ResQLink

Inspiration

Jamaica was recently struck by hurricane Melissa, and it devastated the western region of the island. One of the scariest parts is actually waiting to hear back from those in the west. I thought of an app, ResQLink, as a way to try to fight the communication collapse that happens after disasters.

What it does

ResQLink allows user to stay connected and updated, even without internet or electricity. It functions using solar-powered hubs which act as local servers. It functions on user data which is uploaded to the server, allowing authorities to upload information about shelters and supplies, people to contact each and for the requesting of aid.

How we built it

I drew inspiration from Starlink technology to imagine a system that could function independently of traditional networks.

Challenges we ran into

One of the biggest challenges was figuring out how to make the technology work without internet or electricity. Initially, I envisioned wide-range communication without these, but I quickly realized that as a non-expert, this wasn’t feasible. I shifted focus to a local system and discovered that a store-and-forward approach could extend communication between hubs.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

I’m proud to have developed this idea, even without fully coding it. Before the hurricane, I was focused on a different project, but seeing the real-world impact of the disaster redirected my attention toward practical solutions. Beyond the app, I’ve been actively donating supplies and helping bring aid to the western region of Jamaica.

What we learned

I learned how vulnerable communication networks are during disasters and how critical they are for effective relief efforts. This vulnerability directly puts lives at risk. I hope that, with more knowledge and experience in the future, I can develop solutions that genuinely help save lives.

What's next for ResQlink

In the future, I hope ResQLink can support projects in disaster management. I also hope the process of developing this idea continues to inspire innovative solutions to help my fellow Jamaicans respond to this crisis more effectively.

Built With

• canva
• flutter