Termism

Our team is striving to bring more awareness to the current water quality in Jakarta’s rural areas, especially to the government. The Citarum river, one of the largest rivers in Jakarta and central to our water supply, is labeled as one of the most polluted rivers in the world. In 2024, the Indonesian government made a pledge to achieve 100% access to drinking water and 15% access to safe drinking water, and these has been some improvement on that field. However, we want to provide real-time data on the cleanliness of water in our local communities and help bring awareness to bodies of water that have yet to be treated or are insufficiently treated.

We developed a system that can monitor the quality of water in rural areas. It uses a miniature boat to monitor the quality water using a collection of sensors. This drone uses Arduino to collect data and send it to a spreadsheet, which can be used to tabulate the cleanliness of water which is used for washing and drinking in rural communities.

With Termism, we want to support our local community by enhancing their health and well-being through ameliorating water quality, empowering cooperation and active participation in water quality data, and for scientific inquiry and developments in research. The extensive data that can be compiled by Termism will help fuel a more mindful and healthy community that is more aware of what they may drink.

Our team is close friends with the community we are serving in and we come visit the surrounding areas and its residents very often. We noticed that some of the people who live in the area use the water for hygiene. We were concerned with the use of potentially dirty water which may contain contaminants. The locals were also concerned but could not do anything to find an alternative, so we wanted to help by making a water quality monitoring system. 

Our solution is in its pilot stage as we have already tested it on certain communities. We have tested the use of our solution in one rural community in Jakarta and gained valuable insights on the solution’ functionality and how we can improve our solution. However, we are looking to expand our production and iterate our design to be more efficient so we can distribute our solution on a wider scale.

Joining Solve is an opportunity for us to help our community in a meaningful way. We wish to find ways to find more support and increase our funds so we may improve our solution model and deploy it on a larger scale across more rural communities.

What makes your solution innovative?

Termism is not just a project to us; it's a testament to our journey of witnessing firsthand the debilitating effects of water pollution in Indonesia. Our innovative approach integrates IoT technology for real-time water monitoring with a community-driven app, diverging from traditional methods by actively involving those directly impacted by water issues. This combination empowers local communities to not only monitor but also report and address water quality problems. What sets Termism apart is its personal genesis, stemming from our own experiences and the desire to create a tangible difference in people's lives through technology.

Describe how your solution approaches the problem in a new or significantly improved way.

Growing up in an environment where water pollution was rampant, we realized early on that solving such a pervasive issue requires more than just technological intervention; it requires a movement. Termism approaches this challenge by bridging the gap between advanced water monitoring technology and community action. By providing communities with the tools and knowledge to identify and report pollution, we're fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. This approach is significantly improved from the norm, focusing on empowerment and sustainability rather than mere detection and reporting.

How could it catalyze broader positive impacts from others in this space?

Inspired by the challenges we faced in our community, Termism was designed with the hope of inspiring others to recognize and harness the power of collective action in environmental conservation. By demonstrating the success of a community and technology-based solution, we aim to catalyze broader positive impacts, encouraging other initiatives to adopt similar approaches. Our goal is for Termism to serve as a model of how technology can be used creatively and effectively to unite communities in the fight against environmental issues.

How could it change the market/landscape?

Our vision for Termism extends beyond immediate environmental benefits; we aim to change the perception of how technology and community engagement can work hand in hand to tackle global challenges. By proving that our model is scalable and adaptable, we hope to influence the market and landscape towards more inclusive, participatory environmental solutions. This shift could redefine the standards for environmental management, highlighting the essential role of community involvement in achieving sustainability and resilience against climate change.

In crafting Termism, our personal experiences and the guidance from initiatives like MIT Solve have been invaluable, driving us to develop a solution that's not only innovative but deeply rooted in community engagement and sustainability. Our journey with Termism is a reflection of our commitment to making a difference, one that we hope will inspire others to join us in creating a healthier, more sustainable world.

