The University of Johannesburg partnered with the Mahale Innovation Consortium launched a ventilator design competition for South African students. Other Universities included are the Tshwane University of Technology, Central University of Technology, Vaal University of Technology and North-West University.

The Mahale Innovation Consortium (MIC) has an aim to promote local manufacturing of ventilators to contribute to the National Ventilator Project, reports IOL.

There is a concern about ventilator shortages currently happening globally as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The competition is open for any scholars and students who are currently studying in South Africa with a registered active student number.

According to newsportal, the ventilator design competition student designers and engineers will be challenged to show their technical and commercial abilities by elaborating and demonstrating ways as to how digital manufacturing can add its value.

The competition will close on June 14, 2021, and the winner of each category will receive a cash voucher. One winner stands a chance to win a 3D printer sponsored by 3D Printing Systems SA, reports newsportal.

Competition themes are the following:

Open category: Enter any service or product implemented with an aim to flatten the curve during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Innovation category: A new business idea, invention or innovation that can be used to defeat COVID-19 or any other health-related threats in the future.

Engineering category: An improvement, innovation or concept that may reduce our shortage of ventilators in South Africa.

Picture: Unsplash

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