By enhancing communication networks, this challenge aims to build resilient, adaptable urban systems for the future, and aligns with broader smart city initiatives, and serves as a model for transitioning technology developed in federal labs into public use, enhancing its reach and impact.
Building on the success of the first CivX Smart Cities challenge showcasing cutting-edge solutions for secure, real-time urban operations, we are excited to introduce the next installment in our Smart Cities challenge series. In this second challenge, participants will address a critical aspect of modern urban resilience: Enhanced Urban Communication Networks.
Improving resiliency and decision-making for sustainable and intelligent urban systems. Future State: As cities face increasingly complex environmental, social, and technological challenges, we invite innovators to develop solutions that empower city leaders and communities to manage their environments in any scenario. By leveraging advanced communication networks, real-time data sharing, and scalable analytics, this challenge calls for ideas that improve the resiliency and capability of networks, helping to create robust and adaptable urban systems for the future.
YOUR CHALLENGE
We invite you to develop innovative solutions that enhance the resilience, reliability, and sustainability of urban communication networks, empowering city leaders, and community stakeholders to make informed decisions under any conditions.
Develop new approaches for First Responder safety and resource allocation using Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) - Civilian (also known as CivTAK).
Your solution should focus on allowing civic leaders and stakeholders to maintain network operability regardless of environmental impacts, ensuring energy resilience for uninterrupted communication, and facilitating seamless communication and coordination during emergencies. Additionally, it should enable scalable, sensor-enabled infrastructure ensuring secure, adaptable networks capable of functioning under high demand or during public network failures.
By addressing these priorities, your solution should empower urban operators to coordinate resources, optimize response times, pre-plan for emergency situations and ensure sustainable and equitable outcomes in any scenario. Aligning with the principles established in the first challenge is encouraged but not required.
Key Objectives: 1. Strengthen urban communication networks to function effectively under both ideal and adverse conditions. 2. Provide secure, scalable, and adaptable systems that integrate seamlessly into urban environments. 3. Explore innovative ways to enhance the functionality and reliability of civic communication and network infrastructure 4. Provide the network and communication framework for future Smart Cities innovation
Employ Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) systems to integrate public and challenge data for a comprehensive resource system
Using challenge data and other technologies, implement a scenario execution based on damage assessment and recovery stages for possible First Responder events (such as dense population areas or natural disasters)
Integrate multi-agency operations, identify critical demarcation points, and implement interoperability solutions based on challenge data
Optional: Combine “Drone as a First Responder” (DFR) capabilities into your solution outcomes
Registration Process
To compete in this challenge, participants must register above. Participants will be required to identify whether they are an Individual competing alone, or a Team Lead on behalf of a group of individuals (i.e., a Team), or a Point of Contact on behalf of an entity (i.e. an institution, organization, or corporation):
For Individuals:
For Students:
For Teams:
For Entities:
HOW TO ENTER
1. Registration:
The first step is to register for the competition; registering early is the easiest way to stay informed.
Include a Cover Page: The white paper should not exceed 5 pages, including the cover page.
Content Guidelines: The paper should include an introduction to your proposed solution, details about the solution, potential impact, team experience and capabilities, expected outcomes, and a conclusion.
Formatting Requirements: Adhere to the provided formatting guidelines, including font size, margins, and document organization. See formatting instructions here.
Create 2 to 3 Minute Video
Overview of Solution: The video should briefly describe the proposed solution and its potential impact.
Incorporate Visual Aids: Use graphics, charts, photos, or demonstrations to explain your proposal.
Team Introduction: Introduce your team members and their qualifications.
Submission Deadline: Ensure all materials are submitted by the specified deadline
Adhere to Competition Guidelines: Ensure that all submissions and participation are in compliance with the provided guidelines.
