Multi-Disciplinary Practice Problem
Design a digital ecosystem to cut food waste and hunger. Your project should include an app for donors and recipients, an IoT network to monitor food freshness/quantity and a business strategy for sustainable operations. Address stakeholder incentives, legal considerations (e.g. liability), resource allocation and environmental impact.
Problem Statement
Food waste is a massive global issue: the U.S. discards roughly 40 % of its food, wasting 125–160 billion pounds annually and costing about $218 billion. At the same time, millions are food‑insecure. Build a multi‑disciplinary solution that combines a mobile app, IoT sensors and a sustainable business model to redistribute surplus food from restaurants, canteens and households to those in need. Your system should track available surplus, match it to nearby demand, co‑ordinate transport/logistics and provide a business case for long‑term viability.
Submission Guidelines
Define the problem scope, target users (donors, NGOs, logistics partners, recipients) and flow of goods.
Include a solution overview describing how the app and IoT components interact.
Justify the technology choices and scalability.
Provide a business plan (revenue model, partnerships, cost analysis).
Explain the expected environmental and social impact; estimate potential food rescued using credible data.
If you use any data sets, describe their source and relevance.
Make sure all materials are clearly labeled and accessible.
Max File Size: 50 MB
Accepted Submission Types
Your PDF may include any combination of:
Technical documentation: system architecture diagrams, API specifications, data‑flow charts.
Prototype/demo: mobile or web app mock‑up, IoT workflow diagram or minimal viable product.
Business documents: business model canvas, pitch deck, financial projections, market analysis.
This practice problem is suitable for:
Judging Criteria
Problem understanding & scope (10%) – Clarity in identifying food waste causes and stakeholders, and framing the challenge scope.
Innovation & creativity (20%) – Novelty of the IoT/app solution and business model; use of technology in an imaginative way.
Technical feasibility (15%) – Realism of IoT integration, data flow, matching algorithms, and scalability.
Business viability (15%) – Sustainability of revenue model, partnerships, cost projections, and impact metrics.
User experience & accessibility (10%) – Ease of use for donors and recipients, inclusive design considerations.
Environmental & social impact (15%) – Demonstrated potential for reducing waste and feeding communities.
Quality of documentation (15%) – Well‑structured business plan, clear architecture diagrams, and thorough explanations.
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