Our Theory of Change for Termism

At the heart of Termism lies a simple yet profound belief: informed communities can drive extraordinary changes in environmental conservation. This belief shapes our theory of change, a logical framework guiding our efforts from immediate actions to long-term impacts.

Activities: Our primary activity involves deploying IoT-based water quality monitoring devices across impacted water bodies in Indonesia. These devices collect real-time data on water contamination levels, which is then made accessible to the local communities through a user-friendly mobile app. Additionally, we engage in community workshops and training sessions to educate and empower locals on the importance of water quality and how they can contribute to monitoring efforts.

Immediate Outputs: The immediate output of our activities is the establishment of a comprehensive, real-time database of water quality information accessible to all stakeholders. This database not only informs the community about the current state of water bodies but also serves as a valuable resource for local governments and NGOs focusing on water conservation efforts.

Outcomes: The long-term outcomes we anticipate include:

1. Increased Community Engagement: By empowering locals with the knowledge and tools to monitor water quality, we expect a rise in community-led conservation efforts. This includes advocating for policies to reduce pollution and initiating clean-up drives.

2. Improved Water Quality: With enhanced awareness and actionable data, we foresee gradual improvements in water quality, leading to healthier ecosystems and reduced incidences of waterborne diseases.

3. Sustainable Agricultural Practices: The data provided by Termism enables farmers to adopt more sustainable irrigation practices, potentially leading to increased agricultural productivity and food security.

Evidence to Support Our Theory of Change:

1. Third-party Research: Studies have shown that community-based monitoring programs can lead to significant environmental improvements. For instance, a report by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlights the positive impact of community engagement on water quality restoration efforts.

2. Findings from Evaluations: Preliminary data from our pilot project indicate a marked increase in community awareness and involvement in environmental conservation, validating our approach.

3. Interviews with Target Population: Feedback from local communities has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a newfound understanding of the importance of water quality and a willingness to participate in conservation activities.

In alignment with MIT Solve requirements, our approach to solving water pollution through Termism is deeply rooted in a practical and evidence-based theory of change. By linking advanced technology with community action, we aim not only to address the immediate challenges of water pollution but also to foster a culture of environmental stewardship that can sustain and amplify these efforts in the long term. This holistic approach, we believe, is essential in driving the transformative change needed to tackle the pressing environmental issues of our time.

Our mission with Termism is deeply aligned with the transformative ambition of improving the lives of individuals and communities through sustainable water management. Our impact goals are structured around three key areas:

1. Enhancing Water Quality: Improve the quality of water in targeted rivers and lakes across Indonesia, reducing pollution levels and the prevalence of waterborne diseases.

2. Empowering Communities: Foster a culture of environmental stewardship among local populations, enabling them to actively participate in water quality monitoring and conservation efforts.

3. Supporting Sustainable Agriculture: Utilize water quality data to promote and enhance sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to food security and environmental sustainability.

Measuring Our Progress

To gauge the effectiveness of Termism and ensure we are moving towards our impact goals, we employ a set of specific indicators:

1. Water Quality Indicators:

• Reduction in levels of key pollutants (e.g., heavy metals, bacteria) as measured by our IoT devices.

• Number of water bodies with improved water quality classification according to local environmental standards.

Community Engagement Indicators:

• Increase in the number of app downloads and active users reporting water quality issues.

• Number of community-led water conservation initiatives inspired by our project.

• Engagement metrics from educational workshops, including participation rates and post-workshop feedback.

Agricultural Sustainability Indicators:

• Adoption rate of sustainable irrigation practices among local farmers.

• Improvement in crop yield and quality attributed to better water management practices.

• Number of farmers utilizing our water quality data for agricultural decisions.

Supporting Evidence and Research

To validate our approach and refine our strategies, we lean on both internal assessments and external studies aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). These studies offer benchmarks and success indicators that we adapt to our context, ensuring our efforts contribute to global sustainability targets.

