SWITCH SYSTEMS HACKATHON 2025

🌞 SWITCH SYSTEMS HACKATHON 2025 🚀
Calling All USP/STEMP Innovators!
Are you ready to solve real-world energy challenges in Fiji?

We’re inviting engineering and computing students from USP/STEMP to express interest in participating in a hands-on Hackathon hosted by Switch Systems — a leading innovator in distributed energy technologies.

🔧 What’s the Challenge?
You’ll work on real components of the Switch Online Portal, focusing on:

🔹 Track 1: Microgrid Control Logic
Control a real inverter (Deye) at Mana Café in Suva:

• Communicate with the inverter via Modbus TCP
• Confirm and document all relevant Modbus registers, including daily energy, string voltage/current, and active power
• Implement logic to maintain a constant grid import, by dynamically adjusting the inverter’s “generator” active power limit (grid is configured as a simulated generator input)

🔹 Track 2: Billing Engine Simulation

Design a tool to automatically generate monthly bills using real or simulated energy data from the inverter via ZLAN (Modbus TCP):

• Acquire and log live data
• Implement flexible contract logic (flat lease per kWh, time-of-use pricing, VAT, minimum monthly charges)
• Generate itemized monthly bills (PDF, Excel, or Google Sheets summaries)

Bonus: Build a live customer dashboard or automated email/SMS billing notifications

🎯 Why You Should Join:

• $1000 (FJD) in prize money!
• Gain real-world project experience
• Work with live solar hardware & data
• Work in teams (Engg/CS + gender inclusion)
• Be mentored by industry professionals
• Opportunity for internships or job offers
• Help shape the future of Pacific energy innovation

📍 Location: USP/STEMP 4^th Year Project Lab, Suva
📅 Date: 25^th July – 3^rd August 2025 (Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted)
🧠 Who Can Apply: Students with interest in energy, control systems, software, or data

📩 Submit Your Expression of Interest by 23 July 2025.
👉 Email your name, proposal and a short paragraph on why you’re interested to:
📬  hackathon@switch.com.fj

Email Dr Assaf (mansour.assaf@usp.ac.fj) for any questions or if you seek clarification.