When is SkyHack?

November 3-5, 2023

Who can attend?

Students 18 and older (undergrad and graduate) from any U.S. university are welcome to participate. We encourage ALL majors or disciplines to participate because diverse perspectives are the key to innovating the future of aviation. 

Where is SkyHack?

SkyHack will be in the Design Innovation Hub at Kent State University. 

400 Janik Drive

Kent,OH 44242-000

Available Equipment?

• Labs: You will have access to a variety of labs within the Design Innovation Hub.
• Equipment: There will be a variety of equipment and hardware available. List to be posted soon

What are the rules?

Teams can consist of 2-6 students, and the entire project must be built at the event. You are welcome to come with a team already assembled or form a team at the event.
Challenge Streams listed below:

Air Travel Experience 

Improve people’s (customers, pilots, crew, airport employees, etc.) experiences in air travel. From booking to arriving at their final destination, your team’s innovations might address health, safety, vehicle/aircraft design, airports and/or airline procedures. For instance, how might we improve the traveler experience in booking and check-in, comfort, boarding and deboarding, luggage handling, universal design, and/or fear of flying? 

Tags: health, safety, design, user experience, bookings, navigation, parking, luggage 

 

Sustainable Aviation 

Develop environmentally friendly aviation technologies or approaches. Ideas might include electric and hybrid propulsion, sustainable aviation fuels, lightweight materials/strategies, and more efficient aircraft designs, to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.  How might we build futures in aviation that focus on sustainable and ethical innovations? 

Tags: sustainability, materials, environment, renewables, eco-friendly, green technology, emissions, augmented reality 

 

Aerospace Redefined 

Address challenges connected to the exploration of Mars, the Moon, and beyond by prototyping innovations that might include the development of spacecraft, habitats, and technologies for human colonization and resource utilization.  For instance, how might we manage space debris cleanup? How might we improve technologies for tracking, removing, or mitigating space debris to protect operational spacecraft? What might be solutions for enhancing life support systems, spacesuit design, or psychological support for astronauts or future aerospace tourists? Envision the near future of public travel into space. How can we extend into the upper atmosphere and beyond? 

Tags: space travel, exploration, commercialization, colonization, space debris, dwellings  

 

Advanced Air Mobility & Autonomous Systems  

Find innovative ways to provide safe, efficient, and sustainable air transportation solutions for passengers and cargo. How might we develop effective solutions with autonomous drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and autonomous space exploration systems for applications like surveillance, cargo delivery, to enhance safety, reduce delays, and/or optimize airspace usage. How might we enhance the fundamental aspects of aircraft handling (care, maintenance, guidance, luggage, etc.) through automation and air mobility strategies to bridge the gap in people power across the aviation domain?  Develop a creative approach to bring piloted or un-piloted aviation technologies to address challenges or create efficiencies in other sectors.  How might these new technologies and software be used to enhance daily life?  

 

Tags: XR, UAV (drones), cybersecurity, cryptocurrency, AI, automation, airfield, air control, people power