Recent Posts
Sustainability August 1, 2019
Competition is the new collaboration.
Via Instagram/@xprizeWe are all aware of the issues happening around the globe today. Crazy tsunamis and housing affordability are just a few of the problems many people have to deal with, unfortunately. There are many organizations that seek to go to the source of the problem through direct aid.
However, these results are localized to the area they are trying to help. One organization, the XPRIZE Foundation, is changing the narrative.
The XPRIZE Foundation has a new approach to aid: “create competitions to entice the crowd to take action, and bring us closer to a world of Abundance.” I had the chance to visit the foundation this past week and get a taste of what working with trendsetters would look like.
As a participant with the incredible Entity Academy, we have access to like-minded people of all backgrounds who share the common goal of doing business for good.
Last week, we got to see our ambitions in action with people already working on them. On July 23, we drove over to Culver City, where the XPRIZE Foundation headquarters is located.
When we first walked in, we were immediately greeted by a big rocket ship hanging in the waiting area near the front desk. After a few minutes Haneen, one of the staff members, took us inside a large room. The room had multiple tables, each with a domain in which everyone there could be their own innovator. My table’s theme was none other than environment. As I sat down, I couldn’t help but feel like I was at Chuck E. Cheese for millennials.
We were given a presentation by Director of Prize Operations, Ocean Initiative Matthew Mulrennan. He discussed the work the foundation is doing. His work focuses on the oceans, namely the impact of the Shell Ocean Discovery XPRIZE. He then described a recent innovation for change: carbon repurposed into usable products.
After we learned about the phenomenal work XPRIZE is leading in, it was then our turn to have a shot at it. Being a silent innovator for the world, we got to come up with ideas to solve the world’s biggest problems. Based on our table’s theme, we focused on how to solve the international crisis of plastic pollution. Our competition between groups became more of a healthy collaboration for all.
I was lucky enough to represent our group as we each went around to present. Our theme was focused on the environment, specifically microplastics in the ocean. We devised a plan that was similar to that of changing the impact of carbon.
During my presentation to our academy and XPRIZE Foundation executives, I talked about how we saw the current dilemma of plastics affecting the poorest and smallest nations. I went on to explain how we created a model to turn the very plastic harming their marine life into materials that could actually improve sea quality. Furthermore, I explained to the others how this could better these nations’ economies, and teach them new skills in the process.
The audience gave our group very supportive. We were able to cover all main points outlined by the XPRIZE team, showing our ambition for sustainable development.
After our presentations wrapped up, we were told that XPRIZE also gives young professionals the chance to get their hands dirty on all things clean energy and AI. With internships geared toward issues like climate change and adult literacy, the XPRIZE Foundation awards ambitious people the opportunity to turn their dreams into reality.
To add even more surprise, the marketing officer came out to speak to us about more opportunities. He introduced a current intern as proof of the skills you can gain through working at XPRIZE.
Overall, the XPRIZE Foundation is a crucial player in developing industry-changing technologies. With celebrity board members such as James Cameron, collaborators like Pharrell, and support by Elon Musk himself (I know! I know!), it goes to show that the impact this organization has is amazing. Whether you’re interested in space travel or human health, I guarantee that taking part in an XPRIZE competition is life-changing. Who wants to leave their mark on the world today?
