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SkyHack 3.0 - Design Innovation Challenge

Play with a Purpose is the theme for the 2021 SkyHack Design Innovation Competition at Kent State University in November 2021. This sponsor challenge event is being presented in partnership with Red Door Films of Los Angeles and will feature teams of students who will create an interactive toy ‘universe’ based on the Women Airforce Service Pilots of WWII and their training base, Avenger Field. 

The design-challenge event is hosted by Kent State’s Design Innovation, LaunchNET and College of Aeronautics & Engineering and invites students to compete in cross-disciplinary teams to address current problems facing the aviation industry. Play with a Purpose is aimed at inspiring future growth in diversity of pilots and addressing the shortage of pilots by encouraging women and underrepresented individuals to consider futures in aviation. 

During the weekend event, students will establish interdisciplinary teams, develop ideas, produce prototypes, work with mentors and pitch ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win financial awards. The large-scale event will host 120+ student participants from universities, including Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) and Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited programs across the nation.

“We are incredibly excited to have this unique challenge for students to tackle as part of SkyHack this year. The Play with a Purpose challenge helps address a truly important future for aviation that can take inspiration from the incredible women in WASP during WWII,” said J.R. Campbell, Executive Director for Design Innovation.

Play with a Purpose is part of a larger initiative between The Red Door Films and Kent State University, called Pathways to Flight, an education, outreach and mentorship program to encourage women and underrepresented groups into the aerospace sector. SkyHack is the nation’s first collegiate hackathon focused on the challenges facing the aviation industry.