Seeking Redesign and updating ENVIT's ReSoil® Website to Enhance Global Engagement and Accessibility (Call for EU University students ONLY)

Initial Problem Description

We aim to address the current limitations of the ENVIT website, which lacks user engagement, comprehensive information dissemination, and effective content management. The challenge for the teams is to:
• Redesign the website to be more user-friendly and visually appealing.
• Develop a platform that facilitates easy publishing and management of content for ENVIT administrators.
• Create sections for detailed ReSoil technology information, case studies, and project showcases.
• Integrate tools for lead collection and sales channel building.
• Enable features for soil testing and remediation feasibility assessments.
• Provide global access to on-site ReSoil demonstrations through video coverage.
• Foster interaction among stakeholders, including laymen, professionals, NGOs, decision-makers, and businesses.
• Produce a simple animation of the ReSoil® Mobile Commercial Plant for inner-city on-site treatment.
These enhancements aim to transform the website into an open digital hub that supports ENVIT's mission of sustainable soil remediation.

Context

The current website needs improvements in several areas. It lacks engaging and educational content on soil pollution and remediation, essential for students, educators, and the public. Stakeholders such as government agencies, NGOs, and potential clients require detailed case studies and project insights, which are currently insufficient. The website is not optimized for lead generation or building sales channels, limiting business growth. ENVIT administrators face difficulties with content updates due to an inefficient management system. There's a need for global access to video demonstrations of ReSoil® technology and an interactive platform for stakeholders to engage and share information. Additionally, a simple animation of the ReSoil® Mobile Commercial Plant is required to showcase its effectiveness for inner-city applications. Addressing these issues will transform the website into a comprehensive, engaging, and user-friendly platform that supports ENVIT's mission of sustainable soil remediation and global environmental improvement.

Connection to cross-cutting areas

This challenge is closely connected to the areas of General Sustainability, Industry 4.0, and digitalization. By enhancing the ENVITs website, the challenge promotes General Sustainability through increased awareness and education about soil pollution and sustainable remediation practices, thereby supporting global environmental health. In terms of Industry 4.0, the incorporation of advanced digital tools and technologies into the website will facilitate efficient project showcasing and lead stakeholder engagement. This aligns with the principles of Industry 4.0, which emphasize the use of digital technologies to improve processes and outcomes. Digitalization is at the core of this challenge, as the website redesign aims to create a user-friendly, interactive, and content-rich digital platform. This will enhance global access to information, demonstrations, and engagement opportunities, leveraging digital tools to support and promote sustainable practices in soil remediation.

Input

- Contamination of soils with ''heavy metals'' such as lead, zinc, cadmium, copper and arsenic is a global problem.
-Lead is a neurotoxin; in the USA, the average lead-related loss of cognitive ability was 2.6 IQ points per person as of 2015 (McFarland et al. PNAS 2022, 119, e2118631119).
- Arsenic and lead are the 1st and 2nd most dangerous environmental pollutants (ATSDR 2017).
- Arsenic is highly toxic, long-term exposure can cause cancer.
- In the EU, 6,2% or 140 000 km2 of agricultural land needs to be assessed and remediated if necessary.
- In China, 1/6 of the total cropland is contaminated with heavy metals.
- Urban soils integrate decades of pollution. In New York, 71% of garden soils exceed limits for lead and arsenic.
˃ 50% of samples from Berlin vegetable gardens exceeded EU standards for lead concentration in food crop.
- Technological Breakthrough: ReSoil® is the only technology available that efficiently removes heavy metals from the soil without generating wastewater, while preserving the properties of the soil and its function as a non-renewable natural substrate.

Expectations

We anticipate the solution evolving into an inclusive ENVIT website, effectively disseminating ReSoil® technology information, showcasing benefits and case studies, and facilitating inquiries, lead generation, and soil testing orders. Additionally, we expect clear communication, modern user-centric design and independent website management for the admin. Overall, we aim for a co-creation team and a collaborative partnership culminating in the successful launch of the ENVIT website.

Desired Team Profile

We seek a diverse team proficient in web development, design, and content creation for the ENVIT website. We're specifically looking for web developers skilled in front-end and back-end development, UX/UI designers capable of creating intuitive interfaces, and content creators who can craft clear, concise, and compelling content about ReSoil® technology, ideally with knowledge of environmental science. Additionally, SEO specialists experienced in optimizing web content are needed to ensure discoverability. While not mandatory, a background in environmental science or soil remediation would provide valuable context. Moreover, expertise in financial analysis to supplement the commercial strategy in key markets is desirable. Overall, we prioritize a multidisciplinary team that can collaborate effectively and leverage their expertise to create a impactful ENVIT website.

Additional Information

Before the start, the co-creation team will be notified of Envit's innovative soil remediation solutions - ReSoil® technology, which efficiently removes heavy metals and metalloids while preserving soil integrity for safe use. ReSoil® is patented internationally and has been scientifically validated for its effectiveness, with multiple papers published in esteemed scientific journals. Unlike existing solutions like soil dig & dump or immobilization methods, ReSoil® offers a sustainable, environmentally friendly alternative that incurs low operating costs. It's customizable, scalable, and adaptable to various soil types and contamination levels, making it a disruptive solution in the global soil remediation market. It's crucial for teams to understand the competitive landscape and the limitations of current options to effectively position ReSoil® as a groundbreaking solution poised for commercialization.

Submission Requirements (University Students application ONLY)

3,000 Euros funding support to student teams selected

This is an exclusive call for university students within the European Union to participate in an exciting opportunity to co-create an innovative solution in collaboration with a leading company under the INDUSAC EU-funded project. Supported by Innoget, this initiative aims to foster collaboration between academia and industry, empowering students to contribute their knowledge and creativity to tackle real-world challenges.