SmartBridge

CATEGORY: Energy

SmartBridge

Log in or register to follow or vote for this project.

SmartBridge develops and produces a clean tech social game for energy utility companies and co-ops to encourage behavioral changes in energy use among utility customers.

Standings & Awards

47 out of 422 in North America
33 out of 143 in Energy
128 out of 935 in Design
82 out of 555 in For-Profit
360 out of 4003 Overall

10

VOTES

SmartBridge

SmartBridge inspires the world to save energy.

SmartBridge builds upon research that shows the average household decision maker for energy use decisions also actively play online social games. By engaging these decision makers in a gaming format, SmartBridge will modify behaviors to lead to new habits in reduced energy use for better energy conservation, sustainability and energy efficiency in the average household. In combination with these increasingly adopted smart meter technologies, SmartBridge will enhance energy efficiency by clearly defining the link between the game and actual energy use by:

modifying behavior among users toward awareness of energy consumption, efficiency and sustainability
educating and increasing awareness and acceptance of the smart grid in a fun game and shifting electricity consumption to off-peak periods
creating a new and more effective social media channel to enhance communication between utility companies and their customers.

Roadmap to Success Optional (1 - 3 minutes to upload)

Roadmap to Success:

roadmap_to_success.pdf

Sponsors, Investors, and Supporters

FIVE PROJECT QUESTIONS Required (60 - 90 minutes)

1. What is your innovation?

SmartBridge develops and produces a clean tech social game for co-ops and utility companies to encourage behavioral changes in energy use among utility customers by: • shifting electricity consumption to off-peak periods, • increasing awareness of and educating users about the smart grid via a sophisticated multiplayer computer game, and • enhancing consumer acceptance of the smart grid.

2. Who gains the most?

Unlike existing energy efficiency solution providers, SmartBridge will be able to convert traditional social gamers who play for fun and excitement, stress relief, and a competitive spirit to a customer of an energy efficiency program. By playing social games, average users will also learn about various energy efficiency ideas and be able to change their behavior over time. Behavioral change will help reduce the consumption of energy during peak hours and thereby provide savings to utilities.

3. Who pays?

Because SmartBridge is a free game, our revenue streams include: • Consulting fee: SmartBridge will work with co-ops and utilities to customize game to promote energy efficiency objectives of various co-ops and utilities for a flat fee • Sponsorship: SmartBridge will work with various appliance manufacturers such as Samsung, GE and Whirlpool to promote energy efficient appliances of sponsoring companies. • Advertising • Virtual Goods

4. What is your success?

Public utility companies face a problem with consumer acceptance of smart grid technologies due to several skewed perceptions of these technologies, including: • Health concerns • Privacy concerns • User outrage over higher bills • Inability to convince users to shift usage behavior from on-peak to off-peak times We measure our success via quantitative metrics around cost-effective energy savings, daily and seasonal peak reductions, and increased customer engagement and satisfaction.

5. How will you do it?

Research indicates that the average social game players are also the key decision makers of the average household and will be responsible for their own energy usage. There is thus a unique opportunity to enhance the adoption rate of the smart meter if we can educate average social gamers about energy efficiency, the smart grid and smart meter technologies.