Future Problem Solving announces “Energy of the Future” as the 2016 International Conference Topic

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Feb. 29, 2016 - PRLog -- These students have earned a coveted invitation to the conference by displaying expertise in the creative problem solving process and futuristic thinking through preliminary competitions.

Global Issues Problem Solving and Scenario competitors arrive equipped to tackle potential energy problems set 20-30 years into the future.  These teams and individuals must research all aspects of the topic to be prepared for competitive events where a futuristic scene relating to the topic of “Energy of the Future” will be analyzed.

Energy of the Future – IC 2016 Topic Descriptor:

Global energy needs are great and will continue to rise along with technological advances and population growth. Alternative energies are being developed, but often with unforeseen negative impacts as a by-product. Many questions remain to be answered:

·         Which technologies will be critical to generate, transmit, and store energy in the future?

·         Can energy be harvested from the environment and humans wearing devices?

·         Will falling costs of geothermal, wind, solar, and biomass energy impact the economic balance of the energy industry?

·         Will scientists be able to improve the capture and storage of the vast amounts of solar energy?

·         Could innovation convert older energy sources into new “green” technology?

·         Will the sources of energy become more diverse or will efficiency improve existing sources to the point that fewer types of energy will be needed?

"Starting an energy technology business requires minute-by-minute problem solving skills. Whether it is writing code, designing circuitry, figuring out business models, or understanding customer challenges, your success is dependent on solving problems. In FPS you learn a problem solving framework that is setup in a way that challenges you to think outside the box. Just the type of thinking I use on a daily basis. For students, these are skills that are not only valuable to careers, but fundamental to tackling the largest global challenges."  Alec Manfre, 2016 Forbes “30 Under 30” list and CEO, Bractlet, Inc. www.bractlet.com

In addition to addressing the real-world issue of “Energy of the Future,” other students at the conference will compete with innovatively designed Community Problem Solving projects.  Through these projects, conducted in communities all across the globe, the students have endeavored to solve community issues in order to enhance the world for a brighter future.

About Future Problem Solving Program International (FPSPI)

Future Problem Solving Program International, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1974, has grown into an international academic program challenging students to think creatively and futuristically. Since its inception, the program has grown to include students from 16 countries and 41 states in the U. S.  It is difficult to say how many hundreds of thousands of students participate each year as the program reaches students involved non-competitively in classrooms or after school programs that use the materials to enhance curriculum through critical and creative thinking.