Continuous Evaluation and Adaptation

Understanding that impact measurement is an ongoing process, we've established a feedback loop using the data collected through our platform and community interactions. This allows us to continuously evaluate the effectiveness of Termism, identify areas for improvement, and adapt our strategies accordingly. Success stories and case studies are documented and shared with our community and stakeholders to maintain transparency and foster a collective sense of achievement and purpose.

In conclusion, our commitment to improving water quality, empowering communities, and supporting sustainable agriculture is reflected in our targeted impact goals and the rigorous methods we employ to measure our progress. By aligning our efforts with broader sustainability goals and maintaining a flexible, data-driven approach to our work, we aim to make a significant, positive impact on the environment and the lives of those we serve.

Core Technology Behind Termism

At the heart of Termism lies an integrated technology platform designed to revolutionize water quality monitoring and management, harnessing the power of modern technology to address a critical environmental issue while empowering communities. Our solution leverages the following key technologies:

Internet of Things (IoT) for Real-Time Monitoring:

The foundation of Termism is a network of IoT sensors deployed in rivers and lakes. These sensors continuously monitor various indicators of water quality, including pH levels, turbidity, temperature, and concentrations of harmful pollutants like heavy metals and bacteria. The data collected by these sensors is transmitted in real-time to a centralized database, enabling immediate access to water quality information.

Mobile Application for Community Engagement:

A user-friendly mobile app is a critical component of Termism, serving as the interface between our technology and the communities we aim to empower. The app not only provides users with real-time water quality data but also enables them to report pollution incidents, including photographic evidence and location details. This fosters a collaborative approach to environmental stewardship, where community members are active participants in monitoring and protecting their water resources.

Integration with Traditional Knowledge Systems:

Recognizing the value of ancestral technologies and knowledge systems, we are exploring ways to integrate traditional water management practices with our technological solutions. This includes consulting with local communities to understand historical practices for maintaining water purity and investigating how these can complement modern monitoring and management methods.

Benefits to People and the Planet:

Termism is designed with a dual purpose: to solve a pressing environmental challenge and to benefit both people and the planet. By providing accurate, real-time data on water quality, we empower communities to take action to protect their water resources, ultimately leading to improved public health, enhanced biodiversity, and more sustainable agricultural practices. Furthermore, by incorporating community knowledge and participation, Termism fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards environmental conservation, aligning technological innovation with the practical aims of improving human life and preserving the planet.

In summary, Termism represents a synergistic blend of modern and traditional technologies, aimed at addressing the global challenge of water pollution. Through our innovative use of IoT, data analytics, mobile applications, and the integration of ancestral knowledge, we are not only tackling an environmental issue but also empowering communities to lead the charge towards a more sustainable and healthy planet.

Our solution team currently comprises 3 core members who are in charge of the overall product management. As part-time workers and school going students, we dedicate approximately 10 hours a week towards product development. However we also have a team consisting of approximately 50 students from schools all around Indonesia that work in various departments such as research development, data collection, engineering and app development. Most of our employees are in the engineering and research development department.

Contact:

Sukrit Birmani (085811598527)

Kayne Raphael Hadipoespito (0811855906)

Ryan Khullar (082123202300)

We have been working on our solution for more than 3 years. In 2021, we started brainstorming on a product which we could invent in order to tackle a relevant issue being faced in our environment and we decided to focus on water pollution. Therefore, we decided to build a product that could help monitor water quality in water bodies. After brainstorming as well as contacting multiple professionals to understand the most efficient way to build our product, we built our first prototype in late 2021 and have continuously been developing it.

At Termism, diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout our workforce are essential components of our organizational culture. We are fully aware that diversity consists of multiple components ranging from social, cultural, and identity-based characteristics, and we are devoted to building a workforce that represents the diversity of the human experience. Our leadership team or heads of each department are made up of people with a variety of backgrounds, viewpoints, and levels of experience. Each member of our team underwent an interview process where we judged them based on their experience and value which we felt they could contribute to our solution. Therefore, we established a standard for inclusivity and equity in all areas of our work by embracing diversity at the top levels of our company.

