In Search of Small Low Cost Environmental Monitoring Technologies That Measure Standard Environmental Pollutants
PRLog - Feb. 19, 2015 - ROCKVILLE, Md. -- Leading Edge Only (http://www.leadingedgeonly.com), the innovation marketplace dedicated to matching innovation seekers with innovation providers, has issued an “Innovation Challenge” on behalf of a LEO “Seeker” based in the United Kingdom.
The Innovation Challenge is for individuals or organizations that can develop (or have developed) air quality sensors capable of cost effectively measuring standard environmental pollutants such as: Nitrogen Dioxide, Sulphur Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, and other particulates.
Parties interested in responding to this Innovation Challenge can click on the link below to provide a high level overview of their solution.
https://www.research.net/s/LEO_IC_AEM
The LEO member is seeking a low cost alternative to current expensive solutions that can act as an early warning system for local authorities.
These devices will require some form of network connection to each other and connection to the Internet for data upload.
The devices will need to be very low power, even battery operated and small enough to be concealed or mounted to street lights, road signs and other street furniture, without UK planning permissions being required.
The devices do not need to be calibrated to the same level as scientific equipment and can be used to provide real time trend feedback as opposed to scientific study level calibration. They will act as a trend analysis tool and a lower calibrated measurement indicator. They do not aim to replace formal assessment practices.
Additional sensors that monitor meteorological conditions (weather, temperature, humidity) and external environmental factors (noise, light, traffic) would be highly beneficial as these external factors heavily influence Air Quality and would allow cause and effect to be assessed statistically.
Drivers Behind This Innovation Challenge
The Internet of Things is forecast to change our lives forever. It has been defined as everyday objects having network connectivity allowing them to send and receive data. There is much promise in the Internet of Things arena but there is great difficulty in developing implementations that can providing a clear return on investment due to existing offerings that still work without connectivity.
A new generation of sensors is required that can be added to existing infrastructure rather than replacing the existing infrastructure at significant capital expenditure.
Many cities in the UK have Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA’s). This involves local authorities identifying areas within their jurisdiction that are at risk from air pollution and putting together a plan to improve the air quality in these areas. The AQMA’s are monitored using Air Quality Sensors on a regular, but infrequent, basis.
One of the issues identified is that the time between air quality measurement can be as much as 2 years. The current testing and monitoring equipment is specialized and expensive and prohibits more regular testing and monitoring. As a consequence any plans put in place, such as traffic free days, are not impact-assessed until the next scheduled official testing period.
Real time monitoring will allow the immediate assessment of initiatives aimed at improving air quality. It is also believed that instant feedback for residents on Air Quality measurements, such as through smartphone applications, is more likely to change behavior and produce positive air quality outcomes, than local authority campaigns alone.
What will LEO do With Responses to the Innovation Challenge?
LEO’s executive team and innovation analysts will review all submitted innovations. Qualifying candidates will be invited to:
Discuss the basic elements of the technology/innovation as well as the time to market and the critical economic imperatives associated with commercializing the technology.
Finalists in the Innovation Challenge will participate in a small scale proof of concept trial at a mutually agreed location for a period of time to further assess the value of the proposed innovation.
Once LEO and our Innovation Seeker member identify solutions that match the requirements of the Innovation Challenge, terms and conditions for implementation and/or integration into a go-to-market initiative.
PLEASE NOTE: All entries will be treated with the utmost discretion and LEO will respect and carefully protect all intellectual property that is submitted. LEO complies with standard Non-Disclosure Agreements and Conventions.
Parties interested in responding to this Call for Innovation Challenge can click on the link below to provide a high level overview of their solution.
https://www.research.net/s/LEO_IC_AEM
Alternatively, interested parties may contact:
Scott Sharp
Founder & Chief Executive
Leading Edge Only Ltd
Email: scottsharp@leadingedgeonly.com
Direct: +44 (0) 1234 758 073
Cell: +44 (0) 7854 174 588
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Leading Edge Only Issues Innovation Challenge
February 19, 2015 at 09:47 AM EST
