“Makeademy” – the first makers’ academy in Lithuania just ended, and the winner’s title came to the “Water Shield” team. The “Water Shield” team leaders, international students from Sakartvelo – Marina Gudzhabidze, Shorena Gudzhabidze and Dea Ilarionova, came to Vilnius Gediminas technical university (VILNIUS TECH) to study Civil Engineering and Computer Engineering. Even before coming to Lithuania, the girls had in mind the idea, addressing one of the biggest problems of the 21st century – natural pollution. 

The “Water Shield” team was accepted to participate in the “Makeademy” program, organized by VILNIUS TECH Innovation and creativity centre “LinkMenų fabrikas” and telecommunication company “Tele2”. 

The girls’ idea to diminish indoor viruses & bacteria by using water impressed the “Makeademy” jury. But what makes the “Water Shield” team and their product so exceptional?

Tell us about your product & your team “Water Shield”? How did your team meet and how did you come up with the idea for your prototype? What makes it exceptional? 

Dea: We met each other at school five years ago when we became classmates. We soon realized that the love of engineering united us. That is why we have entered a fascinating and impressive world of engineering and physics.  Originally the idea of a water shield was simply a project created for a school, which, soon, was transformed into a very important engineering and physics project. After starting university, we decided it was time for a scientific project to see a ray of light. We wanted to try and solve one of the biggest problems of the 21st century, which is called natural pollution.

Shorena: A type of natural air pollution is considered, in which bacteria, microbes, fungal spores and other adverse effects such as dust and heavy ions are discussed. They make great threats to human health. It is noteworthy that the danger is rising in public places such as: airports, theatres, concert halls, etc. Unfortunately, the prevention measures in these areas are not enough to solve this problem. That is why we started finding relevant ways to solve the problem and we have created a device “Water Shield” based on the combination of different physical characteristics that respond to the issues related to this global problem.

“Water Shield” generates as negative as positive ions, unlike ionizers; it’s totally safe for humans while working, different from UV light and Ozonators; easy to maintain and deals with all size pollutants, contrasting HEPA filters. This feature makes “Water Shield” stand out from other air purifiers. 

How did you find the “Makeademy” program? In which phase was your idea before applying for the program?

Shorena: We found out about “Makeademy” in 2019 through the VILNIUS TECH Facebook page, but the competition was held only in Lithuanian. Fortunately, the “Makeademy” board made great decisions and made “Makeademy” 2020 available to international students as well. When we learned about this news, we decided to participate in this competition. This is why we are so grateful to the “Makeademy” team for making this a reality.

Before applying for “Makeademy”, we worked on our idea, we practiced a little with “Water Shield” technology, but we realized that we had no way to promote our idea without the support of experienced people – this is what we discovered at “Makeademy”. 

One of your new team members is Ignas Kuncevičius, a graduate of the Vilnius Academy of Arts. When did Ignas join your team? How did he contribute and help you with your project?

Marina: We added Ignas after a month of participation in “Makeademy” when we realized we needed help with the design. Since we are engineers, we look at things practically and do not pay much attention to its aesthetic value…

He helped us with the 3D model and design of the “Water Shield”. He also showed us how beautiful it can be. We also discussed a lot of non-design things together, and it was interesting to hear his opinion on our idea and technology.

What was your experience in “Makeademy”? What valuable things did you learn there? How did this program help with your prototype?

Dea: For us, “Makeademy” has always been associated with great opportunities. However, in my opinion, what is happening in VILNIUS TECH “LinkMenų fabrikas” far exceeds any person’s expectations towards similar institutions. We found there the perfect environment with experienced and brilliant-minded people creating a glorious tandem to turn ideas into a reality. 

Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, we were restricted from accessing the devices there. However, as soon as the situation improves, we plan to continue working and create the final prototype. 

Despite the difficulties, “Makeademy” still gave us irreplaceable values. First of all, I would like to mention a positive and competitive environment that will force you to work harder and more efficiently. In every step we took towards the success of the project, “Makeademy” stood by us and helped us. We had numerous masterclasses or personal consultations with professionals (business mentors, designers, engineers). I am sure the knowledge and experience we have gained with this project will be useful in the future because there is a long road ahead full of challenges. This victory is a small but indispensable step towards great success.

What was the most interesting part about participating in this program? What challenges did you face?

Marina: From my perspective the most interesting part of such programs is connections. The professional contacts and idea of collaboration are fascinating. I really enjoyed the whole atmosphere of “Makeademy” big family.

Throughout the contest, me and my team faced only one challenge – creating the physical parts of a prototype in a pandemic situation. Every problem has a solution if you want to solve it, that’s why we came back to Georgia and assembled the electrical part here.

Are programs like “Makeademy” needed in universities? Why?

Marina: Definitely! The university gives us the theoretical and professional basis in our field. But especially in technical fields we need to turn the theory into practise. Such programs as “Makeademy” helps students to turn their ideas into reality, teaches to solve problems like real entrepreneurs do.

What are your short term and long-term plans with the “Water Shield” project? 

Marina: First, we are planning to assemble our prototype in VILNIUS TECH “LinkMenų fabrikas”. Also, we seek to conduct experiments and develop the business side of the project.

In the long term, we attempt to become a start-up and participate in acceleration programs to find investors. After that, we are planning to start selling the “Water Shield” to clients.

The team "Water Shield" as the winners of "Makeademy" project won 3000 euros. The main “Makeademy” sponsor – “Tele2”, the project’s supporter and prize establisher – “Lemona electronics”. Academy’s friends: “Metida”, “Wurth Elektronik”, “InfoEra” and “Čeli APS”.