Project: iTree
Team Members:
Rudy Dunbar, Project Lead
Kailey Euceda
Atif Syed
Jeff Zhao
Christian Quinones
Summary:
iTree is a shading solution that re-imagines solar power in a beautiful form. It replicates the ecological value of a tree. iTree addresses instances where urban development limits space for a tree. It offers water conservation with a vertical growing bio-skin. The bio-solution is a low maintenance alternative for shading and air purification and is the ultimate shading solution for a greener and cleaner society. We envision iTree being deployed in city centers where soil cannot support natural trees, in mixed-use developments like the Domain in Austin, TX as a multi-functional solution offering design elements, WiFi, and solar-powered charging for small devices and eventually in public transit areas like bus stops and train bearding areas.
Sustainable Development Goals:
Affordable and Clean Energy
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Climate Action
Skills & Resources Needed:
Design refinement - we would like to have a number of design submissions that can serve to influence our ideation process as we develop the iTree concept.
Further market and customer validation - we have conducted over 65 interview thus far with a base line concept.
Improve pitch deck and branding story.
Post-Capsule Goals:
Incubator Program
Accelerator Program
University Partnership or Collaboration
Private Research Program
Entrepreneurial Program
Launching Your Own Startup
Project Motivation:
During Rudy Dunbar’s Master of Science in Technology Commercialization program at UT Austin, this idea was developed and their diverse team is striving to bring this unique solution to reality. They believe in the potential for iTree to benefit high-density areas by heat and carbon reduction for developed areas and their residents. The high levels of pollution from traffic and industry demand air purification solutions. At the same time, the denser population of municipalities can cause problematic climatic conditions due to heat islands. Increased traffic causes noise pollution that is hard to bear. iTree will help to promote shading, biodiversity, and green areas in public spaces.