Avnet community grant grows global network of open-source CO2 sensors
Avnet’s community grant program offers small grants to eligible nonprofit organizations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico that are working to make an impact in the communities where we live and work. A recent grant was given to Ribbit Network for their project to combat climate change using CO2 sensors utilizing technology.
According to Ribbit Network, increased levels of greenhouse gasses (GHG), like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), are primary causes of climate change, and humanity is pumping them into the atmosphere at an unprecedented rate. Ribbit Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a global network of open-source C02 sensors (Frog Sensors) to create a map of the world disclosing where there are GHG concentrations in real time.
“Thanks to Avnet’s support, we’ve made significant progress in developing and deploying Frog Sensors. We’ve finalized the sensor’s core functionalities, including cellular connectivity and Power over Ethernet (PoE). We’ve also initiated field deployments in partnership with scientific institutions like Ameriflux and ICOS EU, allowing for data collection and sensor accuracy assessment.” – according to the Ribbit Network 2023 Impact Report – Avnet Cares Grant.
Avnet’s grant was instrumental in propelling Ribbit Network’s progress. Here’s a specific breakdown of the impact:
Educational programs: Avnet’s contribution enabled travel to several in-person educational events outlined above, bring high quality STEAM, climate educational outcomes to low-income school districts around the U.S.
Technological Advancement: The grant enabled the final development of Frog Sensor v4, a more scalable and cost-effective sensor based on a microcontroller. In addition to this sensor, Ribbit Network publishes a set of high-quality instructions and educational modules that accompany and augment the experience.
Scientific Validation: The grant enabled and funded the scientific field deployments with scientific partners, providing valuable data for sensor validation and scientific research.
Funding for Office and Equipment: The Avnet Cares grant enabled Ribbit Network to secure its first office space, equipment, tools and parts to offer Frog Kits to citizen scientists around the U.S. Access to ready-made kits was the number one barrier for citizen scientists to get involved, which is now removed thanks to Avnet.
To learn more about the Ribbit Network visit: https://www.ribbitnetwork.org/