Socket Tech Solutions, DifferenceMakers
Socket Tech Solutions is developing an open-source software to protect user data privacy so user’s data does not end up being sold to people who did not get information from the user.
Honorable Mention Award at the 12th Annual DifferenceMaker $50,000 Idea Challenge
Team Socket Tech Solutions is made up of Mechanical Engineering graduate student Devansh Sethia, Computer Science seniors Hayden Dolan, Tyler Fanuele, Coleman Nee, James O’Sullivan, Nishanth Potturu, Mechanical Engineering junior Caleb Oakley, Computer Science junior Justin Tarnowski, and Mechanical Engineering sophomore Sarah O’Meara. With all of the recent issues regarding most modern smart home solutions, these students want to find a way to protect user data privacy. The team won the Honorable Mention Award of $2,000 at the 2024 DifferenceMaker $50,000 Idea Challenge.
During their pitch, Team Socket Tech Solutions explained how they are working to develop an open-source software to protect user data privacy so user’s data does not end up being sold to people who did not get information from the user. This software allows for smart home devices to be implemented securely to prevent danger in the user’s home. To accomplish this, they will implement a device called the “Smart Home Firewall” giving the consumer the ability to dictate what goes in and out of their smart home system.
Additionally, Team Socket Tech Solutions has created a prototype of their idea. With the funding they received from the Idea Challenge, Team Socket Tech Solutions plan to obtain components for their prototype, tools to help properly test their devices, and obtain a cloud server which, rather than storing consumer information, would strictly be used to allow consumers to control their devices from any location. Their goal is to show the consumer that they can trust the device. The remainder of the funds will go towards additional community outreach and market research.