DIY Hack-a-Vent Innovation Challenge

With the current COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the US and world face a realistic threat of overwhelming the medical system, and more specifically, running out of available ventilators.

With SARS-CoV-2 viruses (to include the Coronavirus), the primary area of the body impacted is the pulmonary system.  In certain individuals, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) develops and rapidly leads to a critical need for mechanical ventilation/breathing support.

We are entering a time period, however, where “ventilators are like gold,” and we anticipate a potential for a widespread lack of ventilators to support critical care requirements across the nation and the world.

Due to the epidemiology of the disease, time is of the essence.

Over the next 2-weeks, this Innovation Challenge seeks to pool the brilliant minds and expertise of our Nation to develop a low-cost, non-FDA approved, mechanical ventilation support system that can be rapidly produced at local levels with widely available resources.

YOU HAVE ONE WEEK TO DEVELOP AND SUBMIT YOUR IDEA.  (PROTOTYPE DESIGNS AND PHOTOS ARE ALSO WELCOME.)
The top 3 submissions will be selected by a panel of experts and MAY be offered an opportunity to produce a functioning prototype by 30 March.

ARE YOU UP TO THIS IMPOSSIBLE CHALLENGE?

The top 3 submissions will be selected by a panel of experts and may be offered an opportunity to produce a functioning prototype.  We realize that complete solutions may not be possible, but we think we can get close.    Are you up to this challenge? If so, SUBMIT by 25 March 2020