However, we also understand that diversity goes beyond representation when it comes to cultivating a diverse staff. It demands the establishment of fair opportunities and surroundings so that each member of the team can succeed. To us, equity entails actively addressing inequities and removing structural barriers that prevent excluded groups from fully participating in society. It goes beyond simply treating everyone equally. We intentionally use recruitment and hiring processes that provide preference to individuals from both international and public schools in order to advance diversity and equity. In order to promote an inclusive atmosphere among our team members, we also offer continual training and development opportunities through mentors and workshops. Workshops on inclusive leadership, unconscious bias, and cultural competency are included in this. By providing our staff with the knowledge and skills to identify and confront prejudices, we foster an atmosphere where everyone is respected and feels appreciated.

Apart from official instruction, we foster inclusion through routine actions and guidelines. Our team meetings are designed to promote involvement from all participants, guaranteeing that a range of viewpoints are acknowledged. In order to meet the various demands of our team members, we also place a high priority on flexibility and accommodation. Examples of this include accessible communication channels and flexible work schedules. We also have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, discrimination, and other wrongdoing. We keep lines of communication open for reporting issues, and we respond to any concerns expressed promptly and forcefully. We understand that cultivating a culture that is truly inclusive calls for constant work and attention to detail. Therefore, we are committed to continuous assessment and enhancement of our procedures to guarantee that our team continues to be a friendly and enabling environment for everyone, irrespective of origin or identity. By these initiatives, we hope to strengthen our team and make a significant difference in the areas we serve.

Our business strategy is based on using our water quality monitoring technology which benefits both the public and governmental entities alike. Government organizations in charge of monitoring and regulating the environment, as well as people and communities depending on clean water supplies, are our main clients. The primary component of our product is an Arduino-based water quality monitoring device. This technology makes it possible to monitor important water body metrics in real time, including conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and pH levels. We provide important insights about the quality of the water in different places by consistently gathering and evaluating this data. We then partner up with government organizations and give them the data so that they are more aware of the water quality levels and hence, can take the appropriate steps.

We offer these goods and services by placing our monitoring equipment at key spots inside bodies of water. The system's embedded sensors gather data, which is then sent to a central database for examination. We disseminate this data in support of evidence-based decision-making in water resource management and pollution control initiatives through collaborations with government agencies. Our services are quick and accurate because that is what’s vital. In order to efficiently allocate resources, prioritize initiatives, and identify areas of concern related to water pollution, government agencies use our data. Understanding the quality of water sources for consumption and recreational purposes is also beneficial to people and communities. The availability of healthy water supplies is crucial for public health, agriculture, industry, and tourism, which is why our monitoring system is so important.

Furthermore, by defending businesses and agriculture that rely on clean water for operations, our services promote economic growth. We promote sustainable development by reducing water pollution and maintaining water quality. In conclusion, the core of our business strategy is to offer the public and governmental organizations a water quality monitoring system that provides precise and timely data. We provide stakeholders with the information they need to make wise decisions about pollution control and environmental management by using technology to monitor and analyze water quality. By doing this, communities that depend on water resources are supported in their efforts to maintain economic growth and clean water supply.

To become financially sustainable, we have ensured to make use of sustainable materials that don't compromise on the quality of the product. We have also applied in multiple competitions and have received grants to help support our solution. We won $8000 USD from the MYP Innovators grant which he have used to develop our product. Half of the grant went to buying the materials, 1/4th of the grant went to the production cost and the remaining portion was used for the experiment costs or to create the prototypes. We have also contacted multiple NGO’s to see if we can get a sustained donation to cover the costs of our solution. Furthermore we have already contacted a government body and have agreed to a mutual consensus and have signed a contract with them, receiving a certain amount of money every month if we send the required amount of data each month regarding the quality of water in certain areas.