Specific Problem Statement - Provided by Bosch

1. Topic: Manufacturing of portable solar Energy system (gas bottle) as replacement for as source of energy for domestic needs.

2. Motivation: The world is currently experiencing an increasing cost for fossil energy sources such as oil, Gas, etc. Africa is particularly impacted as many countries can’t process raw energy sources like crude oil, ending up importing or re-importing fuel, gas etc. consequently leading to economic and social crises. Additionally, local infrastructure required to distribute energy has not scaled consistently, putting several countries like Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria at a constant shortage of electricity.

3. The Need: Develop a system that can capture solar energy at scale and make it reusable in small battery systems, with different capacities. The Solar energy could be used to load into smaller batteries in well-equipped centers. The first usage could be for cooking using electricity replacing gas containers used for cooking. More advanced usage could be as replacements for gas generators. The entire  Aftermarket could be supported by an application showing where someone can load more energy/power, notifying the user about the status of their power generator, etc.

Problem statement 01: Optimising Route Planning for Efficient Supply Chain Logistics in Diverse African Contexts 

In the dynamic landscape of African supply chain and logistics, there exists a critical need to enhance efficiency through optimal route planning. The complexities inherent in the African continent, characterised by diverse terrains, infrastructure challenges, and varying regulatory environments, demand innovative solutions to streamline the movement of goods and services.

The goal of this topic for the participants is to develop cutting-edge route optimisation solutions that can address these challenges, ensuring cost-effectiveness, timely deliveries, and sustainability.

Key Challenges to Address:

1. Diverse Geographical Terrain:
   • Africa presents a wide range of geographical landscapes, from dense urban areas to remote rural regions, each with its unique transportation challenges.
   • Participants must devise a route optimisation solution/s that consider diverse terrains, varying road conditions, topography, and weather.
2. Infrastructure Disparities:
   • Inconsistent road infrastructure across regions poses a significant obstacle to efficient logistics.
   • Solutions should account for varying road qualities, infrastructure limitations, and propose alternative routes based on real-time data.
3. Regulatory Variability:
   • Different countries and regions within Africa may have distinct regulations and compliance standards affecting logistics operations.
   • Teams must develop a route optimisation solution/s that comply with local regulations, customs requirements, and international standards.
4. Data Availability and Accuracy:
   • Limited and unreliable data on road conditions, traffic patterns, and logistical constraints are prevalent challenges in the African context.
   • Solutions should explore innovative ways to collect, update, and utilise real-time data for accurate route planning.
5. Last-Mile Challenges:

• Urban congestion and difficulties in accessing remote areas contribute to last-mile delivery challenges.
• Participants are encouraged to design solutions that optimise not only long-haul routes but also address the complexities of last-mile delivery for maximum efficiency.

Expected Outcomes:
Participants are expected to develop scalable and adaptable route optimisation solutions that can address the unique challenges of the African supply chain and logistics ecosystem. These solutions should leverage emerging technologies, such as machine learning, IoT, and data analytics, to provide real-time insights and adaptive route planning. The winning solutions will not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to the sustainable and resilient growth of supply chain networks across Africa.

Problem Statement 02. "Unlocking Hidden Economic Corridors: Identifying and Harnessing Untapped Opportunities for Sustainable Development in Africa"
In the vast and diverse landscape of Africa, there exist untapped economic corridors that hold the potential to drive sustainable development yet remain invisible or underutilised. The objective of this hackathon is to explore, identify, and develop innovative solutions that reveal these hidden economic corridors, fostering economic growth, job creation, and regional integration across the continent.

Key Challenges to Address:

1. Limited Visibility:
   • Many potential economic corridors in Africa remain obscured due to insufficient data, lack of awareness, or inadequate mapping.
   • Participants are tasked with devising methodologies and tools to uncover and visualise these hidden corridors, considering factors such as trade flows, resources, and infrastructure.
2. Cross-Border Collaboration:
   • Economic corridors often traverse multiple countries, requiring seamless cross-border collaboration for effective development.
   • Solutions should propose frameworks or technologies that facilitate cooperation among nations to maximise the benefits of identified corridors while addressing regulatory and diplomatic challenges.
3. Infrastructure Gaps:

• Some potential corridors may lack adequate infrastructure, hindering their development and utilisation.

• Teams are encouraged to present strategies for identifying corridors where targeted infrastructure investments can unlock economic potential, promoting connectivity and accessibility.

4. Sustainable Development Goals:
   • The solutions should align with sustainable development goals, addressing environmental, social, and economic aspects to ensure long-term viability.
   • Participants should consider how the development of these economic corridors can contribute to environmental sustainability, community well-being, and inclusive growth.
5. Technology and Innovation:
   • Leverage technology and innovation to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness
     of economic corridors.
6. Propose a solution/s that incorporates emerging technologies such as blockchain, IoT, or AI to optimise operations, monitor logistics, and enhance overall corridor performance.
7. **Expected Outcomes:**Participants are expected to deliver a comprehensive solution/s that go beyond merely identifying hidden economic corridors. Winning solutions will include actionable plans for development, leveraging technology and collaboration to transform these corridors into engines of sustainable economic growth, regional integration, and prosperity for the communities they traverse. The ultimate goal is to uncover and tap into these hidden opportunities, fostering a more connected and resilient African continent.

Problem Statement 03: Revolutionising Warehousing: Developing Innovative Contactless Warehouse Management Systems for Enhanced Efficiency and Safety

The traditional warehouse management systems have faced challenges in adapting to the evolving needs of modern supply chains, especially in the context of the ongoing global health crisis. The objective of this hackathon is to create groundbreaking Contactless Warehouse Management Systems (CWMS) that leverage emerging technologies to improve efficiency, safety, and adaptability in the warehousing sector.

Key Challenges to Address:
1. Contactless Operations:

• The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for minimising physical contact in warehouse operations to ensure the safety of workers.
• Participants are tasked with developing a solution/s that enable contactless inventory management, order picking, and other essential warehouse processes while maintaining or improving efficiency.

2. Real-time Visibility:
   • Traditional warehouse management systems may lack real-time visibility into inventory, leading to inefficiencies and delays in decision-making.
   • Solutions should incorporate technologies such as RFID, IoT, and AI to provide real- time tracking and visibility of inventory movements, enabling more accurate demand forecasting and responsive decision-making.
3. Autonomous Technologies:
   • Explore and implement autonomous technologies to optimise warehouse processes, including autonomous vehicles for material handling, automated sorting, and robotic systems for picking and packing.
   • Propose innovative solutions that integrate these technologies seamlessly into existing warehouse infrastructures.
4. Scalability and Integration:
   • Many warehouses operate on different scales and use diverse systems, requiring solutions that are scalable and easily integrable with existing technologies.
   • Develop solutions that can adapt to warehouses of varying sizes and integrate with different enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, ensuring broad applicability.
5. Cybersecurity and Data Privacy:
   • As warehouses become more connected, the security of data and protection against cyber threats become paramount.
6. Participants are expected to address the cybersecurity challenges associated with contactless warehouse management, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive data.
   Expected Outcomes:
   Participants are expected to create innovative Contactless Warehouse Management Systems that redefine traditional processes, emphasising safety, efficiency, and adaptability. Winning solutions should demonstrate the integration of cutting-edge technologies, scalability, and a focus on cybersecurity, providing a blueprint for the future of warehousing in a rapidly changing global landscape. The goal is to elevate warehouse operations to new levels of efficiency and safety while paving the way for sustainable and resilient supply chains.