2019 PSU Cleantech Challenge: Team Excellent Devices
"The firefighters who help keep our communities safe inspire us. We hope to make their job easier and safer."
Team members: Seth Rohrbach, Kai Brooks, Angel Gonzalez, Mikhail Mayers, computer engineering
1. Where did you get the inspiration for your Cleantech Challenge invention idea?
Forest fires have been an increasingly devastating problem, especially here on the west coast. As we were reading about the aftermath of the forest fires across the country, we realized that significant weaknesses in the forest firefighting effort are slow and ineffective early warning systems.
2. As you prepare to pitch your idea and show off your prototype at TechFest NW in April, what are you most excited about?
We are excited to show off our prototype. We believe that it could scale and be a powerful tool in the fight against forest fires.
3. Who are your Cleantech Heroes? Who do you look to for inspiration?
The firefighters who help keep our communities safe inspire us. We hope to make their job easier and safer.
4. Tell us about your team: How did you meet each other and how do you work together?
Excellent Devices met through our classes here at Portland State University. We are all electrical and computer engineer students. Each member of the team brings critical skills.
5. What’s the one thing you want the Cleantech Challenge judges to understand about your innovation (that will ensure your team will win the competition)?
Forest fires cause billions of dollars of damage every year. Our product is economical, scalable, and has the potential to make a significant impact on lives, reduce property damage, and benefit the environment.