Make a better face mask, win a million dollars.
Pretty simple, right?
Really, we do need a more functional face mask - because the list of complaints about wearing them is long.
"They’re too hot on my face, they fog up my glasses, I can’t breathe well or exercise, it’s hard to have a conversation, they don’t quite fit me right and I can’t eat or drink while wearing them," listed Emily Church, Executive Director of XPRIZE.
People have also complained masks aren’t stylish enough.
The non-profit is offering $1 million as part of its "Next-Gen Mask Challenge" to some inventive young person willing to take on the challenge of solving those very issues.
"One of the things that’s so exciting about this challenge is these innovators are going to be paired with all sorts of people to help them through the process," Church explained.
She said young inventors between ages 15 and 24 who can address facemask fit, breathability, effectiveness and comfort, will be connected with top drawer manufacturers who can get product into the global supply chain.
"Because ultimately at the end of the day, what we want is these designs to be able to be used, enjoyed by the general public, affordable and available at scale," Church said.
We look forward to it.
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