Emergency Powerbox

Over het initiatief / About the initiative

In welke fase zit jouw initiatief? / In what stage is your initiative?

Uitgewerkt conceptfase

Heb je jouw initiatief al gevalideerd? / Did you validate your initiative?

Yes, we were personally affected by the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey in 2023. In response, we took part in efforts to provide off-grid solar panel systems to help victims regain access to electricity. However, we witnessed firsthand that the biggest challenge was the complete breakdown of communication. In the aftermath, we conducted interviews with rescue teams, government authorities, victims, energy providers, and even the Deputy Governor of Turkey and Istanbul. Across the board, there is a clear demand for innovative solutions in this area. After winning the Tilburg University Challenge, we were also approached by Gemeente Tilburg, who expressed strong interest in our project. We are currently in ongoing discussions to determine our next steps.

Meer informatie over jouw initiatief / More info about your initiative

Problem we are solving:

During natural disasters, emergencies or cyber attacks; one of the most critical challenges is the breakdown of communication networks. Cellular infrastructure is often damaged or overwhelmed by excessive traffic, leaving affected communities and emergency responders unable to share vital information or coordinate effectively. This communication failure delays rescue efforts, disrupts logistics, and exacerbates the chaos in disaster-stricken areas. At the same time, widespread power outages compound the problem by depriving people of reliable energy sources needed to charge essential devices such as phones, radios, and medical equipment. The lack of communication and energy access significantly hampers disaster response efforts, leaving communities vulnerable and delaying aid where it is needed most.

Solution:

The Power Box is an innovative disaster response solution that ensures both power and communication continuity during emergencies. Our system integrates a portable, solar-powered energy source with a decentralized communication network, designed to function independently of damaged or overloaded cellular infrastructure.

What do we offer?
Our mobile unit, designed like a compact, easy-to-carry bag, can be quickly deployed in emergency assembly areas. Once placed, it automatically connects to other PowerBoxes using a mesh radio frequency network, creating a self-sustaining communication grid without relying on cellular towers or the internet.

In simple terms, PowerBox brings back technology and communication to life when it is needed the most. So that when nothing works, PowerBox does.

Wat is er anders/nieuw aan jouw idee/oplossing t.o.v. bestaande oplossingen? / What is different/new about your idea/solution compared to existing solutions??

We’re often asked two main questions:

1. Why do we need a system like PowerBox when Starlink by Elon Musk already exists?

2. Is this really possible?

Let’s start with the first. Right now, PowerBox has no direct competitors. As demonstrated during the blackout in Spain and Portugal, many countries lack an effective backup communication system during large-scale emergencies. While there are projects with similar network infrastructures, none have been adapted specifically for emergency scenarios.

What sets PowerBox apart from Starlink is quite literally everything. Starlink requires specialized satellite equipment, such as satellite phones or terminals, which are not compatible with everyday mobile devices. More importantly, using Starlink makes users reliant on the infrastructure of a single foreign entity, in this case, the United States.

As for the most common question: Is this really possible?
Absolutely. We already have a fully functional prototype. Just because a mainstream solution doesn’t exist yet doesn’t mean it’s not achievable. In fact, we’re proud to say that we, as two self-taught programmers, have already made it happen.

Wat zijn jouw volgende stappen om het verder te ontwikkelen? / What are your next steps to develop the initiative?

We’re currently in contact with Gemeente Tilburg, RoundOne Ventures, and the Deputy Governor of Istanbul as we explore the most effective way to bring PowerBox into real-world use as soon as possible.

We take every opportunity to grow by integrating the feedback and critiques we receive from the competitions we participate in. Right now, we’re actively developing a more advanced version of the technology and designing a second prototype that addresses the limitations of the first.

We’re pursuing the single spark we need to ignite the flame, a supportive partner who believes in our vision and can help us bring it to life.

Wat heb je nodig om (nog meer) impact te maken met dit initiatief? / What do you need to make (more) impact with this initiative?

On the technical side, we have the knowledge and resources needed to continue developing the idea. However, as many judges have pointed out, we’re still refining the marketing and business development aspects of the project.

While we recognize that investment will eventually be necessary and we’re already in contact with some potential investors. We’re not looking to rush that step. At this stage, the most valuable support we could receive would be guidance from an experienced advisor to help us navigate our next moves strategically.