FIXON will send signals to the firefighters and release an ultrasound to warn the local wildlife.

Pete Conrad Scholars

SmartSeat

SmartSeat is an algorithm-based active variable stiffness seat cushion designed to combat bad posture and prolonged pressure exposure while seated and improve physical activity. For those at risk of seating-related health complications such as lower back pain (LBP), pressure ulcers, or even blood clots, SmartSeat provides a cheap, nondisruptive, and effective solution by actively shifting pressure points to relieve areas exposed to prolonged pressure. SmartSeat uses three integral components to achieve this: a dynamic pressure mapping system, comprehensive algorithms and innovative cushion materials.

Power Pitch Award

BioBionics

Their vision is to pioneer today’s mobility and tomorrow’s planet through the accessibility of eco-friendly prosthetics. Using an innovative filament containing polylactic acid and natural fillers, they utilize 3D-printing technology to create affordable prostheses for over 100 million global amputees. The prosthetics biodegrade at the end of their lifecycle, dramatically reducing plastic waste compared to traditional devices.

Glinsky Innovation Award

• Best Table Top | Prosthetic Pioneer
• Best Table Top | uSole
• Most Persuasive | Antler Armour

Space Center Houston Entrepreneurial Innovation Award

• Aster Aid | Aerospace & Aviation

ALC Summit Engagement Award

• AZMA GUARD

Innovative Teacher Award

• Joel Schildwachter | Non-Pareil Institute