Registration Process
To compete in this challenge, participants must register above. Participants will be required to identify whether they are an Individual competing alone, or a Team Lead on behalf of a group of individuals (i.e., a Team), or a Point of Contact on behalf of an entity (i.e. an institution, organization, or corporation):
For Individuals:
For Students:
For Teams:
For Entities:
Registration Process
To compete in this challenge, participants must register above. Participants will be required to identify whether they are an Individual competing alone, or a Team Lead on behalf of a group of individuals (i.e., a Team), or a Point of Contact on behalf of an entity (i.e. an institution, organization, or corporation):
For Individuals:
For Students:
For Teams:
For Entities:
BACKGROUND
Smart cities represent a transformative approach to urban development by leveraging advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and big data to enhance the quality of life, improve infrastructure, and optimize urban services. They present vast opportunities, including improved resource efficiency, real-time problem-solving through digital twins, and enhanced sustainability via innovations like energy micro-grids and AI-driven waste management. However, they also raise significant ethical issues. Key concerns include data privacy, potential biases in AI algorithms, digital equity, and the transparency of data usage. Citizen participation and trust are critical; strategies must emphasize inclusivity and robust governance to ensure technologies serve as tools for societal benefit rather than sources of inequity or exploitation
Griffiss Institute The Griffiss Institute aims to develop the next generation of STEM talent and defense technologies that will strengthen U.S. national security and create economic opportunity for their region, state and nation. As a Partnership Intermediary, the Griffiss Institute performs services for the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate that increases the likelihood of success in the conduct of cooperative or joint activities with small business firms, institutions of higher education, and industry.
Challenge Administration: The challenge registration and submission portal are administered by a contractor, Blue Clarity LLC, in support of the Griffiss Institute.
RESOURCES
Smart Cities and Tech
This video emphasizes that while technology alone cannot solve all problems, the data collected from these innovations significantly contributes to more effective urban management and community safety.
Please head over to the CIVX Urban Communication Network Workspace
Look for relevant announcements, important tips, share resources, connect with teams and other mentors and event staff. New to Slack? Read: Getting started for new Slack users.
Please refer to our final submission template to ensure all requirements for your final submission are met.
JUDGING CRITERIA
Each criterion is evaluated based on five possible responses: Strongly Disagree (1 pts), Disagree (2 pts), Neither Agree Nor Disagree (3 pts), Agree (4 pts), and Strongly Agree (5 pts)
Creativity
Technical Design
Impact
Commercialization
Team Strength
Presentation
JUDGING CRITERIA
Desirability
Feasibility
Scalability
Security
Relevance to the Challenge
Each criterion is evaluated based on five possible responses: Strongly Disagree (1 pt), Disagree (2 pts), Neither Agree Nor Disagree (3 pts), Agree (4 pts), and Strongly Agree (5 pts).
JUDGES
JUDGE
Adrien Hoff
Spatial Technologies Project Manager, Colorado State Division of Fire Protection and Control COTAK
Adrien Hoff, a GIS professional with a Master’s in Geographic Information Sciences, manages the Colorado State Division of Fire Protection’s COTAK program, leading GIS R&D and collaborating on data integration. COTAK provides Colorado agencies free ATAK server access for situational awareness.
Judge
Spencer Tofts
Software Engineer, Kinnami Software Corporation
Spencer Tofts is a software engineer at Kinnami with eight years of experience. Previously at Google and Amazon Robotics, he’s skilled in languages like C++, Java, and Python. At Kinnami, he leads Android and TAK ecosystem initiatives and manages AI policy work using Prolog.
Judge
Dave Zader
Wildland Fire Administrator (retired), City of Boulder Fire Department
Dave Zader is a retired Wildland Fire Administrator with over 35 years of experience in firefighting, including roles with the Boulder Fire Department, US Forest Service, and Yosemite National Park. He advises on public safety technology and advocates for national adoption of the Team Awareness Kit (TAK).
Judge
Andy Wagers
Lead Data Integrator, Space Launch Delta 45 (SLD45)
Andy J. Wagers, Lead Data Integrator at Space Launch Delta 45, drives innovation in the Common Operating Data Infrastructure (CODI) and organizes the Data Derby Hackathon Series to address key operational challenges. Previously with the USAF, he developed predictive maintenance tools and simulations, enhancing readiness for over 300 F-16 jets. Dr. Wagers also taught Physics and Astronomy at the college and high school levels.
Judge
Tomi Fadipe
Global Vertical Strategy Lead, Zebra Technologies
Tomi, Global Vertical Strategy Lead at Zebra Technologies, drives industry strategy in Public Safety & Utilities. With over 12 years as a tech solutions architect in utilities and telecom, she holds two master’s degrees from WPI, is a Tau Beta Pi director, an alumna of The Partnership, Inc., and served in leadership at the Utilities Technology Council.
FAQS
Who is eligible to participate in the competition?
How do I register for the competition?
What is the submission deadline?
Is there a registration fee?
POINT OF CONTACT
If you have any inquiries about participating in this competition, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at expeditionhacks@blueclarity.io.
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