ABOUT

SolOptimize is a student-founded startup developed through the MIE491 Capstone course at the University of Toronto. The team’s work focuses on practical solar energy solutions that are reliable, affordable, and easy to maintain.

The first application of SolOptimize is with Reto Juvenil Internacional (RJI) at Children’s Town in Bogotá, Colombia. This facility supports children under 17 who have escaped recruitment by armed groups, providing them with education, shelter, and psychological care. At present, Children’s Town relies heavily on the city grid after its solar water heating system was damaged and left unrepaired, resulting in high recurring electricity costs.

SolOptimize is addressing this challenge in two ways:

• Designing a solar-powered system capable of powering the main study room, which operates six overhead lights and fifteen desktop computers.

• Developing a maintenance and troubleshooting guide for both the new system as well as the existing solar water heaters.

If resources permit, the design will be expanded to serve classrooms and dormitories. The system will also integrate batteries for storage and a grid-switching mechanism to ensure reliability under Bogotá’s variable weather conditions.

By focusing on long-term usability and straightforward maintenance, SolOptimize aims to provide Children’s Town with a sustainable energy solution that lowers costs and allows more resources to be directed toward the children’s education and care.

Co-founders

Ibrahim Hassan

Mohit Rajnish Gupta

Siddharth Dhadwal

Tony Hu