If you are a college student or student team with an idea on how to implement sensing and/or electronics technology to provide an innovative product or problem solution, you should enter the 2018 ASU Innovation Open (ASUio).

The 2018 ASU Innovation Open (ASUio) is a multi-round competition that supports student ventures from across the United States in driving technology innovation and entrepreneurship that is co-sponsored by Avnet (AVT), a leading global technology distributor, in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

The winner of last year’s inaugural competition was the Somantic Labs’ Moment. Moment is the first wearable that uses precise haptic feedback to change user’s perception of time, improve their sense of direction, and help them stay more present.

According to Shantanu Bala, co-founder and CEO of Somatic Labs, “We implemented the vibrations using basic hardware (linear resonant actuators [LRA] found in many cell phones or video game controllers) modified with a custom production process to make the sensations feel more comfortable directly on your skin. We also created unique effects and patterns that are built into the device that we’ve spent hundreds of hours testing and perfecting.”

Sensing was part of the enabling technologies in the Moment. In addition to a TDK (formerly InvenSense) MPU9250 9-DoF sensor, a 9-axis (gyro + accelerometer + compass) MEMS MotionTracking Device, other critical components in the design are the BMD-350, for Bluetooth connectivity from Rigado and the DRV2603 from Texas Instruments. The DRV2603 is a haptic driver designed specifically to solve common obstacles in driving both an LRA and eccentric rotating mass (ERM) haptic elements.

Those who are interesting in competing for this year’s $100,000 grand prize should apply online. Applications will be accepted through October 29, 2017. Note: the idea does not have to include sensing technology, but really, how many new innovative products or solutions don’t?